Oregon's major wildfire incidents are showing mixed progress this week as cooler weather and rain provide a temporary reprieve — though fire managers warn that returning warm, dry conditions could complicate suppression efforts in the days ahead.

McCully Fire — Baker County (Near Sumpter)

The McCully Fire, ignited by lightning in the Elkhorn Mountains northwest of Baker City, has burned approximately 13,479 acres and has seen significant containment gains following a record-breaking storm that struck Baker County on September 3. The storm deposited 0.85 inches of rain at the Baker City Airport — more than double the previous record for September 3 — and dusted the Elkhorns with the season's first snow.

Containment climbed from roughly 8% in early September to nearly 50% by September 7–8. Around 100 people remain under evacuation orders, according to the Baker County Sheriff's Office and Oregon Department of Emergency Management. Evacuation levels were reduced on Monday, September 7, as crews secured additional control lines. Fire officials warn that warmer and drier conditions forecast for next week could test those gains.

Grasshopper Fire — Mount Hood National Forest / Wasco County

The Grasshopper Fire is approaching full containment after burning nearly 94,000 acres and destroying at least 20 structures, including six homes. As of Saturday, September 6, the fire was 91% contained, with active fire remaining in the southwest perimeter near Boulder Creek. Crews continue mop-up and repair operations along secured containment lines.

Approximately 1,000 people remain under evacuation orders, though Wasco County authorities reduced some evacuation levels this week. Closures around the fire have also shrunk: the Timberline Trail, Tamanawas Trail, and Rock Creek Campground have all been reopened to the public.

Austin and Narrows Fires — Mount Hood National Forest

The Austin Fire has burned more than 12,500 acres and is 21% contained. The smaller Narrows Fire has burned just over 300 acres and is 25% contained. Rain and high humidity this week allowed both fires to back down and creep slowly, giving crews the opportunity to build containment lines in accessible terrain. Level 3 Go Now evacuation orders remain in place for some community members in the affected area.

Paradise and Hagen Fires — Umatilla National Forest

The Paradise and Hagen fires continue to burn in the Umatilla National Forest, managed by a Type 1 Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT NW Team 8). The fires are burning in steep, heavily timbered terrain near Tollgate, with Umatilla County residents under evacuation orders in portions of the area. Fire restrictions on smoking, off-road travel, and chainsaw use remain in effect across the entire Umatilla National Forest.

Fire Restrictions Remain Despite Improvements

The Ochoco National Forest downgraded from Stage 2 to Stage 1 fire restrictions on September 5 in response to improved weather conditions. However, emergency closure orders remain in place for the Rowe Creek Complex and Coyote Fire areas. Fire officials urge the public to check current restrictions before entering national forest lands.