Emigrant Fire – Update August 25, 2025

Springfield, Ore. – August 25, 2025 — Firefighters are engaged in a full suppression response to the Emigrant Fire that started yesterday on the Middle Fork Ranger District following lightning that rolled across the central Cascades. Driven by hot, dry and windy conditions, the fire grew quickly and is now estimated at 1,200 acres burning on steep slopes in a heavily snagged area within the 2009 Tumblebug Fire scar.

The fire is located in a remote area approximately 3 miles southwest of Indigo Springs Campground. Resources responding include crews, air attack, helicopters, and various large equipment with additional resources en route. 

Today, firefighters will be scouting options for fireline construction and improving containment lines previously used in the 2009 Tumblebug Fire. An Infrared Flight was conducted this morning and provided updated information about the size and location of the fire. 

Given the continued hot, windy and unstable conditions accompanying today’s thunderstorms, additional fire growth is expected. These conditions also make it challenging for firefighters to take action directly along some portions of the fire’s edge. A Complex Incident Management Team is being in-briefed this evening and will assume management of the fire tomorrow.  

Smoke is visible in the vicinity of the fire and may settle into nearby drainages overnight. Smoke and air quality information is available at https://www.oregonsmoke.org/ and https://www.lrapa-or.gov/air-quality-protection/current-aqi/. 

Visitors are asked to avoid the area for public and firefighter safety. 

Please remember to be check for and follow all fire restrictions when visiting the Willamette National Forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/fire

Visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/fire and follow us on Facebook and X @WillametteNF for current fire information. To report a wildfire, please call 911.