Grasshopper Fire destroys six homes and 15 outbuildings as crews battle the eastern flank
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 13, 2026 — The Grasshopper Fire has destroyed at least six primary residences and 15 outbuildings, fire officials reported Thursday, providing the first confirmed damage assessment following days of rapid fire growth across eastern portions of the blaze.
The fire grew to 85,114 acres and remains 20% contained, with 1,771 personnel assigned to the incident.
Officials said the structures were lost during periods of intense fire activity and rapid growth earlier this week. Damage assessments are continuing as conditions allow, and additional losses could be identified.
Fire officials said suppression operations, firefighter safety, emergency access and protection of lives and property remain the priority as crews work through affected areas.
Thursday's report comes after several days of significant growth that pushed the northeastern corner of the fire to Hix Road and the eastern edge into the Elliott Road area.
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity Wednesday helped moderate fire activity across portions of the incident, and established control lines continued to hold along the southeast and southern edges. Gusty winds, however, continued driving active fire behavior along the northeast and eastern portions.
Aircraft played a significant role in slowing the northeastern advance while firefighters worked to connect control lines.
Near Rail Hollow, crews completed handline and conducted strategic firing operations overnight, intentionally consuming pockets of unburned vegetation that could otherwise fuel additional fire growth. Firefighters followed those operations with mop-up work to extinguish remaining heat and secure the area.
Along the eastern edge, structural protection crews continued working around homes on Friend Road and Elliott Road.
Near Camp Baldwin, completed handline has been equipped with hose, while firefighters expanded tactical patrols into Shadybrook and developed structure protection plans ahead of the fire as a precaution.
On Thursday, structural crews planned to expand mop-up operations as far as 100 feet around homes affected by the fire, searching for hot spots that could rekindle. Patrols will continue around structures from Fifteenmile Road to Shadybrook, while additional crews remain assigned to Camp Baldwin, Sportsman's Paradise and the Friend Road area.
Highway 35 reopens
There was better news on the western side of the incident, where Highway 35 has reopened following extensive work to remove hazardous trees and mop up fire along the corridor.
The highway had been closed between Bennett Pass Sno-Park and Baseline Road after heavy smoke and fire activity affected the area last week.
Officials are asking motorists to slow down and use caution because firefighters and heavy equipment may continue operating near the roadway. Current highway conditions are available through Oregon TripCheck.
Firefighters also continue strengthening the southern and southwestern edges of the fire, connecting new fireline with existing trails and looking for opportunities to attack the fire directly.
On the eastern side Thursday, bulldozers will continue constructing line in the Elliott Road area while firefighters connect existing sections of handline. Crews will also secure areas where firing operations were conducted near Rail Hollow.
Aircraft remain available to support those operations, particularly where steep terrain or active fire behavior prevents firefighters from safely reaching the fire's edge.
Weather could complicate firefighting
Fire managers are watching another weather change Thursday as winds shift to the east and northeast while temperatures increase and humidity falls.
Atmospheric instability is also expected to increase, creating the possibility of isolated thunderstorms near the Cascade Crest along the fire's western edge.
Officials said conditions could support development of a large smoke column during the afternoon. Such a column can produce gusty and erratic winds, potentially causing rapid changes in fire behavior.
Evacuation notices ranging from Level 1 "Be Ready" through Level 3 "Go Now" remain in effect across portions of Wasco, Hood River and Clackamas counties. Residents can check current Wasco and Hood River County evacuation levels through Perimeter Map.
The evacuation shelter remains open at The Dalles Middle School, 1100 E. 12th St.
A closure remains in effect on portions of the Mt. Hood National Forest, along with a Temporary Flight Restriction over the incident.
Community meeting tonight in Dufur
Fire officials will hold a community meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Dufur School, 802 NE Fifth St.
The meeting will also be livestreamed on the Grasshopper Fire Facebook page. Fire information officers will monitor questions submitted online and work to provide answers within 24 hours.
The Grasshopper Fire has destroyed at least six homes and 15 outbuildings as the 85,114-acre wildfire continues threatening communities along its eastern flank, officials reported Thursday.
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