Level 1 Evacuation for Burnt Creek Fire CANCELLED!
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Burnt Creek Fire Update

News Release Date
08-07-2026
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Burnt Creek Fire Update AI created image of a hill on fire

 

 

Burnt Creek Fire Update, August 8, 2026

 

Burnt Creek Fire Update, August 7, 2026

 

Burnt Creek Operational Fire Update for August 6, 2026

 

  • Burnt Creek Fire Update for Thursday, August 6

  • Start Date: Reported Friday, July 17, 2026

  • Cause: Lightning

  • Location: 23 Miles north of Enterprise, OR

  • Acres: 4,169

  • Containment: 80%

Resources: 7 Crews, 2 Medical teams, 4 Ambulances, 7 Engines, 1 Dozers, 2 Skidgines, 9 Water tenders, 2 Helicopters

HIGHLIGHTS: Containment on the Burnt Creek Fire has increased to 80% as acreage remains the same. Yesterday, a type 1 helicopter conducted water drops, supporting mop-up operations near Davis Creek.

Today, crews will patrol and monitor along the fire perimeter, maintaining a full suppression strategy to strengthen containment lines. Crews remain successful, preventing further spread toward private lands and keeping the fire within its current footprint. Firefighters are available to assist with new fire starts nearby.

AIR QUALITY: Communities east and south of the Hagen Fire, including Elgin and LaGrande will see mostly UNHEALTHY air quality, with Enterprise expecting UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS (USG). For more information, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov/

WEATHER: Warming and drying conditions will continue through Friday and Saturday, with highs in the 90s, low humidity, poor overnight recovery, and light west winds each afternoon.

RESTRICTIONS: Restrictions remain in Phase C with no campfires. Only liquid fuel or gas stoves are permitted. Internal combustion engines are limited to motor vehicles. Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles, buildings, developed recreation sites, or cleared areas. Off-road travel is prohibited, and drivers should avoid roads with dry grass or other flammable vegetation. For more details about restrictions, please visit the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest website. https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../phase-c-fire-restrictions...

CLOSURES & EVACUATIONS: The Burnt Creek Fire Area Closure remains in effect on National Forest Service Lands. All evacuation orders have been lifted. Roads and lands within the closure perimeter remain closed to public access, including the Chico Trail and Chico Trailhead. Highway 3 remains open, but travelers should use caution due to increased fire traffic. https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../burnt-creek-fire-area-closure

 

Burnt Creek Operational Fire Update for August 5, 2026

 

  • Start Date: Reported Friday, July 17, 2026

  • Cause: Lightning

  • Location: 23 Miles north of Enterprise, OR

  • Acres: 4,169

  • Containment: 70%

Resources: 7 Crews, 3 Medical teams, 4 Ambulances, 11 Engines, 2 Dozers, 6 Skidgines, 9 Water tenders, 2 Helicopters

Highlights: Containment on the Burnt Creek Fire has increased to 70%. The fire remains within its current footprint consisting primarily of smoldering, backing and creeping in unburned fuels.

Crews in the southern and western perimeter continue to patrol, mop up and remove equipment and supplies. Resources remain prepared to assist with nearby fires and any new starts within the incident area.

Along the northern and eastern boundaries of the fire, crews continue to patrol and monitor the perimeter. There has been no increase in acreage as containment continues to increase.   

AIR QUALITY: Elgin to Enterprise and La Grande will see development of UNHEALTHY Air Quality. For more information, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov/

WEATHER: Warming and drying trends will increase through Thursday and Friday, bringing hot, dry conditions well above seasonal averages with afternoon temperatures climbing into the 90s. Humidity will continue to decrease with poor overnight moisture recovery and light afternoon winds from the northwest.

