La Grande, OR – Evacuation levels have been increased for portions of Union and Umatilla counties as firefighters continue battling the Hagen Fire in northeastern Oregon.
According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, a joint Emergency Operations Center—including the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Umatilla County Emergency Management, Union County Emergency Management, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), and the Northwest Incident Management Team 7—announced updated evacuation orders effective 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28.
Several areas are now under Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders. In Umatilla County, Level 3 includes NF Road 3150 and areas to the south, including Buck Mountain, Thomas Creek, and Ruckel Junction, as well as west along NF Road 31 to the Shimmiehorn area. In Union County, the Level 3 area includes locations north of NF Road 31.
Additional areas have been placed under Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notices. Officials urge residents in affected zones to prepare for changing fire conditions and be ready to leave if conditions worsen.
Emergency managers warned that rugged terrain and forecast weather conditions could allow the fire to spread rapidly and unpredictably. Residents are encouraged not to wait for an official evacuation order if they feel unsafe or observe immediate danger.
Authorities also asked the public to avoid unnecessary travel in the fire area. Fire engines, law enforcement, and other emergency responders are operating throughout the region, and excess traffic can hinder firefighting efforts and create additional safety hazards.
Residents can check the latest evacuation maps through the Genasys Protect evacuation system and follow updates from Union and Umatilla county emergency management officials as conditions continue to evolve.
