Grasshopper Fire Surpasses 57,000 Acres in North-Central Oregon, Remains Oregon's Top Priority

The Grasshopper Fire burning in Wasco County, Oregon, has exploded to more than 57,000 acres since igniting by lightning in late July 2026, making it Oregon’s largest active fire and the state’s top firefighting priority as of August 11.

Fire Overview

Located approximately three miles north of Sportsman Park near Wamic in north-central Oregon, the Grasshopper Fire has been burning for more than two weeks. The fire has been averaging roughly 3,358 acres of growth per day during peak burning conditions — a pace driven by extreme heat, east winds, and record-dry fuels on the eastern slopes of the Cascades.

Terrain and Suppression Challenges

Steep, rugged terrain in Wasco County has severely hampered ground operations. Heavy equipment including bulldozers has been unable to access large portions of the fire perimeter, forcing crews to work primarily by hand line construction and rely heavily on air support — including helicopters refilling from nearby ponds and streams. More than 854 personnel have been assigned to the incident at various points, supported by multiple aircraft.

Evacuations and Community Impacts

Evacuation Level 2 (Get Ready) notices were issued for portions of eastern Clackamas County as the fire pushed west toward the Mount Hood National Forest boundary. Residents in affected areas were advised to prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. Trail and road closures have been established within the Mount Hood National Forest to protect public safety.

Fire Weather Driving Continued Growth

Boiling temperatures and persistent east winds have fueled the Grasshopper Fire’s rapid expansion. Oregon meteorologists warn that critical fire conditions — low humidity, high temperatures, and erratic winds — are expected to continue through late August across much of the state’s interior.

Incident updates for the Grasshopper Fire are published daily on InciWeb and through the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s newsroom. Residents in Wasco and Clackamas counties should monitor local alerts and be prepared to act quickly on any change in evacuation level.