RESTRICTIONS: Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is currently under Phase C Fire Restrictions. Campfires are not allowed and only liquid‑fuel or bottled‑gas stoves may be used. No internal combustion engine operation equipment, except for motor vehicles. Smoking is allowed only inside enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation sites, or in cleared areas free of flammable materials. Off‑road and off‑trail vehicle travel is not allowed and drivers should avoid roads where grass or other flammable vegetation is present. For more details about Phase C restrictions, please visit the Wallowa‑Whitman National Forest website. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/wallowa-whitman/alerts/phase-c-fire-restrictions-wallowa-whitman-national-forest

CLOSURES & EVACUATIONS: The Burnt Creek Fire Area Closure remains in effect on National Forest Service Lands. All evacuation orders have been lifted. Roads and lands within the closure perimeter remain closed to public access, including the Chico Trail and Chico Trailhead. Highway 3 remains open, but travelers should use caution due to increased fire traffic. https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../burnt-creek-fire-area-closure

 

Burnt Creek Operational Fire Update for August 4, 2026

  • Start Date: Reported Friday, July 17, 2026

  • Cause: Lightning

  • Location: 23 Miles north of Enterprise, OR

  • Acres: 4,169

  • Containment: 63%

  • Evacuations: See Below

Resources: 7 Crews, 3 Medical teams, 2 Ambulances, 14 Engines, 2 Dozers, 7 Skid steers, 9 Water tenders, 2 Helicopters

Highlights: Containment on the Burnt Creek Fire has increased to 63%. The fire remains within its current footprint with moderate fire behavior consisting primarily of smoldering, backing and creeping within the Davis and Swamp Creek drainages.

Crews in the southern and western perimeter continue to patrol, mop up and remove equipment from the areas. Resources remain prepared to assist with nearby fires and any new starts within the incident area.

Along the northern and eastern boundaries of the fire, crews proceed with securing control lines. Firefighters patrol, mop up heat and maintain structure protection. The fire is expected to remain within its footprint even though steep terrain and limited access continue to challenge suppression operations.

AIR QUALITY: Elgin to Enterprise and La Grande will see development of UNHEALTHY Air Quality. For more information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/

WEATHER: A warming trend begins today and intensifies through Thursday and Friday, when afternoon temperatures are expected to reach the 90s. Humidity decreases, falling into the low teens later in the week with increasingly poor overnight recovery and light winds possible in the afternoon.

CLOSURES & EVACUATIONS: All evacuation orders in the Burnt Creek Fire area have been lifted. The Burnt Creek Fire Area Closure remains in effect on National Forest Service Lands. Roads and lands within the closure perimeter remain closed to public access, including the Chico Trail and Chico Trailhead. Highway 3 remains open, but travelers should use caution due to increased fire traffic.

 

 

Burnt Creek Operational Fire Update for August 2

  • Cause: Lightning

  • Location: 23 Miles north of Enterprise, OR

  • Acres: 4,169

  • Containment: 39%

  • Evacuations: See Below

Resources: 13 Crews, 3 Medical teams, 3 Ambulances 16 Engines, 3 Dozers, 8 Skid steers, 8 Water tenders, 4 Helicopters

Highlights: Despite strong winds developing as predicted Saturday, the Burnt Creek Fire remained within control lines at 4,169 acres. Containment increased to 39 percent. The Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire today to further maintain the established full-suppression strategy.

In the steep and rugged terrain, areas of heat remain, such as in Davis Creek. In areas like this, firefighters are utilizing helicopters to drop water to cool the vegetation as needed. To the northeast, crews are patrolling the perimeter following successful firing operations. Resources also continue strengthening alternative control lines along Miller Ridge and south of Chico Trail.

Today is another elevated fire weather day. Firefighters remain focused on holding and securing containment lines by mopping up burning vegetation and snags near the perimeter to prevent rekindling.

AIR QUALITY: Enterprise and Joseph can expect to see increasing smoke this afternoon and evening, with potential for VERY UNHEALTHY in the evening. For more information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/

WEATHER: Much cooler but continued dry and breezy conditions are on tap for Sunday Winds are predicted at 20 mph in the afternoon with humidity around 20 percent.  A warming and drying trend will develop by the middle of next week with hot, dry and unstable conditions possible late next week.

CLOSURES & EVACUATIONS: Level 1 evacuations remain in effect for Crow Creek Road to the Joseph Creek Road area, Highway 3 corridor within the evacuation area, Joseph Canyon Overlook area, and Charolais Road area. There is also an evacuation level 2 in place for Sled Springs Work Center. Residents can also visit Public RAPTOR (Real-time Assessment and Planning Tool for Oregon) - Overview for details: https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html...

