Big Grass Fire Approaches 579,000 Acres, Nears Oregon All-Time Record

The Big Grass Fire, burning along the Oregon-Idaho border in Malheur County, Oregon, and Owyhee County, Idaho, has scorched approximately 578,635 acres as of August 22, 2026. The fire — now 89% contained — surpassed Oregon's previous all-time record burn area during its peak spread, briefly exceeding 513,000 acres and nearing the 557,028-acre record set by the 2012 Long Draw Fire before ultimately growing beyond it.

Ignited by lightning on July 23, the fire burned aggressively through the arid rangeland and sagebrush country of the Oregon Outback and southern Idaho before multi-agency suppression efforts slowed its spread.

Current Situation

On August 21, gusty winds of up to 50 mph and scattered thunderstorms hit the fire area. Winds fanned residual heat and ignited pockets of unburned fuel and scattered trees deep inside the fire's interior perimeter. However, firefighters' diligent mop-up work held containment lines intact. Aerial resources from the Big Grass Fire were also deployed to assist with initial attack on the nearby Sawmill Fire east of Jordan Valley.

Crews are using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to locate hotspots for ground teams to extinguish, with operations centered on the South Mountain area and Cow Creek near the Owyhee River. The Juniper Forward Operating Base (FOB) closed Saturday as resources transition back to the Jordan Valley Incident Command Post or are released from the fire.

Resources Assigned

Personnel: 566
Hand Crews: 7
Dozers: 22
Engines: 32
Water Tenders: 22
Helicopters: 1

Evacuations Remain in Effect

The Owyhee County Sheriff maintains active evacuation orders. Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations are in effect for an area beginning near Sagebrush Mountain approximately 13 miles south of Jordan Valley, encompassing a large swath of rangeland extending to the Nevada border and reservation boundary. Level 2 "Be Set" evacuations cover the area south of the Level 3 zone between the Oregon and Nevada state lines and the reservation boundary.

As of the latest reports, 159 individuals have been evacuated, with 74 residential structures and 148 other structures having been threatened by the fire's advance.

Command Transfer Upcoming

Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 10 is concluding their 14-day assignment and preparing to transfer command to the Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team. As large vehicles and heavy equipment depart via Juniper Mountain Road, the public is advised to expect delays and use caution.

Fire Weather Conditions

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the Oregon portion of the fire area, with afternoon thunderstorms and wind gusts to 40 mph possible. Temperatures are forecast in the low 90s with relative humidity dropping to around 16%. For air quality updates, visit AirNow.gov.