The Austin Fire burning in Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest has expanded to nearly 11,700 acres and remained 0% contained as of Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with firefighters continuing efforts to slow the wildfire and protect nearby communities and forest infrastructure.
The fire is burning southeast of Estacada in the Mount Hood National Forest, with activity reported across portions of Clackamas, Marion and Wasco counties. The affected area includes the Collawash River corridor, Cabin Creek and several forest roads.
According to the latest reports, the Austin Fire has burned approximately 11,685.6 acres. Firefighters are working to establish and strengthen containment lines while dealing with spot fires and protecting recreation facilities and other areas that could be threatened by the advancing flames.
Crews have also conducted low-intensity burning operations designed to consume vegetation between the fire and indirect firelines. Officials say these operations are intended to improve firefighters’ ability to hold the fire’s perimeter as conditions change.
The growing wildfire has also created significant smoke impacts beyond the immediate fire area. Smoke from the Austin Fire moved over the Cascades and into Oregon’s Willamette Valley, contributing to unexpectedly poor air quality in parts of Lane County. Officials said the fire’s large smoke column was pushed by winds toward the valley.
Evacuation warnings and closures remain an important part of the response. The U.S. Forest Service has established a closure surrounding the Austin and Narrows fires on the Clackamas River Ranger District, citing risks to forest visitors, firefighters and natural resources. Timothy Lake has also been closed to the public because evacuation routes are currently limited.
The fire’s continued growth comes despite periods of cooler and wetter weather. Recent reports said the wildfire had already exceeded 10,000 acres before reaching its latest size, while containment remained at zero percent.
For residents and visitors in and around the Mount Hood region, officials are urging people to pay close attention to evacuation information, road closures and changing smoke conditions. The situation remains active, and fire behavior could change quickly depending on wind, humidity and vegetation conditions.
Firefighters are expected to continue working around the clock to establish stronger lines and limit further growth. With the Austin Fire still officially uncontained, authorities are treating the wildfire as an ongoing threat while crews focus on protecting people, infrastructure and surrounding communities.