Highway 3 and Charolais Road remain open to traffic; however, the area between them is closed, including the Chico Trail System.

Public Information: linktr.ee/2026.burntcreek

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incid.../orwwf-burnt-creek-fire

Facebook: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/wallowa-whitman/alerts

Burnt Creek Fire Public Email: 2026.burntcreek [at] firenet.gov (2026[dot]burntcreek[at]firenet[dot]gov)

Public/Media Phone: 541-394-3109 See less

 

Burnt Creek Operational Fire Update for August 1

Fire Weather Update per Wallowa Whitman National Forest 

 

CURRENT STATUS: Since the beginning days of the Burnt Creek Fire, crews successfully established and secured containment lines. They developed and established dozer and handlines, extinguished spot fires supported by aviation. Fire progression potential has been reduced due to direct suppression strategies in preparation for the forecasted fire weather event later today. Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 13 will soon transfer command of the Burnt Creek fire to the Central West Zone Type 3 Team.

The northern perimeter has remained secure, with containment lines holding firm from Highway 3 to the confluence of Swamp Creek and Davis Creek showing no signs of movement during previous operational periods. Crews continue to monitor and reinforce established lines, ensuring stability despite ongoing critical fire weather conditions.

Fire activity on the southern perimeter continues in the Davis Creek drainage. Crews have established several hundred feet of buffer to safeguard the containment line. Additional fireline operation efforts extended this line further, strengthening control efforts in the steep and rugged terrain.

Crews are carefully checking timber stringers on the south and east side of the fire, these stringers can retain heat long after understory flames pass. By identifying and cooling these pockets, firefighters help prevent rekindling which strengthens overall containment.

The southern tip of the fire remains a key focus, where crews are actively mopping up along control lines to reduce the chance of reignition. Firefighters continue strengthening these lines to ensure lingering heat pockets are fully addressed.

AIR QUALITY: With a Red Flag Warning in place, smoke from new and existing fires will continue across the area. The most significant smoke from local fires will occur over Union county east of the Hagen Fire. For more information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.

WEATHER: Winds will gradually strengthen throughout Saturday, shifting from light west winds in the morning to brisk northwest gusts by the afternoon. These northwest winds are expected to peak between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, possibly reaching as high as 35 mph.

CLOSURES & EVACUATIONS: Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office Level 1 Evacuations for residences on Joseph Creek Road remains in effect. Evacuation levels will continue to be assessed with the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office. For more information, please visit the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page. Residents can also visit https://geohub.oregon.gov/.../oregon-geo::raptor.../explore for current evacuation information. Highway 3 and Forest Service Road 46 remain open to traffic; however, the area between them is closed, including the Chico Trail System. For closure information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/wallowa-whitman/alerts.

 

Burnt Creek Fire Operational Video Update per Wallowa Whitman National Forest, August 1

 

Burnt Creek Operational Fire Update for Friday, July 31

CURRENT STATUS: Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 13 will be in-briefing Central West Zone Type 3 Team 3 at 5 p.m. today.

Over the past several days, firefighters have completed more than 2.5 miles of firing operations around the fire perimeter, significantly improving containment strength across multiple divisions. To the northeast, crews are monitoring the perimeter following successful firing operations. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are being used to conduct aerial ignition, deepening and reinforcing control lines off Starvation Ridge. Resources continue strengthening alternative control lines along Miller Ridge and south of Chico Trail.

On the west side of the fire, crews are actively engaged in mop-up. All handline and dozer line have held, preventing the fire from advancing toward the Highway 3 corridor. Firefighters have confirmed that the slop over Chico Trail observed several days ago is fully lined, contained, and controlled. Resources are working diligently to remove remaining islands of vegetation located near control lines and chipping operations are ongoing in critical areas.

Firefighters are patrolling to ensure firing operations remain secure during ongoing critical fire weather. In addition to patrol and mop-up operations, ground and air resources will respond to initial attack incidents within the fire area in support of the local unit.

AIR QUALITY: An air quality advisory remains in place for Northeast Oregon today but will be lifted starting Saturday. The general area will see improved air quality, though Elgin will continue to see air quality ranging from ‘Unhealthy’ to ‘Very Unhealthy’. For more information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.

