Grasshopper Fire Jumps to 83% Containment as Crews Eye Coming Rain
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 31, 2026 — Firefighters have pushed containment of the Grasshopper Fire to 83%, breaking a more than weeklong stretch at 76%, as crews increasingly shift toward mop-up and repairing damage left by weeks of firefighting.
The fire was reported Monday at 93,961 acres with 622 personnel assigned, down from 809 Friday and 1,116 a week ago.
Fire officials said the steep reduction in staffing reflects the completion of several labor-intensive operations, including tethered logging and roadside debris removal. Heavy equipment and personnel that are no longer needed are being released from the fire.
Kevin Norton, operations section chief with Great Basin Incident Management Team 4, said Monday that firefighters remain focused on securing the southwest corner of the fire.
Night crews reported seeing little fire activity in that area overnight, and firefighters will continue building contingency lines around the southwest corner as a backup.
“We’re feeling pretty good about that,” Norton said.
Crews also continue mopping up the northwest corner. Across other portions of the massive fire, work is increasingly turning toward repairing dozer lines, reopening roads, removing hazard trees, pulling unneeded hose, chipping slash and processing trees cut during construction of containment lines.
Despite the progress, Norton cautioned that the size of the fire means considerable work remains.
“So a lot of work, a lot of days of work to come on this fire with it being so big,” he said.
Boulder Creek remains a focus
Firefighters have prepared sprinkler systems in the Boulder Creek area east of Boulder Lake to help keep the fire within established containment features. Crews will also continue working to maintain and increase containment along the northwest portion of the fire.
Monday's temperatures are expected to climb about 5 degrees, while a thermal belt between 4,500 and 6,000 feet could contribute to increased fire activity.
The National Weather Service in Pendleton said minimum relative humidity Monday will fall into the low 20% range along the eastern Cascade slopes and to around 20% or lower across much of the remainder of its forecast area.
Breezier winds are expected Tuesday through the Columbia River Gorge and Oregon Columbia Basin, although NWS said it does not currently expect a significant combination of wind and low humidity sufficient for widespread Red Flag conditions.
Rain increasingly likely by midweek
A significant change in the weather pattern is expected beginning Tuesday as low pressure moves into the region.
The National Weather Service says chances for wetting rain increase Wednesday through Thursday.
The forecast around Mount Hood calls for a 30% chance of rain late Tuesday, increasing substantially Wednesday. At elevations around 6,000 feet, NWS forecasts a 90% chance of precipitation Wednesday, with showers and possible thunderstorms.
Lower elevations west of the fire also have increasing chances for substantial precipitation. Hood River has a 90% chance of rain Wednesday, with thunderstorms possible later in the day, followed by a 100% chance Wednesday night.
The approaching moisture could aid firefighters, but crews first have another warm, dry day to contend with before conditions begin changing.
First day of school
Monday also marks the first day of school for many communities affected by the Grasshopper Fire.
Fire officials said crews and support personnel will drive with extra caution around school traffic and asked other motorists to do the same.
Air quality is expected to be good Monday in Maupin and communities north of the fire. Pine Hollow is expected to see good air quality during the afternoon and evening.
Evacuation notices ranging from Level 1 “Be Ready” to Level 3 “Go” remain in portions of Wasco and Hood River counties. A forest closure and fire restrictions also remain in effect on the Mt. Hood National Forest.
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