Grasshopper Fire reaches 83,642 acres as the eastern flank advances to Hix, Elliott roads
Photo from Grasshopper Fire’s Facebook page.
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 12, 2026 — The Grasshopper Fire surged to 83,642 acres Wednesday and dropped to 20% containment as wind-driven flames pushed the northeastern corner to Hix Road and the eastern edge to Elliott Road, bringing additional homes and structures into the focus of firefighting operations.
The fire has grown by nearly 20,000 acres since Monday, when it was reported at 63,659 acres and 23% contained. Staffing has increased to 1,832 personnel as firefighters attempt to establish control lines ahead of the expanding eastern flank.
Fire officials said gusty winds contributed to extremely active fire behavior Tuesday along the northeastern and eastern portions of the incident. Aircraft dropped retardant and water to slow the advance and give firefighters on the ground opportunities to establish control lines.
Oregon State Fire Marshal structural crews remained positioned around homes and other structures directly threatened by the fire. Two additional OSFM task forces and a strike team of large structural engines from California arrived Tuesday night to bolster those efforts.
Despite the expansion on the eastern side, firefighters reported better conditions elsewhere around the sprawling incident.
On the northern perimeter, crews held the fire along Forest Road 4421 while improving contingency lines along Dufur Mill Road. Firefighters continued mop-up operations along the western perimeter, while tree-felling operations along Highway 35 were used to reduce overhead hazards.
The southern and southwestern portions of the fire also remained comparatively quiet, with established containment lines continuing to hold.
New management teams take command
A new command structure took effect Wednesday morning as the Southern Area Blue Incident Management Team entered unified command with the Oregon State Fire Marshal Blue Incident Management Team.
Australia/New Zealand Incident Management Team 1 has also joined the operation, adding international firefighting expertise and additional management capacity to the incident.
Wednesday's primary focus remains the highly active eastern portion of the fire.
Crews will work to connect sections of control line while strengthening existing lines ahead of increased winds expected Wednesday afternoon and potentially more unstable atmospheric conditions this weekend.
Structural crews remain positioned in communities threatened by the fire and are extinguishing hot spots and residual heat around homes and fire lines to reduce the possibility of rekindling.
Fire managers said the Grasshopper Fire continues to be driven by wind and terrain through extremely dry fuels, allowing it to move rapidly when conditions align.
Aircraft will again support ground crews Wednesday where visibility and weather allow, dropping retardant and water to slow fire spread and help firefighters establish and reinforce control lines.
Evacuations remain in effect
Evacuation notices ranging from Level 1 "Be Ready" to Level 3 "Go Now" remain in effect across portions of Wasco, Hood River and Clackamas counties.
Residents should check their individual addresses against current evacuation maps because levels vary considerably across the fire area.
An evacuation shelter is now operating at The Dalles Middle School, 1100 E. 12th St. in The Dalles.
The change reflects the fire's continuing movement north and east after the previous evacuation shelter at South Wasco County High School in Maupin closed.
Late-afternoon northwest winds are again forecast Wednesday, although temperatures and humidity are expected to remain relatively stable through Thursday. Smoke will continue to be visible in communities east and southeast of the fire as prevailing winds carry it away from the main fire area.
A closure remains in effect on portions of the Mt. Hood National Forest, and a Temporary Flight Restriction remains over the fire. Fire officials warn that unauthorized drones can force aerial firefighting operations to stop.
Officials are planning another community meeting Thursday, Aug. 13, with the time and location still to be announced.
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