0476 HOAG

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The 0476 Hoag Fire (formerly known as the Lower Rock Creek Fire) ignited on Thursday, July 16, 2026. It is burning in Gilliam County, Oregon, south of Arlington near the Sherman-Gilliam county line and the Rock Creek area.
Size and Containment: As of July 21, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 50,403 acres and is currently 83% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire initially expanded rapidly through highly receptive dry grass, rangeland vegetation, and timber in steep canyons. Driven by hot, dry weather, gusty winds, and dry vegetation, the fire exhibited extreme behavior including torching and spotting.
Containment Efforts: The Hoag Fire is part of the larger Hay Creek Complex. Unified command involves the Bureau of Land Management (Prineville District), the Oregon Department of Forestry, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office. Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, allowing the state to mobilize task force crews from California and Washington to assist local agencies. Firefighters have made significant progress over the last 72 hours, focusing on extinguishing residual hot spots along the fire perimeters, protecting homes, and strengthening containment lines.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Level 3 ("GO NOW!") evacuations remain in effect for residents along Lower Rock Creek Road, Middle Rock Creek Road to Highway 19, Weatherford Lane, Bottimiller Lane, and nearby areas west of Highway 19.
Evacuation Warnings: Level 2 ("Be Set") and Level 1 ("Be Ready") notices are active for surrounding areas in Gilliam County.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Temporary emergency shelters have been established at the South Gilliam Emergency Services Building (220 Northeast Main Street in Condon) and Arlington Elementary School. The evacuations cover a significant rural area, and multiple families have been displaced.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Travel restrictions may affect traffic on Oregon Highway 19 near Gwendolen.
• The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued restrictions and temporary fire closures on BLM-administered lands in the region.
• Residents are urged to avoid the area to allow firefighters and emergency personnel room to work.

For more information, visit:

• Central Oregon Fire Information
• Oregon RAPTOR Evacuation Map
• Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire Information

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no specific injuries or fatalities reported in connection with the Hoag Fire at this time.
Structures Impacted: The fire has destroyed multiple homes and outbuildings. Specifically, multiple residences along French Charlie Road near Middle Rock Creek were lost to the flames.
School and Business Closures: Arlington Elementary School is currently being utilized as an emergency evacuation shelter.
Notable Impacts: The fire has damaged local infrastructure and stretched firefighting resources thin across the county. First responders and local ranchers have worked around the clock to protect the community.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: Local infrastructure damage may cause power disruptions in the affected areas.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: Extensive burn bans and fire restrictions are in place across Oregon due to extreme fire danger and drought emergencies. All outdoor burning is strictly restricted.
Air Quality: Wildfire smoke can change air quality quickly, creating unhealthy conditions across the region. Residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure, stay indoors when possible, and check conditions using local air quality resources.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With 83% containment achieved, firefighters have made significant progress. Crews continue searching for residual hot spots along the edges of the Hoag Fire and are working to secure the perimeter. Firefighters remain ready to respond quickly to any new flare-ups in the area.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Recent cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and scattered showers over the last 72 hours have moderated fire activity. Fine fuels absorbed enough moisture to resist burning, though larger fuels like dead trees and down logs in canyons remain dry. Monsoonal moisture is expected to provide cloud cover, reducing winds and moderating temperatures.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the Hoag Fire is currently under investigation, though officials noted that lightning caused several fires in the region over the past week.
Weather and Climate: Extreme climate conditions played a major role in the fire's rapid initial spread. Oregon has been experiencing an elevated fire risk due to ongoing drought conditions and a recent spell of hot, dry weather with shifting winds. The combination of dry fuels, high temperatures, and gusty winds created a highly volatile environment, prompting a statewide emergency declaration.

For more information, visit:

• Central Oregon Fire Information
• Oregon RAPTOR Evacuation Map
• Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire Information