Lightning-Sparked Fire Complexes Continue to Grow Across Mid-Columbia; New Evacuation Orders Issued

Jul 20

Written By Columbia Community Connection

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore., July 20, 2026 —Wildfires ignited by last week's widespread lightning storm continue to burn across the Mid-Columbia, prompting new evacuation notices in parts of Wasco and Gilliam counties as firefighters work to contain several growing fire complexes.

The fires are part of a regional outbreak that began after a powerful lightning storm moved through north-central Oregon on July 15, igniting dozens of wildfires across the region.

Wasco County

The Wasco County Sheriff's Office announced Sunday that the Deep Canyon 485 and Deep Canyon 432 fires near Antelope have been incorporated into the Rowe Creek Complex, placing them under a unified incident management team.

County officials emphasized that Wasco County will continue handling evacuation notices and public alerts for local residents, even though the fires are now managed as part of the larger complex.

As of Sunday, the Rowe Creek Complex had burned nearly 127,000 acres and remained 0% contained, according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal. Firefighters continue working to protect homes and critical infrastructure while facing hot, dry and windy conditions.

Residents can check evacuation zones using the county's online perimeter map and are encouraged to sign up for Everbridge emergency alerts to receive evacuation notifications for their address.

Gilliam County

The Gilliam County Sheriff's Office also issued new Level 2 ("Be Set") evacuation notices Sunday afternoon for areas threatened by the Hopkin Fire and Porcupine Ridge Fire, both part of the Hay Creek Complex.

Porcupine Ridge Fire

East of the John Day River to Highway 19.
North of Buckhorn Lane to Richmond Lane near Condon.

Hopkin Fire

West of Highway 19 from Middle Rock Creek to the John Day River.
South along Highway 206 to Beeks Lane.

A Level 2 evacuation means there is significant danger in the area. Residents should be prepared to leave immediately if conditions worsen by gathering essential belongings, making arrangements for pets and livestock, and staying alert for additional evacuation notices.

Gilliam County officials said they continue working closely with Northwest Incident Management Team 10 and will provide updates as conditions change.

Fire officials continue urging residents to monitor official evacuation information, stay away from active fire areas and never fly drones near wildfires, as they can interfere with firefighting aircraft.