The Grasshopper Fire got me thinking about county fairs. Not necessarily about the rides, ribbons, or livestock shows, but about why county fairs matter in the first place.

The Grasshopper Fire grew to 86,974 acres Friday as crews expanded structure protection southeast of the active Tygh Creek headwaters flank, with National Guard personnel helping prepare homes around Shadybrook.

The Grasshopper Fire has destroyed at least six homes and 15 outbuildings as the 85,114-acre wildfire continues threatening communities along its eastern flank, officials reported Thursday.

A $2.3 million grant will help the Columbia Gorge Health Council expand community health worker training while strengthening connections between health care and underserved Gorge communities.

The Grasshopper Fire surged to 83,642 acres Wednesday as wind-driven flames reached Hix and Elliott roads, prompting additional structural protection resources as firefighters battle the rapidly advancing eastern flank.

The Wasco County Fair was canceled as scheduled Tuesday night as the Grasshopper Fire threatened the fairgrounds, forcing organizers to scramble for alternatives for youth exhibitors.

The Grasshopper Fire grew by more than 20,000 acres over the weekend to 63,659 acres as firefighters work to stop its northern advance toward Dufur Valley Road and High Prairie.

Firefighters returned to the Mill Creek drainage Thursday for the second brush fire there in five weeks, adding to a history of fires along the corridor.

Hotter, drier conditions pushed the Grasshopper Fire across several control lines Thursday, prompting firefighters to expand contingency defenses north toward Dufur Mill while crews continue protecting the Highway 35 corridor.

Containment on the Grasshopper Fire increased to 23% Thursday as firefighters strengthened lines along the northern and western edges and the Oregon State Fire Marshal began demobilizing structural protection resources after completing work around threatened communities.

Each year, The Next Door Inc. honors individuals, businesses, and organizations whose collaboration and partnership make a lasting impact on our work and the people we serve. The Community Partner of the Year award highlights those who champion our mission and initiatives, going above and beyond to support and advocate for our programs, clients, and TNDI as a whole. 

The Grasshopper Fire remains outside The Dalles municipal watershed, but firefighters are working to keep it from crossing the boundary. A burn in the watershed could lead to erosion, sediment and water quality challenges.

When JoAn Henricks leaves The Dalles in the coming weeks to begin a new chapter near her son and daughter-in-law, she won’t be taking everything with her. One treasured possession will remain behind—not because she no longer loves it, but because she wants others to enjoy it for years to come.

The Grasshopper Fire has grown to 34,659 acres and is 19% contained as firefighters prepare for Red Flag weather while strengthening containment lines and warning that smoke and gusty winds could increase fire activity Tuesday.

Firefighters have increased containment on the Grasshopper Fire to 17%, allowing evacuation levels to be lowered for Wamic, Pine Hollow and Sportsmans Park while the wildfire grows to more than 31,500 acres.

A 33-year-old man was arrested after Oregon State Police said he intentionally set his Jeep on fire along Interstate 84 near The Dalles, causing flames to spread into roadside brush and toward a nearby railroad.

The Dalles Public Library will offer crafts, games, family programs, a virtual Smithsonian presentation, and a live flamenco fusion performance during the first full week of August.

Firefighters battling the Grasshopper Fire are shifting from direct attack to a broader containment strategy, constructing backup fire lines while strengthening defenses around Pine Hollow and Sportsmans Park as the wildfire remains more than 21,000 acres and 0% contained.

Adventist Health Columbia Gorge has finished reopening clinics in the Water’s Edge building, located at 551 NE Lone Pine Blvd in The Dalles, Oregon. The most recent reopenings include Rehabilitation Services, Cardiology, and Orthopedics. Columbia Gorge ENT, Internal Medicine, and the Sleep Clinic already reopened in the space in June.

The City of Wasco is seeking contractors to replace 140 residential and commercial water meters as part of a public works project, with sealed bids due by 4 p.m. Aug. 28.