Orchard Fire Holds at 165 Acres as Crews Deepen Mop-up Efforts

Sep 29

Written By Columbia Community Connection

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 29, 2026 — The Orchard Fire held at about 165 acres overnight with no new growth as firefighters patrolled the perimeter and prepared Tuesday to push mop-up operations as far as 150 feet inside the fire lines.

The fire remains under unified command between the Oregon Department of Forestry and Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue.

Firefighters monitored and patrolled the perimeter throughout Monday night, reporting no additional growth by Tuesday morning.

Crews planned to strengthen containment lines and mop up approximately 100 to 150 feet inside the perimeter Tuesday, where terrain and conditions allow. Existing roads and mechanically constructed dozer lines make up most of the fire's containment perimeter.

Six engines, one water tender, one dozer and a 20-person hand crew are assigned to Tuesday's day shift, along with unified command and overhead personnel.

Firefighters will continue searching for and extinguishing hot spots, improving containment lines and removing hazards while working to secure the perimeter.

Fire investigators also planned to continue investigating the origin and cause of the fire Tuesday. Officials have not announced a cause.

Weather was expected to remain favorable for firefighting operations, with cooler temperatures and winds of about 10 to 12 mph over the fire area.

Smoke may remain visible as interior fuels and hot spots continue to smolder during mop-up operations, officials said.

The fire was estimated at about 165 acres Monday after crews completed planned firing operations at approximately 2 a.m. One barn and one small outbuilding were destroyed in the fire, but officials reported no damage to other buildings or residences.

Oregon Department of Forestry and Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue personnel will continue monitoring weather and fire behavior as crews work to secure the fire.