WEATHER: Today’s weather remains hot, dry, and unstable, with temperatures reaching 92 degrees across the fire area. Conditions are expected to intensify on Saturday, bringing critical fire weather with gusts forecast between 25 and 30 mph, peaking in the evening. Incident personnel will continue to monitor changing weather conditions closely and adjust operations as necessary to maintain firefighter and public safety.

CLOSURES & EVACUATIONS: Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office Level 1 Evacuations for residences on Joseph Creek Road remains in effect. Evacuation levels will continue to be assessed with the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information, please visit the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page. Residents can also visit https://geohub.oregon.gov/.../oregon-geo::raptor.../explore for current evacuation information. Highway 3 and Forest Service Road 46 remain open to traffic; however, the area between them is closed, including the Chico Trail System. For closure information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/wallowa-whitman/alerts.

Burnt Creek Fire Operational Video Update per Wallowa Whitman National Forest, July 31, 2026

 

 

Burnt Creek Operational Fire Update, July 30. 2026, PM Briefing

CURRENT STATUS: Control lines on the north end of the fire continue to hold as crews remain vigilant as critical fire weather persists across the area. Firefighters are making strong progress reinforcing key sections of the containment line at the confluence of Davis and Swamp Creek. Dozer contingency line operations are being considered to connect Starvation Ridge to Miller Ridge. Additional resources are enroute to support these efforts, with the priority focus on connecting the remaining handline back to Starvation Ridge.

Crews are continuing mop-up efforts along dozer and handlines from Highway 3 down to the junction of Davis and Swamp creeks, preventing westward advancement of the fire and strengthening existing containment features.

Resources on the east side of the fire are making steady progress, with firefighters digging handline and conducting firing operations. This crucial section of line is expected to be completed today, with crews utilizing both hand-firing and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Resources from Australia and New Zealand are helping maintain span of control, to ensure operations are safely and effectively carried out.

The contingency group is working along the south end of the fire, using heavy equipment to create a fuel break, clearing vegetation ahead of the fire’s leading edge. This work is creating additional defensive space and reducing fuels to support overall containment objectives. Incident personnel remain focused on securing all control features and advancing coordinated suppression efforts across the fire area.

AIR QUALITY: An air quality advisory remains in place for Northeast Oregon through Friday. Most smoke impacts are a result of the Hagen and Fox Fires. Air quality in Enterprise and Elgin will continue to be heavily impacted, ranging from ‘Unhealthy’ to ‘Hazardous’. For general air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.

WEATHER: Upper-level moisture may develop over the fire area in the coming days, potentially producing afternoon cumulus clouds and a slight risk of thunderstorms. Critical fire weather conditions are likely on Friday and Saturday, with Friday expected to bring very unstable atmospheric conditions that could influence fire behavior. On Saturday, strong winds are forecast, which may further challenge containment efforts. Fuels across the region remain extremely dry, and the existing fuels advisory remains in effect. Incident personnel continue to monitor weather conditions closely and adjust operations as needed to maintain firefighter and public safety.

CLOSURES & EVACUATIONS: Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 1 Evacuations for residences on Joseph Creek Road. Evacuation levels will continue to be assessed with the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office. For more information, please visit the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page. Residents can also visit https://geohub.oregon.gov/.../oregon-geo::raptor.../explore for current evacuation information. Highway 3 and Forest Road 46 remain open to traffic; however, the area between them is closed, as is the Chico Trail System. For closure information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/wallowa-whitman/alerts.

Burnt Creek Fire Operational Video AM Update per Wallowa Whitman National Forest, July 30, 2026

 

Burnt Creek Fire Operational Video Update per Wallowa Whitman National Forest, July 29, 2026

 

Burnt Creek Fire Daily Weather and Fire Behavior Update, July 29, 2026 per Wallowa Whitman National Forest, July 29, 2026

 

 

Burnt Creek Fire Operational Update per Wallowa Whitman National Forest, July 28, 2026

 

CURRENT STATUS: Yesterday, handline construction progressed from Highway 3 toward Starvation Ridge. Firefighters continued securing both dozer line and handline from Highway 3 down to the junction of Davis and Swamp Creek. Pumps and hoses were installed and continue to be extended along Swamp Creek to support water delivery and secure the fire’s edge as work moves south.

