Wind-driven grass fire burns near Google data center construction site in The Dalles
A small group of trees ignites and sends of black smoke near the edge of Google’s newest data center on River Road.
THE DALLES, Ore., Aug. 18, 2026 — A wind-driven grass fire raced through dry vegetation near a Google data center construction site west of The Dalles around noon Tuesday, drawing multiple fire engines and wildland firefighting rigs to the area.
The fire burned near River Road and the Interstate 84 Exit 82 overpass, south of the freeway and near Google's newest data center under construction at 3500 River Road.
Winds pushed the fire through dryland grasses toward the construction site before the flames reached an area of sparse, barren ground that appeared to slow the fire's advance.
Firefighters appeared to have the blaze largely under control by about 1:15 p.m.
Fire burns approaching the newest Google data center at 3500 River Road on Tuesday afternoon in The Dalles.
No injuries or structure damage were immediately reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fire breaks out 9th and Morton streets at p.m.
Image courtesy City of The Dalles
Just before 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, a grass fire broke out near East Ninth and Morton streets in The Dalles, directly threatening several nearby homes. Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue crews quickly stopped the blaze before any substantial damage occurred.
The fires are another reminder of just how extreme conditions are in The Dalles right now and how quickly a spark can threaten homes and property. Residents are urged to be especially cautious and do everything possible to prevent human-caused fires. Chief Jensen worked alongside his firefighters on the front line as crews brought the blaze under control.
The fire comes amid heightened fire danger across the region. The National Weather Service has warned of critical fire weather conditions in portions of north-central Oregon and the Columbia Basin, where dry fuels combined with wind can contribute to rapid fire spread.
Residents and travelers are urged to use extreme caution with anything that could create a spark. Avoid dragging trailer chains, parking vehicles over dry grass or using equipment that could ignite vegetation.
Conditions remain extremely dry across Oregon, and this year's fire season has repeatedly demonstrated how quickly a small ignition can grow into a fast-moving wildfire.
