- Two lightning-sparked wildfires, the Salmon and Greenhorn fires, merged near Greenhorn, Oregon, burning an estimated 229 acres after initial reports of 1,000 acres.
- A Level 3 ("go now") evacuation order remains in effect for Greenhorn, a historic ghost town with about 20 cabins at 6,300 feet elevation.
- Fire crews from multiple agencies, including two structural task forces with 27 firefighters, are protecting structures; aircraft including a converted 737 have dropped retardant.
- Another blaze, the Anthony Fire, burning north of Anthony Lakes, reached 400 acres, prompting Level 1 and Level 2 evacuation notices for nearby areas.
- Cabin owner John Bradfeldt, also a city councilor, evacuated but remains optimistic due to fire-resistant construction and aggressive firefighting efforts.
Introduction
Lightning storms that swept through northeastern Oregon on July 7, 2026, ignited multiple wildfires, with the most significant threatening the remote historic town of Greenhorn in Baker County. The fires, which have merged and grown rapidly, have prompted evacuations and a major firefighting response, including air tankers and ground crews. While the situation remains dynamic, residents and officials are cautiously hopeful that the town's structures can be saved.
Evacuations and Fire Growth
The Baker County Sheriff's Office issued a Level 3 ("go now") evacuation order for Greenhorn on the evening of July 7, as the Salmon Fire, sparked about half a mile northwest of town, began to grow. By July 8, the fire had merged with the Greenhorn Fire, located about a mile west. Initial estimates placed the combined blaze at 1,000 acres, but after more accurate mapping on July 9, the size was revised to 229 acres. However, as of July 10, the Umatilla National Forest, which is overseeing the firefighting effort, estimated the combined fire at 1,000 acres. The fire has mainly spread to the south, away from the town, but gusty winds—predicted to reach 22 mph—remain a concern.
John Bradfeldt, a cabin owner and Greenhorn city councilor, initially stayed in town but evacuated on July 8 after a forecast shift in wind direction. He reported that about 20 people were in Greenhorn on July 7, but that number dwindled to a handful by the time he left. The Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office deployed two structural task forces from Lane and Yamhill counties, including eight engines, two water tenders, and 27 firefighters, to protect the town's approximately 18 cabins.
The sheriff's office also posted on its Facebook page that deputies and search and rescue members were notifying any property owners who were staying in Greenhorn. Firefighters were also available to help protect cabins.
Two people chose to stay in Greenhorn: Arne Olsen, who owns the historic Miles Potter cabin, and his friend Brian Parvi, both of Longview, Washington. Olsen, who has owned the Potter cabin for about 45 years, said he and Parvi decided to stay. They had been working on the cabin since July 2. Parvi said in a phone interview on July 9 that the firefighting effort was "a hive of activity" and that Greenhorn seemed "well-protected." Olsen agreed, stating, "This town will not be hit, given the amount of firepower they have." They said their belongings are packed and they will leave if sheriff's deputies sound a horn. Olsen noted that the current fire is closer to Greenhorn than a blaze in August 2013 that also threatened the town.
On July 10, Parvi reported that the town was cloaked in dense smoke with visibility at 150 yards, but he felt confident that firefighters would keep the flames at bay. "The town is very safe," Parvi said. "(Fire crews) hit it really hard with aircraft and on the ground Thursday. It was pretty amazing to watch." Between stints working on the roof of the cabin, Parvi and Olsen traveled around the area, checking the fire from different vantage points and talking with firefighters. Although weather forecasts called for wind gusts up to 22 mph on Thursday afternoon, and from the northwest, which would potentially push the fire toward Greenhorn, Parvi said winds were lighter than that Thursday. "That was a blessing," he said. Based on fire maps, the blaze has been spreading to the south rather than to the east. Parvi said smoke, not the threat of fire, would likely be the only reason he would leave Greenhorn before July 14, when he has to return to Longview regardless. Olsen and Parvi believe they are the only people, other than firefighters and law enforcement, still in Greenhorn as of 1 p.m. Thursday.
Bradfeldt, who drove away about 7 p.m. on Wednesday and arrived home about 2 a.m. Thursday, said he was impressed by the firefighting effort, including a converted 737 jet airliner that dropped fire retardant on the outskirts of Greenhorn on Wednesday. He noted that a sheriff's deputy told him fire crews were prepared to wrap structures with fire-resistant material if needed. Bradfeldt is optimistic about his cabin in part because of its construction: the 864-square-foot cabin, built in 2012, has a metal roof and siding made from concrete composite rather than wood, which should resist heat and fire. He has also cleared trees and brush around his home to a distance of about 45 feet. "I feel fairly confident my place will survive," Bradfeldt said. "But you never know." He said firefighters worked constantly on Wednesday, cutting limbs from trees and using a bulldozer to dig firelines around Greenhorn.
Officials also ordered a Complex Incident Management Team, a highly trained emergency response team used for large fires, which will help manage the Salmon Fire and smaller surrounding fires. These fires include the 40-acre Olivia Butte Fire, around 2 miles northeast of Greenhorn, and the 9-acre Cow Meadows Fire, southwest of Greenhorn. "The combination of predicted winds, low relative humidities, and fuel loading in the area is a concern for firefighters," the USFS said.
