Grasshopper Fire Jumps to 91% Containment After More Than an Inch of Rain
The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 7, 2026 — The Grasshopper Fire has reached 91% containment after more than an inch of rain soaked portions of the nearly 94,000-acre fire, dramatically reducing fire behavior but creating muddy roads, falling-rock hazards and conditions too dangerous for crews to work in parts of the Boulder Creek drainage.
The lightning-caused fire was reported Sunday at 93,990 acres with 241 personnel assigned.
Containment has climbed from 84% Friday to 91%, while staffing continues to decline as firefighters increasingly shift from active suppression toward patrol, repair and rehabilitation work.
More than an inch of rain fell across the fire Saturday, according to fire officials. The precipitation left some roads too soft for vehicles and heavy equipment and made steep slopes near Boulder Creek unsafe for crews.
Loose rocks, slippery footing and weakened trees also remain concerns in the rain-soaked burn area.
Crews shifted to locations with better road surfaces and began scouting other portions of the fire to identify work that can be completed as conditions improve.
Repair work continues
Firefighters and heavy equipment worked along Forest Road 44, chipping piles of woody debris while a backhoe cleared culverts to restore drainage and reduce erosion hazards.
Crews also began removing protective fire wrap from structures that are no longer threatened by active fire — another indication of improving conditions around the fire.
Along the eastern edge, firefighters continued checking for residual heat near structures and along the fire perimeter.
Despite the rain and higher containment, officials caution that the Grasshopper Fire is not out.
Heat remains buried underground and in heavy fuels, and some smoke and open flames could become visible again as the landscape dries.
Warmer, drier weather returns
The cool, wet pattern that helped firefighters during the past several days is moving out.
The National Weather Service in Portland said lingering showers will dissipate as the low-pressure system moves east of the Cascades. Conditions are expected to trend drier through Thursday, with temperatures gradually warming and peaking Wednesday.
At about 6,000 feet near Mount Hood, NWS forecasts a high around 47 degrees Monday, climbing to 59 Tuesday and 69 Wednesday before cooling to around 60 Thursday. No significant precipitation is forecast through Thursday.
At lower elevations in Hood River, temperatures are forecast to climb from around 72 Monday to 78 Tuesday and 83 Wednesday.
Fire officials expect some increase in activity as temperatures rise and fuels dry. However, the recent rain and high humidity mean fuels are unlikely to dry quickly enough to support significant fire spread until conditions change further.
Air quality remains good
Air quality is expected to be good Sunday for most communities surrounding the Grasshopper Fire.
Evacuation notices remain in portions of Hood River and Wasco counties, ranging from Level 1 “Be Ready” through Level 3 “Go.”
A reduced forest closure remains in effect on the Mt. Hood National Forest, and fire restrictions remain in place despite the recent rainfall.
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