MISSION — A wheat fire destroyed two structures and several vehicles on Aug. 6, according to the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department (UFTD).

Firefighters responded at 5:01 p.m. to Marsh Hawk Lane in Mission after receiving reports of a fire spreading through a harvested wheat stubble field and advancing toward two structures. 

UTFD Chief James Halls said dry fuels, hot weather and light, flashy vegetation contributed to the fire’s rapid spread, causing the incident to escalate from a vegetation fire to a structure fire.

When the first crews arrived, the fire had already spread to a 30-by-40-foot shop, an adjacent outbuilding, several vehicles and surrounding vegetation. The shop was burning upon arrival and despite immediate suppression efforts, firefighters were unable to prevent the structure from becoming fully engulfed. 

Firefighters prioritized life safety before focusing on protecting nearby structures, containing the fire and preventing additional property loss, Hall said.

As fire conditions worsened and structural involvement increased, additional resources were requested through the regional mutual aid system. Multiple agencies responded to assist with fire suppression efforts, including the Pendleton Fire Department, East Umatilla County Fire & Rescue and the Pilot Rock Fire District. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Oregon Department of Forestry also assisted in containing the estimated two-acre natural-cover fire.

The fire was declared contained at approximately 6:30 p.m. 

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported during the incident.

On the morning of Aug. 7, 2026, the scene was re-examined at approximately 7:20 a.m. to conduct an investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the fire may have originated from a mechanical issue involving a combine used during wheat harvest operations, according to the UTFD report. The investigation remains ongoing and an official determination of the fire’s origin and cause will be documented upon completion. 

More to come as this story develops.