Mutual aid also included a structural task force from Portland Fire & Rescue, in addition to the task forces from Lane and Yamhill counties.
According to a July 8 press release from the Umatilla National Forest, the Salmon Fire was initially estimated at 10 acres, burning half a mile northwest of Greenhorn in heavy dead and down fuels and subalpine fir, on the boundary of the North Fork John Day Wilderness. Observed fire behavior included torching of small groups of trees and 2-5 ft flame lengths through ground fuels. The Greenhorn Fire was also estimated at 10 acres, about 1.5 miles west of Greenhorn, with similar fire behavior. Crews were working to bring heavy equipment to the firelines, and aircraft including heavy helicopters and air attack were ordered. Winds were predicted to increase from the northwest at 8 to 15 mph with gusts up to 22 mph after 3:00 pm on July 8. The public was asked to avoid the area for safety and to facilitate firefighting efforts.
The Forest Service closed an area around the fire to the public on Friday, July 10. The closure includes the Olive Lake Campground west of Granite. A link to the closure area map is available at www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF.
On July 9, officials announced that the Salmon and Greenhorn Fires had merged and will now be referred to as the Salmon Fire. A Complex Incident Management Team was ordered and will transition with the current Incident Management Team on July 10 at 6 am. The team will manage the Salmon Fire along with the Caribou Fire, Cow Meadow Fire, Olive Butte Fire, and Vinegar Hill Fire. A temporary area closure around the fires was issued for public safety. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) of 7 nautical miles centered around Vinegar Peak surrounds the Salmon Fire to ensure safe aircraft operations. The public is reminded that unauthorized drone flights can shut down aerial firefighting operations.
Anthony Fire and Other Blazes
Another major fire, the Anthony Fire, ignited about 2.5 miles northeast of Anthony Lakes and grew to an estimated 400 acres by July 9. This fire prompted a Level 1 ("be ready") evacuation notice for the Anthony Lakes and Floodwater Flats areas, and later a Level 3 notice for areas north of the Anthony Lakes Highway. Aircraft, including two converted DC-10 jets carrying 8,000 gallons of retardant each, have been deployed. Power was temporarily shut off to 36 member-owners near the fire to support first responder safety.
Evacuation orders have been issued for Union County because of the Anthony Fire, which started burning 2 miles northeast of Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. Crews were still working to establish a containment perimeter. Areas between Gorham Butte and Bear Butte are in a Level 3, "go now," evacuation zone. Areas surrounding Dutch Flat Creek and Antelope Peak are in a Level 2, "be set," evacuation zone. Areas surrounding Anthony Lake, south of Anthony Lakes Highway, are in a Level 1, "be ready," evacuation zone. The fire is burning more than 300 acres, and an Incident Management Team was ordered on July 9. The team is specially trained to fight fires on complex terrain. "Firefighting crews are working on primary control lines and are supported with retardant drops from aircraft," the USFS said. Crews are utilizing bulldozers to strip vegetation, removing the fire's fuel source. Crews are also working to protect structures. The USFS said that the Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort remains unaffected thus far.
Multiple smaller lightning fires were also reported in the region, including the Olive Butte Fire (30 acres) and several fires under an acre, most of which were quickly contained.
Local California Context
While Greenhorn is located in Oregon, the fires are occurring in a region that shares ecological and topographical similarities with California's Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges. The dense subalpine fir forests, dead and down fuels, and steep terrain are reminiscent of conditions that often challenge firefighters in California. The use of air tankers and structural task forces mirrors strategies commonly employed in California wildfires. However, the fires are not directly impacting California communities.
Background
Greenhorn, incorporated in 1912, is the highest incorporated city in Oregon at 6,300 feet, with no year-round residents and roads unplowed in winter. The area was settled during the 1860s gold rush. The current fires are burning near the footprint of the 2017 Bear Butte Fire (500 acres) and the 1990 Bear Fire, which left firebreaks that may help slow the spread. The region has experienced periodic lightning-caused fires, and the current blazes are being managed by the Umatilla National Forest and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
The Greenhorn Fire, reported just before 8 p.m. on July 7, is near Vinegar Hill, the highest point in the Greenhorn Mountains about a mile and a half west of Greenhorn. The Salmon Fire, named for nearby Salmon Creek, is in the North Fork John Day Wilderness about half a mile northwest of Greenhorn and was reported just after midnight. The dispatch center does not list a cause for either fire, but a series of thunderstorms with lightning passed through the area Tuesday evening.
Conclusion
As of July 10, 2026, the Salmon Fire (merged with Greenhorn Fire) is estimated at 1,000 acres with a Level 3 evacuation order in effect for Greenhorn. The Anthony Fire is at 400 acres with varying evacuation levels. Firefighters continue to work to contain the blazes, with favorable weather predicted. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and be prepared to evacuate if conditions change.