Porcupine Ridge Fire Grows to Nearly 77,000 Acres; Thunderstorms Could Challenge Firefighters
Photo from Gilliam County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
From Gilliam County Sheriff's Office with edits from Joshuah Albert:
Condon, Ore., July 22, 2026 —Firefighters continued strengthening containment lines Tuesday across the Hay Creek Complex as temperatures climbed into the 90s and forecasters warned of another round of critical fire weather and possible thunderstorms.
The largest fire in the complex, the Porcupine Ridge Fire, has grown to 76,809 acres and is now 20% contained.
Over the past several days, fire growth and planned burnout operations caused the McInnes, 456, and Wilcox fires to merge into the Porcupine Ridge Fire, creating one large incident.
Crews spent Tuesday extinguishing hot spots along more than 20 miles of fireline, particularly in rugged canyon country near the John Day River. Firefighters also worked around Wilcox Ranch, Buckhorn Ranch and Buckhorn Lane to prevent flare-ups that could send embers across containment lines.
Because of the extreme heat, firefighters took additional safety breaks throughout the day to reduce the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.
Officials said the Hoag Fire and Hopkin Fire are showing very little remaining heat, allowing some firefighters and equipment to be reassigned to more active areas of the complex and to other fires around the region.
A new Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) equipped with infrared cameras is also assisting firefighters. The aircraft can detect hidden hot spots in steep, rocky terrain and, when conditions allow, ignite isolated pockets of unburned vegetation in areas that are too dangerous for ground crews to reach. Officials said the work helps eliminate fuel that could allow the fire to reignite and escape containment lines.
Thunderstorms could increase fire danger
Fire managers are now turning their attention to the weather.
Forecasters expect another round of critical fire weather today and Thursday as monsoonal moisture moves into the region. While slightly cooler temperatures are expected Wednesday, the chance of thunderstorms also increases.
Thunderstorms could bring lightning along with sudden, erratic wind gusts capable of pushing flames across containment lines or igniting new wildfires.
Current fire status
As of Tuesday evening:
Porcupine Ridge Fire: 76,809 acres, 20% contained
Hoag Fire: 50,224 acres, 97% contained
Hopkin Fire: 11,366 acres, 98% contained
Nearly 950 personnel remain assigned to the Hay Creek Complex, including 33 hand crews, 48 engines and 10 bulldozers.
A temporary flight restriction remains in effect over the Porcupine Ridge Fire. Officials remind the public that flying drones near wildfires is prohibited because they can interfere with firefighting aircraft.
Residents in Gilliam, Wasco and Sherman counties are encouraged to monitor local evacuation notices as fire conditions and weather continue to change.
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