Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Paradise and Hagen Fire Updates for Aug 19, 2026

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

Hagen Fire
Size: 57,678 acres
Containment: 19%
Personnel: 983

Paradise Fire
Size: 5,423 acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 358

Key Message:

  • The Southern Area Team 3 took command of the Paradise and Hagen fires at 6 a.m. today. Incident Commander Bart Kicklighter thanks Northern Rockies Team 6 for its outstanding work.
  • Evacuation levels increased today in some zones on the Paradise Fire in Umatilla County.
    • Level 3 (GO NOW) includes zones UMC-036, UMC-1406043-D and UMC-1406043-C. Residents in these areas should leave immediately. It is unsafe to stay.
    • Level 2 (GET SET) includes zones UMC-039 and UMC-041.
    • Level 1 (GET READY) for zone UMC-032 remains the same.
  • Highway 204 remains closed. Assessments are ongoing. Drivers should not proceed with travel in this area without confirmation from law enforcement or the Oregon Department of Transportation.

CURRENT CONDITIONS AND Planned activities

Paradise Fire

Fire activity increased along Low Ridge and is moving toward Low Creek. Aircraft and drones helped slow the fire’s spread. Crews are working to improve fire control lines while securing hot spots along the fire’s edge near Forest Service Roads 64 and 65.  Structure protection remains in place near Snake Ridge, Table Rock Lookout and the water intake facilities along Mill Creek. Fire personnel will continue to monitor fire spread toward the southwest.

Hagen Fire

Crews continue to mop up and strengthen fireline near Highway 204 and Horseshoe Prairie. Firefighters will closely monitor the southeastern fire perimeter between Ruckel Spring and the Big Saddle–North Fork Meacham Creek area. Heavy equipment, including masticators, will continue removing brush and smaller trees along roadways and building a shaded fuel break along Forest Service Road 31. Drivers should expect additional equipment and firefighter traffic in these areas. Firefighters are also protecting structures, the Union Pacific Railroad and other infrastructure. 

Weather and Fire Behavior

Hot and very dry weather is expected today. Afternoon highs will reach the upper 80s and low 90s, with humidity dropping to 10 to 13%. Winds will shift to the northwest this afternoon, with ridgetop gusts around 15-18 mph. Dry grass and other fine fuels will ignite easily. Individual or groups of trees may ignite, and the fire could make short uphill runs and produce spot fires one-quarter to one-half mile ahead of the main fire. Humidity will remain low into the evening, allowing fire activity to continue. The Paradise Fire may remain active on Low Ridge, while unburned areas on the southeastern side of the Hagen Fire may continue to ignite and burn. 

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

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