PENDLETON — The following is the Tuesday, Aug. 25, update on the Paradise and Hagen fires in the Umatilla National Forest.

Fire Information

541-970-7128

2026paradise@firenet.gov

inciweb.wildfire.gov

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Hagen Fire

Size: 59,939 acres

Containment: 28%

Personnel: 1,150

Paradise Fire

Size: 8,213 acres

Containment: 0%

Personnel: 369

Key Messages

Smoke will be visible in the Mill Creek area today.

Firefighters are conducting strategic firing operations on both the Hagen and Paradise fires. This is why the number of acres continues to increase inside proposed containment lines.

Firefighters are using low-intensity fire carefully to burn vegetation ahead of the wildfire. This reduces the fuel available to wildfire and helps prevent a more severe, uncontrolled fire.

Visible smoke does not mean the wildfire is getting worse. It means firefighters are strengthening containment lines and creating safer conditions for firefighters and nearby communities.

Aircraft will continue to support ground resources throughout the day on both fires.

Conditions and planned activities

Paradise Fire

Yesterday, firefighters used ignitions to reduce vegetation near Mill Creek and the water intake. Overnight, the swing shift mopped up and patrolled that area, which continues to improve. Resources also worked together to carry out strategic firing operations along Forest Service Road 65. On the east side, crews continued patrol and mop-up work to hold existing firelines. Heavy equipment continued to move north, mechanically clearing and grinding brush and small trees to help prevent further fire spread. Farther north, crews continued to mop up and secure fireline and worked several small areas of fire northeast of the Mill Creek area. Today, crews will continue holding and improving the fireline along Mill Creek, protecting the intake and nearby structures, and mopping up farther north. As a result, smoke will be visible.

Hagen Fire

Yesterday, firefighters completed ignition operations near Coyote Ridge and Spout Springs and began mopping up and securing that work. Crews continued monitoring fire moving through unburned vegetation, mopping up along Highway 204, and working spot fires east of the highway. Near Forest Service Road 31, crews used firing operations and secured a small area outside the fire line. North of Black Mountain, crews connected fire to the primary containment line along Forest Service Road 3128 and strengthened the line toward previously burned areas to the west. Today, firefighters will patrol and mop up these areas, watch for increased fire activity and continue structure protection along Highway 204.

Weather and fire behavior

Today will be warmer and drier, with highs from the low to mid 80s to near 90 degrees and humidity of 20-22%. Southeast winds of 8-18 mph, with gusts around 15-20 mph, are expected. A 35% chance of thunderstorms is forecast for this afternoon. Storms could produce lightning and sudden outflow winds of 40-45 mph. Unstable air may increase fire activity. Fire will continue to work its way through unburned vegetation, and some spotting is possible. Firefighters remain prepared to respond to any new fires.

Evacuation levels

Fire conditions can change rapidly. Evacuation levels and Road Closures are frequently adjusted. Follow these links for updates and more information.

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: TripCheck.com

Smoke outlook: For smoke reports visit fire.airnow.gov. For detailed Northeastern Oregon air reports, click here. For Southeastern Washington, click here.

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

Air space restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions are in place over the wildfires. Do not fly drones near over over wildfires.

For information on legal issues before or after disasters, a new website with support of Oregon courts, the state bar and several nonprofit legal services providers has a section on disaster-related legal issues: oregonlawhelp.org/topics/disasters.

East Oregonian

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