Structure assessment crews worked to the south of the fire to assess structure protection needs along Forest Service Road 46.

Newly arrived Australian division supervisors and task force leaders will provide assistance on the incident, adding capacity to ongoing efforts. Firefighters remain focused on keeping the fire east of Highway 3. Heavy equipment and strategic firing operations are being used to connect the fires edge to the Highway 3 dozer line.

Crews continue to identify and assess the establishment of direct line as conditions allow. The fire is held within existing dozer lines along Highway 3, reinforcing containment and conducting mop-up in areas where the fire has reached the line. In sections where fire has not yet approached containment line, personnel are evaluating and preparing for firing tactics, limiting future spread.

Along Starvation Ridge, crews are working to complete the remaining dozer line, improving operational flexibility as conditions evolve. Stray Horse Suppression Module is spiked out, camping near the fire line, at the confluence of Davis and Swamp Creeks. They continue to build handline up Starvation Ridge, tying it into cold black at the top. Additional scouting and implementation of control lines from Davis Creek to Miller Ridge is ongoing, with crews assessing alternate containment features as needed to strengthen the broader control strategy.

AIR QUALITY: An air quality advisory is in place and has been extended for Baker, Union, and Wallowa counties through noon Wednesday, though higher elevation areas in the Blue Mountains south of Enterprise and Joseph may have improved air quality.

During the smokiest parts of the day, close windows to limit smoke exposure, and open again when less smoky if air filtration is not available.

People with medical conditions impacted by air quality should be cautious and remain indoors if possible. For general air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/. For tips on a do-it-yourself air filtration system for your home visit https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/diy-air-cleaners.

WEATHER: Elevated fire weather conditions continue with hotter afternoon temperatures and very low afternoon humidity beginning Thursday and Friday. A limited amount of moisture will move through the region on Thursday. This may bring some clouds and isolated thunderstorms.

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS: The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 1 Evacuations for residences on Joseph Creek Road. Evacuation levels will continue to be assessed with the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office. For more information, please visit the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page.

Additionally, the Forest Service implemented a closure area around the fire on Thursday. Although Highway 3 and Forest Road 46 are open to traffic, the area between them is closed, as is the Chico Trail System. For closure information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/wallowa-whitman/alerts.

 

CLICK HERE to watch the AM video

CLICK HERE to watch the PM video

 

 

Burnt Creek Fire Operational Video Update per Wallowa Whitman National Forest, July 27, 2026, Morning Briefing 

 

CLICK HERE to watch the video

 

 

 

Burnt Creek Fire Operational Video Update per Wallowa Whitman National Forest, July 26, 2026, Afternoon Briefing 
CLICK HERE to watch the video

 

Burnt Creek Fire Update for Sunday, July 26, 2026, 10:15 AM

 

CURRENT STATUS: Dozer lines between the edge of the fire and Highway 3 to the northwest are complete and being prepped for reinforcement through tactical firing operations.

Meanwhile, a structure group is assessing homes and infrastructure along Joseph Canyon Road and around Sled Springs. Firefighters are developing a plan to protect these assets by constructing line, reducing ladder fuels and clearing vegetative debris around them. If needed, water tanks, sprinklers, and hoses may be installed to provide additional protection.

Dozer line construction into the Davis Creek drainage was completed Friday. Heavy equipment operators are now cutting line towards Starvation Ridge. When these operations are complete, crews will conduct tactical firing operations to secure the fireline.

Several small spot fires were extinguished Friday, but a small portion of the fire crossed dozer lines south of the Chico Trail System late in the day. With support from aviation resources, ground crews worked to establish a new line in that area, tying it back into the dozer line to prevent it from moving into timbered areas.

Winds in the area of the fire are known for a diurnal shift – meaning they change direction in the afternoon – creating both opportunities and challenges for firefighters. Morning winds from the west/southwest help suppression efforts on the southern end of the fire by pushing it back into itself. In the afternoon, the wind moves to a northwest/west alignment, potentially pushing the fire to the east.

