Full Breakdown
Austin and Narrows Fires Force Wide Closures in Mt. Hood National Forest
8/28/2026, 11:49:20 AM
Wildfire Overview and Closures
Multiple wildfires are raging across Oregon and Washington, with the Austin and Narrows fires concentrating in the Clackamas River Ranger District of the Mt. Hood National Forest. The Austin Fire has burned roughly 9,000 acres and remains 0 percent contained, while the Narrows Fire has scorched about 284 acres and is also 0 percent contained. Steep terrain limits crew access, especially on the western flank of the Austin Fire, which has recently entered the scar left by the 2020 Riverside Fire.
In response, the U.S. Forest Service expanded its emergency closure order to block Highway 224 east of Fish Creek, Forest Roads 46, 57, 63, and 70, and several popular recreation sites—including Lake Harriet, Bagby Hot Springs, campgrounds along the Clackamas River east of Carter Bridge, and Timothy Lake, which Pacific Gas & Electric has also closed for safety. The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 3 “Go Now!” evacuation notice for the same area, directing residents and visitors to leave immediately.
Official Statements & Responses
Fire official Lisa Wilkolak explained that the closures are intended to protect both the public and the hundreds of firefighters battling the blazes. The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the evacuation order is necessary to keep people away from active fire lines. The U.S. Forest Service warned that ongoing drought and hot, dry weather continue to elevate wildfire risk and urged the public to observe fire restrictions.
Verbatim Quote
“We don’t want to prevent people from recreation and access to the forest that so many people in particular around Labor Day would want to have available,” — Lisa Wilkolak, fire official
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Two sources provide slightly different acreage figures for the Austin Fire. KPTV reports the fire has burned about 9,237 acres, while OPB states it has burned “more than 9,000 acres.” Both agree the fire remains 0 percent contained. No additional data on the Narrows Fire’s growth beyond the 284-acre figure is offered, leaving its future behavior uncertain.
