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.
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…