Oregon wildfire response expands as Shingle Fire closes Highway 26

Oregon’s response to the Shingle Fire expanded as of a July 27 state update, with the blaze threatening approximately 170 homes and ranch areas near Dayville and a section of U.S. Highway 26 closed for public and firefighter safety.

The fire is affecting areas in Grant and Wheeler counties. Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation notices remain in effect in areas impacted by the fire, and conditions may change quickly. The Oregon State Fire Marshal said Dayville was under Level 1 and Level 2 status, while the area between the county line and Highway 26 was at Level 3. Residents should check the latest local evacuation notice for their specific address rather than assume an order applies to an entire community.

State resources deployed to protect homes

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has established a unified command and deployed two structural-protection task forces to defend homes and other structures threatened by the fire. The task forces are working with ranch personnel and wildland firefighters in the Antone Ranch and Rattlesnake areas.

Gov. Tina Kotek invoked Oregon’s Emergency Conflagration Act on July 25 because of the fire’s rapid growth and extreme behavior. The declaration is a state mobilization authority that allows Oregon to bring additional firefighting resources to the incident. It is separate from local evacuation orders and does not itself require residents to leave.

Highway and public-land closures

U.S. Highway 26 remains closed near the incident for public and firefighter safety. The closure affects residents, commuters and travelers using the documented incident-area segment. Smoke and reduced visibility may also create driving hazards outside the closure area. Travelers should check current transportation notices before leaving and avoid restricted areas.

The Sheep Rock Unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is under an emergency closure, and emergency fire closures have expanded across the Ochoco National Forest. The restrictions may affect recreation, public-land access and travel plans in the region.

Command change and conditions to watch

Incident command was scheduled to transfer to Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 5 at 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 28. The available update does not confirm whether that handoff has been completed, so residents should check current fire-management notices for the latest command and evacuation information.

Smoke, visibility, road conditions and evacuation levels can shift rapidly during a wildfire. Before traveling or deciding whether to evacuate, residents should check current notices from local emergency officials, the Oregon State Fire Marshal and transportation authorities.

Sources

• Oregon State Fire Marshal: Shingle Fire incident update
• Central Oregon Fire Information: Shingle Fire July 26 update