Full Breakdown
Interstate 84 Shut for 70 Miles as Oregon’s Fox Fire Rages
7/28/2026, 3:24:06 PM
Interstate 84 Closure and Immediate Effects
On Monday, July 27, 2026, the Oregon Department of Transportation announced the closure of Interstate 84 for roughly 70 miles (113 km) between Baker City and Ontario, near the Idaho state line. The shutdown was prompted by the rapidly spreading Fox Fire, which forced the evacuation of the nearby town of Huntington. The highway reopened later that day, but officials warned that intermittent closures could continue while the blaze remains active.
Fire Scope, Containment and Environmental Conditions
The Fox Fire has scorched nearly 72 square miles (186 km²) and was reported as 0 % contained as of the same day. Fueled by hot, dry and breezy weather that has characterized the Western U.S. summer, the fire burned about 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Huntington. The blaze approached within 250 feet (76 m) of the nearest home before firefighters gained control of that sector. The town, home to roughly 500 residents, was placed under a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order, requiring immediate departure.
Local Leadership and Emergency Actions
Huntington Mayor Chuck Guerri coordinated the evacuation and described the smoke as so thick it could be tasted. He noted that fire crews knocked on doors and deployed bulldozer lines around the town, especially near a railroad, to protect critical infrastructure. “We want to make sure that they can keep that contained out there and not turn into something else,” — Chuck Guerri, huntington mayor The town’s fire chief suffered a head and back injury when his fire truck rolled over over the weekend and was airlifted for treatment. Authorities continue to monitor the surrounding rangeland to prevent further spread.
Wider Regional Impacts
In addition to the I-84 closure, the state transportation website listed a nearly 70-mile closure of U.S. Route 20 between Burns and Vale due to wildfire activity. Central Oregon’s Akawa Butte Fire, located about 5 miles (8 km) from the city of Sisters (?3,000 residents), was also designated a top firefighting priority. These concurrent incidents underscore the extensive strain on Oregon’s fire-management resources and the potential for further travel disruptions across the state.