La Grande Hotshot crew has been working steadily to prevent the fire from moving northward into the canyon, which is nearly inaccessible in some areas except by air. Those efforts have been successful so far, with minimal fire activity observed at the confluence of Davis and Swamp creeks.

AIR QUALITY: An air quality advisory is in place for Baker, Union, and Wallowa counties and will continue through Monday, though higher elevation areas in the Blue Mountains south of Enterprise and Joseph may have improved air quality. During the smokiest parts of the day, close windows to limit smoke exposure, and open again when less smoky if air filtration is not available. People with medical conditions impacted by air quality should be cautious and remain indoors if possible. For general air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/. For tips on a do-it-yourself air filtration system for your home visit https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/diy-air-cleaners.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Smoke may limit visibility along Highway 3. Motorists should watch out for slower-moving fire engines and heavy equipment in and around the fire zone.

WEATHER: A dry cold front will bring slightly moderate temperatures in the 80s, but conditions remain near critical. The fire area remains under a Fuels and Fire Advisory due to drought conditions.

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS: The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 – Be Ready – evacuation notice for the area from the Joseph Canyon Overlook south to Charolais Road on the west side and south along Joseph Canyon Road on the east side.

Wallowa Highway 3 and Forest Road 46 are open to traffic, however, the area between them is closed, as is the Chico Trail System. 

For closure information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/wallowa-whitman/alerts.

 

 

 

Burnt Creek Fire Operational Video Update per Wallowa Whitman National Forest, July 26, 2026, AM Briefing 

 

CLICK HERE to watch the video

 

 

 

Burnt Creek Fire Operational Video Update per Wallowa Whitman National Forest, July 25, 2026 

 

CLICK HERE to watch the video

 

 

Burnt Creek Fire Update for Saturday, July 25, 2026


Current Status: The local La Grande Hotshot crew continue to aggressively fight the Burnt Creek Fire in steep and rugged terrain at the confluence of Davis and Swamp Creeks. Increased fire activity on the south side of the fire area pushed past the Chico Trail. Crews and equipment worked late into the night mitigating fire spread.

Dozer line construction into the Davis Creek drainage was completed Friday, with crews and heavy equipment operators implementing additional dozer lines towards Starvation Ridge. When these operations are complete, crews will conduct tactical firing operations to secure the fireline.

Air Quality: An air quality advisory is in place for Baker, Union, and Wallowa counties and will continue through Monday, though higher elevation areas in the Blue Mountains south of Enterprise and Joseph may have improved air quality. During the smokiest parts of the day, close windows to limit smoke exposure, and open again when less smoky if air filtration is not available. People with medical conditions impacted by air quality should be cautious and remain indoors if possible. For general air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/. For tips on a do-it-yourself air filtration system for your home visit https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/diy-air-cleaners.

Safety Message: Intermittent dense smoke layers may disrupt traffic flow on Highway 3 due to reduced sight distances. In addition, expect increased public traffic because of the Chief Joseph Days events in Joseph through the weekend.

Weather: Hot, dry unstable conditions are expected today with temperatures up to 92 degrees. Shifting winds are likely, leading to milder temperatures. Hot, dry conditions will persist next week. The fire area remains under a Fuels and Fire Advisory as a result of drought conditions.

- Per U.S. Forest Service - Wallowa Whitman National Forest on Facebook

 

 

Burnt Creek Fire Operational Update per Wallowa Whitman National Forest, July 24, 2026 

CLICK HERE to watch the video

 

Burnt Creek Fire Update for Thursday, July 23, 2026

Current Status: A public meeting on the Burnt Creek Fire will be held at 4 p.m. today at Cloverleaf Hall in Enterprise. Community members are invited to attend and receive updates directly from fire officials. Please note that this meeting will not be live-streamed but will be recorded and posted to the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Facebook Page.

The Burnt Creek Fire is currently burning within a steep and rugged canyon system largely between Highway 3 and Swamp Creek, with parallel drainages running north and south. Crews are working hard in extremely challenging terrain and difficult weather conditions to assess fire movement and implement suppression activities to reduce potential risk to structures, private property, and critical transportation routes in the area.

