Grasshopper Fire nears 35,000 acres as Red Flag Warning raises wildfire concerns
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 4, 2026 — The Grasshopper Fire has grown to 34,659 acres and is now 19% contained as firefighters prepare for another round of critical fire weather expected to test containment lines across the Mount Hood National Forest.
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect Tuesday as warmer temperatures, strengthening easterly winds and widespread smoke create conditions favorable for increased fire activity. The wildfire is being fought by 1,264 personnel.
Firefighters spent Monday responding to increased fire activity along the fire's western perimeter near the Pine Creek area, where crews, bulldozers and aircraft worked together to slow the fire's advance. Another flare-up near Flag Point toward Bennett Pass required additional firefighting efforts.
Along the southern edge of the fire, however, containment lines near Badger Creek and Forest Road 27 continued to hold despite recent weather conditions. Crews also responded to a slopover near Forest Road 2720 and are working to tie that area into containment lines along Forest Road 2730. Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces continued patrolling threatened communities and assessing structures.
On Tuesday, firefighters will focus on the fire's northwest edge, reinforcing contingency lines ahead of the forecast wind event while expanding mop-up operations on the southern perimeter, where progress continues. Crews are also strengthening holding features near the Jordan Creek area on the northern edge of the fire.
Incident managers warned that increased fire activity could affect the Highway 35 corridor if forecast winds materialize.
As fire conditions improve in some areas, structural protection resources continue to be scaled back. Two additional Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces are returning home Tuesday, while one task force remains assigned to community patrols and coordination with local fire agencies.
Smoke is expected to remain a significant concern across northern Oregon. According to the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program, easterly winds will push smoke from the Grasshopper Fire and large Washington wildfires toward western Oregon. The Dalles is expected to experience unhealthy for sensitive groups air quality, with periods of unhealthy conditions possible. Maupin is forecast to see unhealthy air quality through much of the day, while communities along the Highway 26 corridor near Government Camp could experience very unhealthy to hazardous conditions.
Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation notices remain in effect for portions of Wasco and Hood River counties. A shelter remains open at South Wasco County High School in Maupin, while the Sherman County Fairgrounds continues serving as a large-animal shelter for displaced livestock.
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