What is the name and location of the wildfire?

On July 16, 2024, there were several large-scale fires burning across Oregon, triggering evacuations, air quality alerts, and a state-of-emergency declaration by the governor (1).

The largest of the fires, the Cow Valley Fire, is burning 9 miles east of Ironside, Oregon and has shown “extreme” fire behavior. The fire is being driven by strong winds and warm temperatures.

Other large fires include the Eugene Airport Brush Fire, near Eugene Airport in Lane County; the Falls Fire 13.5 miles north of Burns in Grant and Harney counties; the Lone Rock Fire in North Central Oregon, in Wasco County; and the Salt Creek Fire in Southern Oregon, in Jackson County.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

Many counties and cities in Oregon are being impacted by Oregon’s wildfires, including:

• Cow Valley Fire: Baker, Grant, Harney, Malheur, and Morrow counties and the cities of Baker City and Burns.
• Eugene Airport Brush Fire: Eugene and surrounding areas in Lane County.
• Falls Fire: Grant and Harney counties.
• Lone Rock Fire: Wasco County.
• Salt Creek Fire: Jackson County.

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

The Cow Valley Fire has burned over 132,500 acres and is 5% contained. It is the largest wildfire in the state (2).

The Eugene Airport Brush Fire has burned approximately 115 acres, with ongoing containment efforts. The fire triggered “Level 3” evacuations, which have since been downgraded to “Level 1 (3).”

The Falls Fire has burned 64,225 acres and is at 0% containment. The Lone Rock Fire has burned 18,486 acres and is 10% contained. The Salt Creek Fire has burned 4,081 acres and is 41% contained.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

There are evacuation orders in place for most of the large fires.

Level 1 and 2 evacuation orders are in place for areas near the Cow Valley Fire. For the Eugene Airport Brush Fire, initial Level 3 evacuation orders have been downgraded to Level 1. Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders remain for areas affected by the Falls Fire. Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders are also in place for the Lone Rock Fire.

Residents are urged to check local government websites for the latest evacuation maps and updates.

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.