Two of Oregon's notable summer wildfires are in their final stages of containment this week, with firefighting crews on the Mt. Hood National Forest working to bring both the Grasshopper Fire and the Austin Fire to full containment by December 1, 2026.
As of November 10, the Grasshopper Fire has burned 93,972 acres and stands at 98% contained. The Austin Fire has burned 12,888 acres and is also 98% contained. Both fires are managed by the Mt. Hood Fire complex team and share the same estimated containment date of December 1.
Grasshopper Fire
The Grasshopper Fire originated on July 23, 2026, following multiple lightning storms that swept across the Mt. Hood National Forest in the two weeks prior. It ignited north of Forest Road 4812 and west of Rocky Butte, located approximately 14 miles southwest of Dufur, Oregon. The fire quickly spread east and north, driven by wind and hot, dry conditions.
At its peak, the Grasshopper Fire had 761 personnel assigned, including 7 hand crews, 20 engines, 5 dozers, and 44 pieces of heavy equipment. The fire burned through three distinct fuel types: high-elevation Cascade mixed conifer on the western portion, mid-elevation Ponderosa pine in the center, and lower-elevation Central Oregon grass and brush on the eastern flank — making unified suppression challenging across the sprawling perimeter.
A forest closure order remains in effect on portions of Mt. Hood National Forest affected by the Grasshopper Fire. Residents and recreationists can find current closure boundaries on the Mt. Hood National Forest website.
Austin Fire
The Austin Fire was first reported August 9, 2026, on the Clackamas River Ranger District of Mt. Hood National Forest, approximately 25 miles southeast of Estacada, Oregon. The cause is listed as human-caused and remains under investigation.
Primary fuels involved are timber litter and understory, with very heavy fuel loading. Officials noted that mixed-age stands, previous timber sale areas, storm blowdown, and concentrations of dead and down material created significant variability in horizontal and vertical fuel structure across the burn area.
"Remaining heat is primarily in logs, stumps, roots, and deep duff," fire managers noted in their most recent update. Crews continue to monitor and mop up hot spots ahead of the December 1 target containment date.
What Comes Next
Once both fires are declared fully contained, the Mt. Hood National Forest will begin the post-fire assessment process — evaluating burned areas for erosion potential, slope stability, and watershed impacts. The Clackamas River watershed, a major drinking water source for the Portland metropolitan area, is a particular focus of post-fire monitoring efforts.
Existing forest closures in the fire areas are expected to be evaluated and potentially reduced as the December containment milestone approaches. Residents and recreationists are encouraged to check the Mt. Hood National Forest website for the most current closure information before entering affected areas.
Contact the forest's Public Information Line at 541-982-5802, available daily 8 AM to 8 PM, for the latest updates on both fires.