Two of Oregon’s largest wildfires of the 2026 season — the Grasshopper Fire and the Austin Fire on the Mt. Hood National Forest — are now 98% contained after burning a combined 106,860 acres across the eastern slopes of the Cascades, according to InciWeb. With peak suppression operations behind them, incident teams have transitioned to repair and rehabilitation work.

Grasshopper Fire

The Grasshopper Fire, which ignited July 23, 2026, via lightning approximately 14 miles southwest of Dufur, Oregon, has burned 93,972 acres and achieved 98% containment. At its peak, the fire involved 761 personnel with 7 hand crews, 5 dozers, 20 engines, and 44 pieces of heavy equipment. Fuels ranged across three distinct zones: high-elevation Cascade mixed conifer on the western flank, mid-elevation ponderosa pine through the center, and lower-elevation Central Oregon grass and brush on the eastern edge.

Observed fire activity is now minimal, with smoldering confined mainly to the southwest portion of the fire in areas of heavy fuel accumulation. Humidity recovery has been good, and active burn periods have been limited to a few hours in the mid-afternoon.

Austin Fire

The Austin Fire, ignited August 19, 2026, by human activity approximately 25 miles southeast of Estacada, Oregon, has burned 12,888 acres and is also 98% contained. A public information line remains active at 541-982-5802 for community inquiries.

Recovery Operations Ongoing

With 218 personnel now on scene, crews are focused on suppression repair activities across all divisions: chipping slash, log skidding and decking, isolated felling of hazard trees, and repair of control lines. These operations protect long-term soil stability and reduce the risk of debris flows during fall and winter rains.

  • Level 1 evacuation notices in Wasco County were lifted September 29, 2026
  • A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) was terminated September 28, 2026
  • The Mt. Hood Forest Closure Order No. 06-06-01-26-18 took effect October 1, 2026, and covers roads and trails within the fire footprint

Community and Recreation Impacts

Hikers, hunters, and other recreational users should be aware that closures remain in effect within the Mt. Hood National Forest fire perimeter. Hazard trees, unstable terrain, and active suppression repair work make entry dangerous. Visitors are urged to check the Forest Service closure map before venturing into the area.

The Grasshopper and Austin fires were among the largest contributing to Oregon’s historic 2026 fire season, which burned more than 2.1 million acres statewide — the most in the state’s recorded history.