Firefighters continue working to limit further spread of the fire north toward Joseph Canyon, with hotshot crews building and improving containment lines east of Highway 3 down into the Davis Creek drainage area. These crews are receiving substantial air support from scoopers and helicopters, which are conducting water drops on the fire where it is effective and safe to do so. A 2025 fuels treatment operation extending from the confluence of Davis and Swamp Creeks south to the Chico Trail has helped slow fire spread. Crews are preparing contingency lines along Miller Ridge in case the fire crosses Swamp Creek and continues pushing upslope to the east.

On the south side, northerly winds have pushed spot fires over the southern dozer line. As a result, the primary southern containment line will be moved back to the Chico Trail system. Crews also continue to scout contingency lines further south.

Safety Message: Smoke continues to significantly reduce visibility along State Highway 3. Reduced sight distance and intermittent dense smoke layers may disrupt traffic flow, causing delays. Please use caution when driving as more fire personnel and slow-moving equipment are brought into the Burnt Creek Fire area. The public is asked to avoid the fire area at this time.

Weather: Critical fire weather conditions will persist through the weekend. There is a 60 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms over the fire area today, bringing potential rainfall and erratic winds as well as lightning. Friday returns to hot and dry conditions with northerly winds, ahead of a dry cold front arriving Saturday.

More info including maps at https://app.watchduty.org/i/109296 

AIR QUALITY: For air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Per the U.S. Forest Service - Wallowa Whitman National Forest Facebook page.

Burnt Creek Fire Update, Jul 23 at 3:46 AM 

The fire is 2,425.6 acres per the perimeter uploaded to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), which is visible on the Watch Duty map under the Active Fire Perimeters map layer. More info at https://app.watchduty.org/i/109296 

 

Burnt Creek Fire Update, July 22, 10:20 AM

from Wallowa Whitman National Forest on Facebook:
 

Current Status: A public meeting regarding the Burnt Creek Fire will be held on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. at Clover Leaf Hall in Enterprise. Community members are invited to attend and receive updates directly from fire officials. Please note that this meeting will be in-person only, and no streaming option will be available.

An abnormally dry winter and spring has led to vegetation in northeast Oregon drying earlier than usual, creating conditions supporting active fire behavior. The Burnt Creek Fire is within a steep canyon system with parallel drainages running north and south. Shifting winds and unstable atmospheric conditions are allowing the fire to make uphill runs toward the east where dry vegetation is receptive to burning.

Access to the fire is limited due to steep and rugged terrain. While canyon bottoms hold water, they also contain dense vegetation, which require substantial work from ground crews before use as a reliable containment feature. The extremely steep terrain also limits available roads to gain access to the fire perimeter and potential fire area. Existing natural features offer minimal support in slowing or stopping fire spread, underscoring the challenges firefighters face in this landscape and our importance assuring firefighter safety.

Protection of private lands to the north of the fire and Highway 3 to the west remain a priority for firefighters. Crews are actively positioning resources, reducing potential impacts to homes, property, and critical transportation routes while assessing fire movement in challenging terrain. Firing operations have been carried out on both the southern and northern ends of the fire. Aviation resources are supporting these efforts, helping to moderate fire behavior in support of suppression operations.

Safety Message: Smoke will significantly reduce visibility along State Highway 3. Reduced sight distance and intermittent dense smoke layers may disrupt traffic flow, causing delays. Please be cautious when driving as there is increased fire traffic in the area as more resources are being moved to the Burnt Creek Fire area.

Weather: Warming and drying trends will persist throughout the week. Fire behavior will increase as clouds lift.

 

Burnt Creek Fire Video Update, July 22, 06:00 AM

The fire is 2,108.7 acres per the perimeter uploaded to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), which is visible on the Watch Duty map under the Active Fire Perimeters map layer at https://app.watchduty.org/i/109296

CLICK HERE to view the Operational Video Update from July 22 

(Wallowa Whitman Facebook Link)

 

Burnt Creek Fire Update, July 21, 10:55

 
Watch the latest video update here (Facebook link)

from Wallowa Whitman National Forest on Facebook:

Current Status: The Burnt Creek Fire ignited July 17, approximately 23 miles north of Enterprise in Wallowa County, Oregon. The fire is burning primarily in timber, grasses, and understory shrubs. Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 13 assumed command at 7 a.m. this morning to assist in fire mitigation efforts in coordination with the Oregon Department of Forestry and the United States Forest Service. Local resources continue to actively engage the fire along with assistance from crews assigned to the Anthony Fire, who are providing personnel to strengthen suppression efforts. This support is helping bolster containment operations and improve overall firefighting capacity on the incident. Fire behavior remains highly active, exhibiting sustained upslope runs driven by preheated fuels. With slope alignment, the fire is also moving down drainages where channeled winds and receptive surface fuels enhance downhill spread.
 

