0485 DEEP CANYON

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The 0485 DEEP CANYON Fire ignited on July 16, 2026 (officially reported on July 17), and is located southwest of Antelope in Wasco County, Oregon.
Size and Containment: As of July 21, 2026, the fire has burned 8,089 acres and has reached 77% containment. Over the weekend, the fire was incorporated into the larger Rowe Creek Complex to streamline resources.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is primarily fueled by short grass (about 1 foot) and brush (about 2 feet). While it initially spread aggressively due to hot, dry, and windy conditions, fire behavior has moderated over the last 72 hours. The fire has shown limited movement recently, allowing crews to halt its spread and focus heavily on patrol and mop-up of remaining heat.
Containment Efforts: The fire is being managed under a unified incident management team as part of the Rowe Creek Complex, involving the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - Prineville District and the Oregon State Fire Marshal. Firefighters are actively securing the line and mopping up interior hot spots to ensure the perimeter remains secure. The larger complex effort involves 590 personnel, 40 engines, 6 dozers, and 8 aircraft. The estimated cost for the Deep Canyon incident is approximately $100,000.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Level 3 "Go Now" mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for the town of Antelope and surrounding areas in Wasco, Wheeler, and Jefferson Counties.
Evacuation Warnings: Level 2 "Be Set" and Level 1 "Be Ready" warnings are in place for nearby communities, including Shaniko and areas along Highway 293.
Curfew: No specific curfews have been announced at this time.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Madras Middle School, located at 1180 SE Kemper Way in Madras, has been established as an evacuation shelter. Residents can identify their specific evacuation zone using Wasco County's online perimeter map.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• State Highways 293 and 218 have reopened after being closed for much of the weekend, though travelers should remain cautious of emergency vehicles in the area.
• The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has closed all BLM-managed land along both sides of the John Day River from Service Creek to the Columbia River.

For more information, visit:

• Wasco County Official Perimeter Map
• Oregon State Emergency Alerts
• Rowe Creek Complex InciWeb Updates

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no injuries or fatalities reported in connection with the Deep Canyon Fire at this time.
Structures Impacted: Currently, zero structures are officially reported as damaged or destroyed by the Deep Canyon Fire. However, the town of Antelope remains threatened, and structural task forces have been actively working to protect homes and outbuildings in the area.
School and Business Closures: Normal operations and businesses in Antelope have been suspended due to the Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders.
Notable Impacts: The fire has threatened rural communities, agricultural lands, and popular recreation areas across Central Oregon.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No widespread power outages have been reported specifically for this incident.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Unauthorized drone flights are illegal and will immediately ground all firefighting aircraft, posing a severe safety risk to crews.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire and the broader complex may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to monitor local air quality and stay indoors if smoke is heavy.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The Deep Canyon Fire is currently 77% contained. Fire activity on this specific incident is expected to remain minimal. Firefighters will continue to focus on securing the control lines and mopping up interior hot spots to extinguish any lingering heat and ensure the perimeter remains secure against incoming weather.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Wednesday, July 22, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. due to forecasted thunderstorms and lightning. A dangerous new weather front is expected to arrive, bringing hot, dry, and gusty conditions. This could increase fire activity, test existing containment lines, and create a high potential for new fire starts across the region.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The fire was caused by lightning following a major weather event on July 15, 2026, which produced over 2,000 lightning strikes across Central Oregon.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid initial growth was heavily influenced by extreme fire weather conditions. Prolonged high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds critically dried out local vegetation, making the landscape highly susceptible to ignition and rapid fire spread. The ongoing hot and dry conditions continue to pose severe challenges for firefighters across the state.

For more information, visit:

• Central Oregon Fire Information
• Oregon State Fire Marshal Newsroom
• InciWeb - Rowe Creek Complex