McCully

Fire fully contained with all evacuation notices lifted

The McCully Fire is smoldering in the Elkhorn Mountains northwest of Baker City. Fire activity has been minimal following recent precipitation, with heat lingering only in sheltered fuels deep within the perimeter. Crews have encircled the fire and are focused on suppression repair and road rehabilitation.

Evacuations and Closures

• All evacuation levels and notices for Baker and Grant counties were lifted on September 14.
• An emergency forest area closure on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest remains in effect as of September 15.
• Forest Road 73 along the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway remains closed between North Fork John Day Campground and the junction of Chicken Hill and Crawfish Basin roads as of September 14.
• The Anthony Lakes recreation area remains open and accessible as of September 14.

Impact

No cabins, homes, or other structures have been damaged or destroyed, and no injuries have been reported.

Conditions and Outlook

Gradual daytime warming with light easterly to northeasterly breezes will continue through midweek before a passing weather system brings cooler conditions and a chance of rain showers. Fire behavior is expected to remain minimal with isolated smoldering confined to interior duff and stump holes. Crews will continue repairing hand and dozer lines, stabilizing slopes to prevent erosion, and chipping debris along forest roads.

Cause and Context

The fire was caused by a lightning storm that moved across the Elkhorn Mountains on August 22. With command transferring from the incident management team back to the local national forest, ongoing public inquiries are directed to the Whitman Ranger District office.

Official updates current through September 15, 2026.