Paradise and Hagen Fire Updates for Aug 21, 2026

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

Hagen Fire
58,646 acres
Containment: 19%
Personnel: 887

Paradise Fire
6,745 acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 349

Key Messages

• Today is expected to be another active fire day. Firefighters are preparing for stronger winds tomorrow amid continued hot, dry conditions.
• The Mill Creek watershed is critical. Protecting its water intake and surrounding communities remains a top priority.

CURRENT CONDITIONS AND Planned activities

Paradise Fire

Yesterday, the fire remained active in the Low Ridge Creek and Mill Creek drainages. Similar behavior is expected today. Aircraft supported ground operations. Today, crews will continue to protect critical infrastructure including Mill Creek and the water intake, local utilities and communication sites. Firefighters will hold, improve and monitor firelines along the eastern and southern flanks near Low Ridge Creek, focusing on preventing the fire’s spread into the drainage near Forest Roads 64 and 65. Drones, aircraft, heavy equipment, and hand tools will support these efforts. Crews are also improving dozer lines and handlines on the south and west sides, while structure protection resources remain in place.

Hagen Fire

An overnight infrared flight showed increased heat along the fire’s west and north edges. Similar to yesterday, firefighters will locate and mop up those hot spots today, with aircraft supporting operations throughout the day.  Crews will continue monitoring unburned areas to the southeast and checking Forest Service Road 31 for newly detected heat. Heavy equipment used to strengthen the road’s shaded fuel break will leave the area today as a safety precaution ahead of tomorrow’s forecast winds.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Today will be partly to mostly cloudy with a 10% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures in Walla Walla could approach the daily record of 100 degrees. Humidity could drop to 13-17%. Winds of 8 to 12 mph may gust to 18 mph this afternoon. With ignition potential extremely high, torching trees near the perimeter could loft embers across existing firelines.

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