Paradise and Hagen Fire Updates for Aug 20, 2026

 Contact Information: 541-970-7128    2026.paradise@firenet.gov

Hagen Fire
58,153 acres
Containment: 19%
Personnel: 1,134

Paradise Fire
6,129 acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 384

Key Messages

• Evacuation notices remain in effect around both fires. Please check the evacuations section below for the most updated information.
• Highway 204 is now open. Drivers should expect fire engines, heavy equipment, smoke and reduced visibility along the highway.

CURRENT CONDITIONS AND Planned activities

Paradise Fire

Fire remained active Wednesday in the Low Ridge Creek and Mill Creek drainages and will remain active again today. Aircraft were used in support of firefighting operations. Today, crews will continue building and improving fireline along Mill Creek and the water intake to protect critical infrastructure. Firefighters will continue to improve firelines along the eastern and southern sections of the fire to assist with control efforts in the Low Ridge Creek area. To support control operations, firefighters will use drones, aviation, heavy equipment, and handtools.  Firefighters will also improve dozer and handline on the south and west sides. Aircraft will work to keep the fire from advancing into the Low Ridge Creek drainage near Forest Roads 64 and 65. Structure protection will remain in place.

Hagen Fire

The Hagen Fire held steady on Wednesday. Crews mopped up hot spots and strengthened fireline on the north, northeast and east sides, while aircraft helped firefighters contain a spot fire. Overnight, crews completed a strategic burnout along dozer line and began mop-up. Today, firefighters will improve fireline and mop up near Highway 204, work on persistent heat on the east side, and monitor unburned areas to the southeast. Crews will continue to monitor Forest Service Road 31 for any new heat detected. Heavy equipment continues thinning brush and small trees along the road’s shaded fuel break. Drivers should expect firefighters and equipment traffic in these areas. 

Weather and Fire Behavior

Today will bring critical fire weather. It will be hot, sunny and extremely dry, with afternoon highs in the 80s and 90s. Humidity may fall to 8 to 12%. Winds will be around 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Clouds may move in from the southwest late this afternoon. Fire may remain active in the Low Ridge Creek and Mill Creek drainages, making short uphill runs and occasionally burning groups of trees. Heat on the Hagen Fire could flare up and test containment lines.

EVACUATIONS

Evacuation Levels: 

Fire conditions can change rapidly. Evacuation levels and Road Closures are frequently adjusted. 

Umatilla County, Union County and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation 

County Emergency Management Websites:

Columbia County Emergency Management

Umatilla County Emergency Management 

Union County Emergency Management

Walla Walla County Emergency Management

Closures and Special Messages

Umatilla National Forest Closures: For public safety and to facilitate firefighting operations the following National Forest Closures have been issued. 

Hagen Fire: 

Expanded closure order for the Hagen Fire

Hagen and Horse Ridge Fire Emergency Closure

Paradise Fire: 

Paradise Fire Emergency Closure 

Road Closure Information: 

Oregon Department of Transportation Trip Check 

Fire Restrictions: The Umatilla National Forest has issued public use restrictions for smoking, off-road travel, and chainsaw use across the entire national forest.

Smoke Outlook: For current smoke reports visit https://fire.airnow.gov. 

Detailed Northeast Oregon Air Reports 

Detailed Southeast Washington Air Reports  

Air Space Restrictions: 

Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place over the wildfires. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. http://knowbeforeyoufly.org