The Big Grass Fire — now one of the largest active wildfires in the country — has burned approximately 579,360 acres across Malheur County, Oregon and Owyhee County, Idaho, according to the most recent InciWeb update. The fire, managed by the BLM's Vale District, is 34% contained as of August 13, with hundreds of firefighters working to hold and extend containment lines across a massive swath of high-desert rangeland.

The fire started from a lightning strike on July 23, 2026, and rapidly spread through bone-dry grass, sage, and scrub fuels. Explosive growth events have added tens of thousands of acres in single days — including one period where the fire grew by more than 80,000 acres in 24 hours, overwhelming initial containment efforts.

Fire Details

  • Size: ~579,360 acres (approximately 905 square miles)
  • Containment: 34%
  • Start date: July 23, 2026
  • Location: Malheur County, OR and Owyhee County, ID (near Jordan Valley, OR)
  • Managing agency: BLM Vale District
  • Injuries: Three reported

Evacuation Orders

Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders remain in effect for portions of Owyhee County, Idaho, including areas around Dickshooter Road, Triangle Reservoir, Pleasant Valley, South Mountain, and Flint Creek Road. Residents in these areas are urged not to wait — leave immediately and do not return until officials lift the order.

Additional Level 1 (Be Ready) and Level 2 (Be Set) zones extend further from the fire perimeter. Residents in all evacuation zones should monitor the Owyhee County Sheriff's Office for updates and have go-bags prepared.

Fire Behavior and Suppression Strategy

Fire behavior has been driven by critically dry fuels, low relative humidity (often below 10% in the afternoons), and erratic afternoon winds. Crews have been leveraging roads, waterways, and previously burned areas as anchor points for containment lines. Air resources including tankers and helicopters have been heavily utilized to support ground operations.

The fire has injured three people and threatened numerous ranching operations, with hay fields, livestock, and structures all at risk in the affected area. The remote terrain and vast fire perimeter continue to complicate operations.

For the latest information, visit InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov or contact the BLM Vale District at 208-295-5503.