The Grasshopper Fire in Wasco County has become one of the most significant active wildfire incidents in the Columbia River Gorge region. Sparked by lightning on July 23, 2026, north of Forest Road 4812 and west of Rocky Butte in the Mount Hood National Forest, the fire has grown rapidly through stands of heavy timber to exceed 9,500 acres as of July 26.
Fire Location and Current Status
The Grasshopper Fire is burning in the Wamic area, east of Mount Hood, within the Mount Hood National Forest near the Pine Hollow Reservoir. The fire's location in dense timber with complex terrain has made aerial operations a critical component of the suppression effort. As of the most recent update from the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, the fire remains at 0% containment.
The fire was first reported the evening of July 23 following a round of severe lightning storms that ignited multiple fires across the forest. Within 48 hours, the Grasshopper Fire had surpassed 2,500 acres and continued to push south and east driven by southwest winds.
FEMA Emergency Authorization
On July 25, 2026, President Biden determined that the Grasshopper Fire threatened to cause destruction constituting a major disaster, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to release federal funds to support suppression operations. The authorization triggers the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program, which reimburses states for a portion of their wildfire suppression costs — typically 75 percent of eligible expenses — when a fire poses a significant threat to lives and property.
Oregon Governor submitted the request for federal assistance citing the fire's rapid growth, threat to communities, and strain on state and local firefighting resources. The FEMA approval allows the state to access additional suppression tools and personnel more quickly.
Evacuations in Hood River and Wasco Counties
"Go Now" Level 3 evacuation orders are in place for communities in Hood River and Wasco counties in the fire's path, with firefighters working aggressively to keep the fire from pushing south toward populated areas. The incident command team has positioned crews along key structures and access corridors to protect homes and rural properties.
Highway 26 between Mount Hood and Madras had been closed but subsequently reopened with restrictions — travelers should check ODOT TripCheck before driving the corridor. Several Forest Service roads in the vicinity remain closed.
What to Expect Next
Fire behavior analysts warn that continued dry and warm conditions across the region will maintain high fire danger around the Grasshopper Fire perimeter. Cooler temperatures and marginally higher humidity expected in the northern part of the Northwest may provide brief relief, but fuels remain critically dry and the fire is expected to remain active for weeks.
Anyone with questions about the Grasshopper Fire can contact the incident information line. Residents in the area should stay signed up for Wasco County emergency alerts at wasco.or.us and monitor ODF and USFS updates on InciWeb.