"The Austin fire’s rapid expansion to over 12,800 acres and the sustained deployment of up to 955 personnel underscore its significant impact on the region’s forest resources and the extensive effort needed for suppression. The high estimated costs, peaking at nearly $49 million, highlight the economic burden of large‑scale wildfire events."
The Austin wildfire, located 25 miles southeast of Estacada in Clackamas County, Oregon, was first discovered on August 9, 2026. The United States Forest Service (USFS) is the jurisdictional agency, and the fire was caused by human activity. Over the course of the month, the blaze expanded from an initial 250 acres to a peak of 12,886 acres by September 18, with no containment until the final update when containment reached 98%. Early reports described extreme behavior with flanking, spotting, and wind‑driven runs, while later stages shifted to moderate and minimal activity characterized by creeping, backing, and smoldering. Personnel numbers rose from 78 on August 11 to a peak of 955 on September 12, reflecting the large resource commitment required to manage the fire’s growth and eventual containment.
Official source description: 25 Miles SE from Estacada, OR
Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Multorpor. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire remains in a minimal, smoldering phase with 98% containment. Residents in the surrounding area should remain vigilant for potential flare‑ups and follow any local advisories. General wildfire safety guidance—such as staying clear of burn zones, monitoring weather conditions, and having an evacuation plan—remains applicable.
IRWIN ID: {49D1FB0B-74D1-4A95-B8DF-066DCC5F06E1}
Discovered: Aug 9, 2026
Cause: Human
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $50,729,213
Coordinates: 45.0252, -121.9449
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in OR.
The AUSTIN Fire has burned 12,882 acres as of September 20, 2026.
As of the latest update, the AUSTIN Fire is 98% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Human.
The AUSTIN Fire is burning in Clackamas, OR.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the AUSTIN Fire remains active.
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