AUSTIN

Level 3 evacuation orders remain in effect along upper Clackamas River

The Austin Fire is burning in heavy timber litter and understory along the Clackamas River drainage southeast of Estacada. Fire activity has remained minimal with creeping, smoldering, and localized backing in sheltered fuels while firefighters strengthen containment lines. Level 3 evacuation orders remain active for surrounding recreation sites and campgrounds along the river corridor.

Evacuations and Closures

• Level 3 'Go Now' evacuation orders remain in effect as of September 10 for areas surrounding the fire, including Bagby Hot Springs, Lake Harriet, and campgrounds along the Clackamas River east of Carter Bridge.
• A Mt. Hood National Forest emergency closure remains in effect as of September 8 for the Clackamas River Ranger District, closing forest lands, trails, and roads including portions of Forest Roads 46, 57, 63, 70, and Oregon Route 224 east of Fish Creek.

Conditions and Outlook

A cold front brings cooler weather, gusty westerly winds, and rain showers through the weekend, followed by drier conditions early next week. Fire activity is expected to stay minimal, limited to smoldering and creeping in sheltered heavy timber. Firefighters will continue patrolling control lines, falling hazard trees, masticating fuels, and clearing debris from Forest Road 46.

Cause and Context

The fire was determined to be human-caused. It is being managed alongside the Grasshopper Fire by Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 10 on the Clackamas River Ranger District.

Official updates current through September 11, 2026.