Frontage Fire near Huntington forces evacuations, road closures overnight

A fast-moving Frontage Fire pushed to within about one-eighth of a mile of Huntington’s east edge, forcing evacuations, closing roads and briefly knocking out power in the Baker County town of 510 residents. The fire, reported around 7 p.m. Saturday, burned through sagebrush and grass and sent crews into an overnight scramble as winds, warm weather and heavy fuel loads drove the spread.

Officials moved quickly Saturday night as the blaze threatened homes, Farewell Bend State Park and the Interstate 84 corridor. The Oregon Department of Transportation shut down I-84 between Baker City and Ontario late Saturday, while Baker County road alerts also showed closures on I-84 and US30. Restrictions were later lifted, and the fire had moved into mop-up mode by Sunday as the immediate threat eased.

Huntington Mayor Chuck Guerri said Sunday morning the town was “in good shape,” but the response showed how exposed the community can be when fire starts on the edge of town. He said at least six engines and two bulldozers worked the fire Saturday, and that gusty winds helped it race through grass that had grown as high as 3 feet after heavy spring rain.

Guerri said there was no lightning in the area Saturday and he did not think a vehicle sparked the blaze, although fire officials had not announced a cause by Sunday morning. He also said the fire did not enter Farewell Bend State Park this time, though the park was evacuated. Power in Huntington was out from about 9:30 p.m. Saturday until about 1 a.m. Sunday, and Idaho Power crews were repairing about a dozen damaged poles.

The fire was later estimated by the Baker County Sheriff’s Office at just over 1,000 acres and was reported 100% contained by Sunday evening. Even with the restrictions lifted, the overnight disruption underscored how quickly conditions can turn in Baker County, where a single ignition near Huntington can spill into highway closures, utility damage and evacuation orders within hours.

Guerri said the Frontage Fire was the second wildfire in two years to threaten Huntington. The earlier fire, in July 2024, started on the town’s east side, burned into Farewell Bend State Park and forced about two dozen campers to leave.