The Big Grass Fire, one of the largest wildfires in recent Pacific Northwest history, continues to wind down along the Oregon-Idaho border, reaching 93 percent containment as of August 23. The lightning-caused blaze has burned 578,637 acres across Malheur County, Oregon, and Owyhee County, Idaho — making it one of the largest fires in either state's recorded history.

From Inferno to Mop-Up

At its peak, the Big Grass Fire consumed hundreds of thousands of acres of high desert sagebrush, grassland, and rangeland in a matter of days after igniting from a lightning strike. The fire exploded through bone-dry fuels aided by erratic winds, strong enough to carry embers past established fire lines into unburned areas during critical periods. Dust devils observed by fire crews transported sparks into areas crews had already secured, requiring repositioning and rework of containment efforts.

As of late August, however, the fire has entered a mop-up and monitoring phase. Command of the incident was transferred on August 23 from Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 10 to the Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team, signaling a shift to a smaller, more cost-efficient team appropriate for the latter stages of suppression.

"Despite a change in command, we will continue to work closely with our partners, agency, state, and local authorities, to ensure the great work done by the teams before us continues," said incoming Incident Commander Lino Baca.

Resources and Operations

As of August 23, 478 personnel remain assigned to the fire, including six hand crews, 10 dozers, 22 engines, nine water tenders, and one helicopter. Crews are focusing mop-up operations in remote interior sections of the burn, including the South Mountain area, where structure protection crews continue hot-spotting near residences to prevent flare-ups. The southern edge of the fire near Juniper Basin Reservoir is being closely monitored.

Surplus equipment has been demobilized from the fire line and transported back to Jordan Valley for redeployment on other active incidents — a reflection of the intense competition for firefighting resources across the Northwest this season.

Evacuation Orders Remain in Parts of Owyhee County

Despite near-full containment, Level 3 "Go" evacuation orders remain in effect for portions of Owyhee County, Idaho. The Level 3 zone begins near Sagebrush Mountain approximately 13 miles south of Jordan Valley and encompasses areas including Pleasant Valley, Flint Creek Road, the Triangle area, Antelope Ridge Road, and the 45 Ranch.

A Level 2 "Be Ready" evacuation zone covers a broader area south of the Level 3 boundary, extending between the Oregon state line to the west, the Nevada state line to the south, and the reservation boundary to the east. Residents in Level 2 zones should have go-bags packed and plans in place.

Officials reported that 159 people were evacuated during the height of the fire's activity. A total of 74 residential structures and 148 other structures were threatened.

Fire Summary

  • Total area burned: 578,637 acres
  • Containment: 93%
  • Cause: Lightning
  • Counties affected: Malheur County, OR; Owyhee County, ID
  • People evacuated: 159
  • Structures threatened: 74 residential, 148 other
  • Current command: Albuquerque Zone Type 3 IMT