Grasshopper Fire containment climbs to 23% as state begins scaling back structure protection
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 6, 2026 — Firefighters continued gaining ground on the Grasshopper Fire Thursday as containment increased to 23% and state officials began scaling back structural protection resources after completing their mission around threatened communities.
The wildfire has now burned 43,244 acres and is being fought by 1,405 personnel.
Fire crews spent Wednesday expanding mop-up operations along the eastern edge while maintaining secure containment lines on the southern perimeter. On the north side of the fire, firefighters continued connecting northwestern and northeastern control lines, strengthening containment around the fire's upper edge.
Along the western flank, crews advanced north to improve long-term control of the fire's northwest corner. Incident managers reported that Highway 35 remains protected, with firefighters continuing to patrol the corridor and monitor for new fire activity.
With structural triage now complete on the west side of the fire, the Oregon State Fire Marshal Incident Management Team and the final remaining structural protection task force will demobilize Thursday and return to their home agencies. Officials said those resources will remain available for reassignment if conditions change or additional wildfire response is needed elsewhere in Oregon.
Firefighters will continue concentrating suppression efforts along the northern and western portions of the incident, where recent wind shifts have reduced fire intensity and created more favorable conditions for strengthening containment lines near the Highway 35 corridor. Crews are also reinforcing suppression efforts near Pine Creek and across the fire's northwest perimeter.
Fire weather remains a concern despite recent progress. Hot, dry conditions are expected to continue Thursday, with westerly winds forecast to persist through the next several days.
Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation notices remain in effect for portions of Wasco and Hood River counties, while Clackamas County continues to maintain Level 1 "Be Ready" notices in areas nearest the fire. Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest evacuation information as conditions can change.
A closure order remains in effect for portions of the Mt. Hood National Forest, and Forest Road 44 south of Forest Road 17 remains closed, with traffic detoured via Brooks Meadow to Highway 35. A Temporary Flight Restriction also remains in place over the fire area, and officials continue reminding the public that unauthorized drone flights can immediately ground firefighting aircraft.
The shelter at South Wasco County High School in Maupin remains available for displaced residents, while the Sherman County Fairgrounds continues serving as a large-animal shelter.
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