September 11, 2025 – The Emigrant Fire continues to burn in southern Lane County, Oregon, posing challenges for firefighters and disruption for nearby communities and recreational areas.
Name and Location
The Emigrant Fire is located in rugged terrain of southern Lane County, about three miles southwest of Indigo Springs Campground and 20 miles southeast of Oakridge.
The blaze is close to the Lane/Douglas County line and sits within the scar left by the 2009 Tumblebug Fire, an area known for difficult fire behavior and dangerous conditions.
Also Read
Areas Affected
Several communities and natural areas are impacted by the fire’s spread:
-
Oakridge – the closest city and a hub for evacuation staging and firefighting operations.
-
Rigdon area – including residences and recreational sites under warning levels.
-
Timpanogas Lake area – popular for hiking and camping, now closed due to fire risk.
In addition to these communities, multiple campgrounds, recreation sites, hiking trails, and forest roads within the Willamette National Forest have been closed to the public to ensure safety and keep access open for firefighting crews.
Containment Status
As of September 11, 2025, the Emigrant Fire has burned 32,294 acres and is reported at 10% containment.
Fire crews are operating under a full suppression strategy, aiming to stop the fire’s spread rather than allowing it to burn naturally. However, steep terrain, hazardous falling snags, and unstable weather conditions marked by hot and dry air continue to complicate firefighting efforts.
Aircraft support, bulldozer lines, and hand crews are all being deployed, but progress remains slow.
Evacuation Orders and Alerts
Authorities have issued evacuation warnings for multiple zones, with alerts varying by location:
-
Level 2 “Set” evacuation orders – residents should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
-
Level 1 “Ready” evacuation alerts – residents are advised to prepare now in case conditions worsen.
The Willamette National Forest has closed access to dozens of lakes, campgrounds, trailheads, and forest roads. These closures are intended both to keep the public safe and to allow firefighting crews to move quickly in dangerous conditions.
Smoke advisories have also been issued across Lane and neighboring counties, with health officials urging residents and visitors to stay clear of closure zones.
Smoke and Air Quality Concerns
The Emigrant Fire is producing significant smoke that is affecting communities across southern Oregon. Health officials recommend that residents monitor air quality levels daily and take steps to protect themselves:
-
Use a free air quality app to track conditions in real time.
-
Keep doors and windows closed and set HVAC systems to recirculate indoor air.
-
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter smoke particles.
-
Limit outdoor activity and wear a KN95 or FFP2 mask if you must go outside.
-
Contribute to community air quality monitoring if possible.
Children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions are at greater risk from wildfire smoke exposure.
Outlook
The fire remains active and unpredictable. With containment still at only 10%, firefighting resources are expected to remain in the area for weeks. Officials caution that shifting winds and continued hot, dry weather could cause flare-ups and expanded evacuation zones.
Residents are urged to stay alert to evacuation updates, follow public safety instructions, and respect forest closures. For those in unaffected areas, preparedness remains key during Oregon’s wildfire season.
Summary: The Emigrant Fire in southern Lane County, Oregon, has burned more than 32,000 acres and is only 10% contained as of September 11, 2025. Communities near Oakridge, Rigdon, and Timpanogas Lake are affected, with Level 1 and Level 2 evacuation alerts in place. Forest closures, smoke hazards, and unstable weather continue to complicate response efforts.
