FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
URGENT PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE: Leave Level 3 Areas Today and Avoid Highway 204
July 31, 2026 @ 2:40 p.m.
UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. — Umatilla County is urging residents within Level 3 evacuation areas near the Hagen Fire to leave today. We are urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel on Highway 204 through the Tollgate, Spout Springs and Langdon Lake areas to the greatest extent possible.
The National Weather Service has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning for Saturday, August 1. The Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Strong winds, extremely dry fuels and existing wildfire conditions could result in rapid fire growth, extreme fire behavior, power outages and dangerous travel conditions.
This Is Not a Routine Red Flag Warning
A Particularly Dangerous Situation, or PDS Red Flag Warning is a rare designation used by the National Weather Service to identify exceptionally dangerous fire-weather conditions.
The National Weather Service began using PDS language for Red Flag Warnings in 2021. These warnings are intended for events meeting or exceeding the 95th percentile of fire-weather severity based on criteria established for the local area.
These conditions greatly exceed those associated with a routine Red Flag Warning and may result in:
- Extreme and unpredictable fire behavior
- Rapid fire growth and long-range spotting
- New fires quickly becoming difficult to control
- Dangerous conditions for residents, travelers and firefighters
- Reduced opportunities to evacuate safely once conditions deteriorate
Residents should complete preparations and make evacuation decisions before the strongest winds and most dangerous conditions arrive.
Level 3 — GO NOW!
Everyone within a Level 3 evacuation area near the Hagen Fire should leave today.
There is extreme danger in the area. Leave without delay. Do not wait until Saturday. Do not wait until you see fire or smoke nearby. Do not wait for another evacuation alert.
Leave while roads remain passable and visibility allows for safer travel. Once winds increase and conditions deteriorate, emergency responders may be unable to safely enter or re-enter evacuation areas. Additional warnings or evacuation assistance may not be possible.
Level 2 — BE SET to evacuate.
Residents within Level 2 evacuation areas must be prepared to leave immediately. There is significant danger in the area. Stay informed and be alert.
If you feel unsafe or need additional time to evacuate children, older adults, individuals with medical or mobility needs, pets or livestock you should strongly consider leaving early. Conditions may deteriorate rapidly and with little warning. Do not wait for another evacuation notice. Leave if you feel unsafe.
Avoid Highway 204
The public should avoid unnecessary travel on Highway 204 through the Tollgate, Spout Springs and Langdon Lake areas.
Use alternate routes and stay outside the affected area. Highway 204 must remain available for evacuating residents, emergency responders and firefighting equipment.
Those already within the area should consider leaving early rather than waiting for conditions to worsen.
Potential Hazards
Residents, travelers and recreationists may encounter:
- Rapidly changing fire conditions
- Heavy smoke and blowing dust
- Sudden or near-zero visibility
- Falling trees and large limbs
- Downed power lines
- Power outages
- Debris or blocked roadways
- Emergency vehicles and firefighting equipment operating along Highway 204
Residents throughout Umatilla County should keep vehicles fueled, phones charged and emergency supplies ready. Stay away from downed power lines and call 911 for immediate threats to life or safety.
Continue monitoring official Umatilla County communications for evacuation updates and changing conditions.
The most current Evacuation Levels and information for Umatilla County can be found on our webpage Emergency Advisories: Emergency Advisories – Umatilla County
National Weather Service PDS Warning
RAPTOR (this link geographically opens on the full extent of the Hagen Fire in both counties): https://arcg.is/0SjKLG1
Union County Emergency Services: https://unioncountyor.gov/emergency-services/es-current-alerts/
Sign-up for emergency alerts: www.oralert.gov