Safety Message: Smoke will significantly reduce visibility along State Highway 3. Reduced sight distance and intermittent dense smoke layers may disrupt traffic flow, causing delays. Water scooping aircraft are actively supporting firefighting efforts on the Burnt Creek Fire and will be utilizing local water sources, including Wallowa Lake, to refill. If you're recreating on the lake, please use extreme caution and stay well clear of aircraft that may skim the lake to collect water. These aircraft operate at high speeds and low altitudes, making it critical to give them plenty of space to work safely. Weather: Warming and drying trends will persist throughout the week, steadily lowering moisture levels and increasing likelihood of active fire spread.


The fire is 1,943.7 acres per the perimeter uploaded to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), which is visible on the Watch Duty map under the Active Fire Perimeters map layer.

Note: Fire perimeters are preliminary and indicate general burn area but do not reflect structure protection efforts by firefighters. A structure within a fire perimeter may not be damaged or destroyed.


Burnt Creek Fire Update, July 20 - 11:10 AM

 

The Burnt Creek Fire remained very active Sunday, growing to the north and east. The fire spotted across Davis Creek and is now burning on Starvation Ridge, backing down toward Swamp Creek.

Firefighters continue to battle active fire behavior in timber, brush, and grass. Resources on the fire include engines, hand crews, dozers, and aviation resources, with additional personnel and equipment on order.

Fire managers say one of the biggest challenges continues to be limited firefighting resources available both regionally and nationally due to the recent increase in fires around the nation. Even with those challenges, crews are working to limit the impacts to the values at risk. Steep terrain, hot weather, and limited resources have made containment difficult, and additional fire growth is expected in the coming days.

Highway 3 - If you're traveling through the area, please use caution, slow down, and give firefighters and emergency equipment plenty of room to work.

Public Safety - Wallowa Lake

Water scooping aircraft are actively supporting firefighting efforts on the Burnt Creek Fire and will be utilizing local water sources, including Wallowa Lake, to refill.

If you're recreating on the lake, please use extreme caution and stay well clear of the aircraft as they skim the water to collect water. These aircraft operate at high speeds and low altitudes, making it critical to give them plenty of space to work safely.

Per Wallowa Whitman National Forest on Facebook.

Burnt Creek Fire Update, July 20 - 06:00 AM

  • Size: Estimated 1,494.9 acres

  • Containment: 0%

The fire is 1,494.9 acres per the perimeter uploaded to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), which is visible on the Watch Duty map under the Active Fire Perimeters map layer.

Location: The fire is burning near Davis Creek, east of Highway 3, near the Day Ridge intersection. It is located midway up the slope between Davis Creek and Highway 3.

   

Burnt Creek Fire Update, July 19 - 11:00 AM

  • Size: Estimated 300 acres

  • Containment: 0%

  • Started: July 17 at 1:00 p.m.

  • Cause: Lightning

Location: The fire is burning near Davis Creek, east of Highway 3, near the Day Ridge intersection. It is located midway up the slope between Davis Creek and Highway 3.

Yesterday, additional resources arrived on scene, including a 20-person hand crew and an additional dozer. Firefighters, supported by helicopters making bucket drops, worked to keep the fire east of Highway 3 and west of Davis Creek.

Today, a Type 3 Incident Commander will assume command of the incident, and additional resources are expected to arrive. Crews will focus on establishing control lines along the north and south flanks of the fire while continuing to hold the fire on the slopes west of Davis Creek and east of Highway 3.

Please use caution if traveling through the area, and give firefighting personnel plenty of room to work. We appreciate your patience and support.

Source: U.S. Forest Service - Wallowa Whitman National Forest  

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