Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
OR 204/Tollgate is now open between Elgin and Weston following a lengthy wildfire closure. However, conditions can change quickly, and the highway may close again with little or no notice due to fire activity or to provide fire crews with the space needed to work safely.
Travelers are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel through the area. If travel is necessary, slow down and watch for fire crews, heavy equipment and trucks entering and exiting the highway. Check TripCheck before traveling for the latest road conditions and closures: http://www.tripcheck.com/.
Although OR 204/Tollgate has reopened, emergency closures issued by the Forest Supervisor of the Umatilla National Forest remain in effect in the Hagen Fire area. These closures are separate from the highway closure and remain in effect to support fire operations and public safety. Additional information about Forest Service closures is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umatilla.
County officials continue to work closely with the fire incident management team to evaluate fire activity, weather conditions, control lines and risks to homes and communities. As conditions improve, officials are actively evaluating whether evacuation levels can be safely reduced. Any changes will be based on conditions on the ground and the ability of fire personnel and emergency responders to safely protect residents and provide access to affected areas.
Weather conditions are expected to remain hot and very dry. Afternoon highs will reach the upper 80s and low 90s, with humidity dropping to 10 to 13%. Winds will shift to the northwest this afternoon, with ridgetop gusts around 15-18 mph. Dry grass and other fine fuels will ignite easily. Individual or groups of trees may ignite, and the fire could make short uphill runs and produce spot fires one-quarter to one-half mile ahead of the main fire. Humidity will remain low into the evening, allowing fire activity to continue. Unburned areas on the southeastern side of the Hagen Fire may continue to ignite and burn.
Residents should continue to follow current evacuation guidance and remain prepared for changes. Updates will be provided as conditions support changes to evacuation levels.
The goal remains to protect lives, homes and communities while allowing residents to return home as soon as it is safely possible. A Joint Emergency Operations Center, including the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Umatilla County Emergency Management, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Emergency Management, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), remains actively engaged with the Incident Management Team managing the Hagen Fire.
Current Evacuation Map Genasys
Current Evacuation Map Raptor
Sign-up for emergency alerts: www.oralert.gov
Continue to follow official fire updates at Paradise, Hagen and Horse Ridge Fire Information
