Grasshopper Fire reaches 49% containment as crews brace for Red Flag winds
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 18, 2026 — Firefighters have pushed containment of the Grasshopper Fire to 49% and reduced evacuation levels in portions of the northeast, but crews face another test Tuesday as strong winds, low humidity, and high temperatures threaten to increase fire activity along the eastern flank.
The fire is now 90,768 acres, an increase of just 101 acres from Monday, with 1,588 personnel assigned to the incident.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect Tuesday for the eastern half of the fire, where wind gusts could exceed 25 mph. Areas east of the fire could see gusts approaching 30 mph, with the most critical conditions expected between 4 and 8 p.m.
Fire managers have positioned crews to respond quickly if existing lines are tested and have identified initial-attack resources to assist local fire departments if new wildfires ignite.
Despite the weather concerns, firefighters continue reporting substantial progress.
Operations Section Chief John Wallace of the Southern Area Blue Team said Tuesday morning that crews expect to finish securing much of the northeastern perimeter by Tuesday evening.
"We're anticipating this evening that we will contain all of this line and call it pretty much done," Wallace said, adding that the area could then transition primarily to patrol status.
Crews deepen containment ahead of wind
Along the southeastern corner, firefighters have pushed mop-up operations as deep as 200 feet inside the fireline, extinguishing hot spots and residual heat that could flare back to life when winds increase.
Wallace said firefighters typically begin mop-up about 50 feet inside the line before progressively working to 100, 150 and ultimately 200 feet where possible.
That additional depth is particularly important Tuesday because the southeast corner is expected to receive some of the strongest west and northwest winds.
"The more we can do, the better we are," Wallace said.
Along the northern boundary, lower humidity has already begun exposing heat that had been less visible during several days of cooler, more humid weather. Crews reported seeing additional smoke Monday and will continue locating and extinguishing those hot spots Tuesday.
Structural crews are also using handheld thermal imaging cameras along the eastern edge to detect heat hidden beneath ash, around roots and stumps, and near structures.
Firefighters take cautious approach near The Dalles water system
On the northwest corner, firefighters completed drone-assisted firing operations Monday to eliminate unburned vegetation between the fire and established control lines.
The fire continues moving slowly downhill toward a prepared bulldozer line, but Wallace said firefighters are deliberately avoiding aggressive tactics that could cause erosion or send debris and sediment into The Dalles' water system.
"We didn't want to get in too big a hurry because it would've potentially put debris, silt, sedimentation into that Dalles water system, and we want to avoid that at all costs," Wallace said.
Fire managers don't expect Tuesday's critical weather to cause significant problems in that northwest corner. Wallace said Mount Hood provides some protection from the wind, while north and northwest winds would tend to push the fire back into already burned ground.
Smoke near Sportsman's Paradise not a new threat
Residents around Sportsman's Paradise reported increased smoke Monday, prompting firefighters to investigate.
Crews determined there was no increased threat to the community. The smoke was coming from heavy timber burning well inside the existing perimeter and being carried toward the area by wind.
An interior pocket of unburned vegetation also continues burning on the southeastern portion of the fire. Officials said that activity is occurring within established containment lines and is consuming remaining fuel.
Along the southern boundary, conditions continue to improve, with Wallace describing that portion of the incident as being in patrol status.
Specialized equipment tackles steep southwest corner
Crews have also begun the tethered heavy-equipment operation on the southwest corner that fire managers have been planning for several days.
Feller bunchers and other machinery are being secured by cable systems, allowing operators to work down extremely steep slopes where conventional heavy equipment cannot safely operate.
The goal is to connect the fireline with an existing trail system and close another difficult gap in containment. That operation continues Tuesday.
Highway 35 could see temporary closures
Highway 35 remains open, but motorists should expect intermittent short-term closures Tuesday as firefighters work with the Oregon Department of Transportation to remove additional hazard trees.
Wallace said the temporary closures are necessary to safely cut and remove damaged trees along the highway.
Evacuation notices ranging from Level 1 "Be Ready" through Level 3 "Go Now" remain in portions of Wasco, Hood River and Clackamas counties, although levels have been reduced in some northeastern areas.
Residents should continue checking their individual locations because evacuation levels can change as conditions evolve.
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 fire.
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