The Marks Creek Fire, which began on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in Oregon's Ochoco National Forest, has significantly increased in size, now covering 2,500 acres. As of Thursday morning, September 4, 2025, the fire remains uncontained. Authorities have issued Level 3 evacuation orders for a section of U.S. Highway 26 and a Level 2 evacuation advisory for areas south of the Ochoco Ranger Station.
Firefighting efforts are actively underway, with a substantial deployment of resources including numerous engines, dozers, hand crews, and aerial assets such as helicopters and air tankers. These teams are working diligently to establish and reinforce control lines around the fire's perimeter. Challenging conditions, including hot and dry weather with temperatures expected to reach the low 90s Fahrenheit and light southeast winds, are anticipated to influence the fire's behavior.
Drivers in the vicinity of Highway 26 are advised to exercise caution due to potential smoke reducing visibility and causing travel delays. The Marks Creek Fire is part of a broader trend of significant wildfire activity in Oregon. For example, the Emigrant Fire, which started on August 24, 2025, had already consumed over 30,000 acres by September 4, 2025, leading to widespread closures in national forests.
The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a heightened fire season, with numerous large fires active across Oregon and Washington. Fire prevention remains a critical concern, and all public lands in Central Oregon, including the Ochoco National Forest, are under Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions. These restrictions prohibit open flames, including campfires and charcoal briquettes, except in designated established campgrounds. The cause of the Marks Creek Fire is currently under investigation.
The Oregon Department of Transportation has implemented traffic control measures, including the use of flaggers on Highway 26, to manage the situation and advise drivers to check tripcheck.com for the latest road conditions.