Grasshopper Fire reaches 31,571 acres; containment grows to 17% as evacuations ease
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 3, 2026 — Firefighters battling the Grasshopper Fire made significant progress over the weekend, increasing containment to 17% and allowing evacuation levels to be reduced for several communities in southern Wasco County despite the fire growing to 31,571 acres.
The Wasco County Sheriff's Office on Monday lowered evacuation notices for Wamic, Pine Hollow and Sportsmans Park from Level 3 "Go Now" to Level 2 "Get Set" after firefighters secured portions of the fire's southern and southeastern flanks.
The sheriff's office credited the California Interagency Incident Management Team 6 and the Oregon State Fire Marshal for the progress, while noting the shelter at South Wasco County High School in Maupin will remain open for residents who continue to live in Level 3 evacuation areas.
Fire officials said crews strengthened control lines Sunday and expanded mop-up operations along the southern perimeter, advancing through Badger Creek along Forest Road 27 toward Tygh Creek. A successful firing operation along the 160 Road and Forest Road 27 also reduced the threat of the fire spreading toward the Friend community.
As fire activity decreased near Pine Hollow and Sportsmans Park, two Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces were reassigned to other regional fires. Three task forces remain assigned to patrol neighborhoods and prepare structures while firefighters continue securing containment lines.
On Monday, crews were scheduled to strengthen containment features along Forest Roads 2720 and 2730 on the northern edge of the fire while preparing contingency lines ahead of forecast east winds expected early this week. Firefighters also continue mop-up operations across the southern perimeter.
The incident is now staffed by 854 wildland firefighters, while the Wasco County Sheriff's Office reported 1,244 total personnel assigned to the incident, including structure protection resources and support personnel.
Elsewhere in the region, firefighters continue making rapid progress on the Little Buck Fire, which has grown to 43,818 acres and is now 89% contained. The Wasco County Sheriff's Office announced that all evacuation notices associated with the Little Buck Fire have been lifted.
Officials continue urging residents to monitor changing fire conditions, obey area closures and avoid flying drones anywhere near wildfire operations.
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