Austin Fire Expands in Mt. Hood National Forest, Prompts Level 3 Evacuations
The Austin Fire in the Mt. Hood National Forest has grown to over 10,700 acres, prompting level 3 evacuations in Clackamas County as nearly 600 personnel work on containment.
Portland, OR, August 30, 2026 — The Austin Fire, located within the Mt. Hood National Forest, has significantly expanded, reaching over 10,700 acres.
This substantial growth has led to the implementation of level 3 evacuations for areas within Clackamas County. A level 3 evacuation, often referred to as “Go Now,” means residents should leave the affected area immediately due to immediate danger to life and property.
Currently, nearly 600 personnel are engaged in efforts to contain the wildfire. The specific cause of the Austin Fire was not detailed in the provided information, nor were specific timelines for the evacuation orders or the progress of containment efforts beyond the current deployment of resources.
The Mt. Hood National Forest is a significant natural area, and fires in the region can pose substantial risks to ecosystems and nearby communities. The scale of the Austin Fire indicates a challenging situation for firefighting crews as they work to bring the blaze under control.
Further details regarding the evacuation zones, potential road closures, and the status of containment will likely be provided by relevant authorities as the situation develops. Information on the origin and contributing factors to the fire’s rapid spread has not yet been released.
Story summarized from the original created by MacKenzie Belley on www.koin.com, see more information here.
