Monday, 27 July 2026, 22:50
Interstate 84, a major east-west highway in Oregon, was shut down for 70 miles between Baker City and Ontario as the Fox Fire wildfire spread near the corridor. The closure, announced by ODOT, left no immediate detours and threatened to disrupt travel for days. The highway has since reopened, but intermittent closures remain possible due to active fire conditions.
The wildfire, referred to as the Fox Fire, has prompted a complete shutdown of I-84 from Baker City (near milepost 302) to Ontario (near milepost 374). ODOT confirmed that all other roads in the area are also closed due to fire activity, leaving no suitable detour for interstate traffic. Local routes like OR-245 remain open only for residents and emergency vehicles.
The fire has burned nearly 72 square miles and was 0% contained as of Monday. It forced Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations in Huntington, a town of about 500 residents located about 12 miles northeast of the fire. Mayor Chuck Guerri said the fire approached within 250 feet of the nearest home before firefighters contained that portion. Thick smoke made conditions hazardous. Firefighters are building dozer lines around the town to protect infrastructure. With aircraft potentially grounded due to limited visibility from the smoke, firefighters were building bulldozer lines around Huntington near a railroad that also runs through the area to protect critical infrastructure, authorities said.
As of Monday, the interstate had reopened. ODOT announced the reopening of I-84 around 2 p.m. on Monday. However, ODOT warned that because the wildfire threat remains active, conditions could change quickly and another closure could happen.
Officials have not provided a timeline for when the interstate might reopen. The fire continues to burn near the highway, and firefighting resources are stretched. Drivers are urged to postpone travel to the region or use alternative routes far north or south, though no official alternatives have been designated.
While the closure is in Oregon, residents of San Bernardino County and the Apple Valley area frequently travel I-84 for trips to the Pacific Northwest. Those planning to visit Oregon should monitor ODOT alerts and consider alternate flights or longer routes through Nevada or Washington.
Oregon has seen an active wildfire season, with several fires ignited by lightning and human activity. The Fox Fire is one of several burning in eastern Oregon, a region prone to dry conditions and high winds that can rapidly spread flames. In 2024, nearby wildfires similarly forced highway closures.
Wildfires have been challenging across the Western U.S. this summer, following months of dry weather, record low snow, and erratic winds. In a separate incident, a fourth firefighter died from injuries sustained in a wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border. Elsewhere in Oregon, U.S. Route 20 was closed for 70 miles between Burns and Vale due to wildfire, and the Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters remains a priority. In central Oregon, the Akawa Butte Fire was deemed a top priority for firefighting due to its proximity about 5 miles (8 kilometers) to Sisters, a small city of about 3,000 people. While authorities said Sunday that fire activity had decreased across much of the fire, part of the town is still under an evacuation notice with residents told to be prepared to leave if necessary.
Travelers should avoid the I-84 corridor between Baker City and Ontario until further notice. Check ODOT's TripCheck website for real-time updates. If you have family or freight in the area, advise them to stay off the roads and follow evacuation orders if issued.
