Oregon Fire Update: McCully, Austin, and Grasshopper Fires Challenge Crews Across Multiple Counties

Multiple large wildfires continue to burn across Oregon as of August 29, 2026, straining firefighting resources and keeping evacuation orders in place across Baker, Clackamas, and Wasco counties. While some fires are showing signs of slowing under moderating weather, others remain completely uncontained.

McCully Fire — Baker County

The McCully Fire, burning approximately 22 miles southwest of Baker City, has grown to 5,971 acres with 0% containment as of August 29. The fire ignited August 22 under undetermined circumstances and is burning in the Elkhorn Ridge area of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

The McCully and North Pole fires are burning in proximity to one another, impacting the Elkhorn Crest Trail. Summit Lake and Mayflower Fires in the same area are being monitored by air and showed minimal growth earlier this week. Baker County and Grant County Sheriff's Offices have issued Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 evacuation orders in affected areas. A community meeting for Sumpter residents is being planned, with plans to livestream on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Facebook page.

Austin Fire — Clackamas County

The Austin Fire in Clackamas County has grown to 8,781 acres with 0% containment. Crews have been working to protect critical infrastructure, including a 911 communications tower at the Oak Grove communications site.

Firefighters recently removed fuels from around the communication site, secured the perimeter, and maintained access routes to keep the 911 tower and other critical equipment operational. Favorable weather conditions — cooler temperatures and lighter winds — are providing a brief window for crews to build both direct and indirect containment lines.

Grasshopper Fire — Wasco County

In contrast to the two fully uncontained fires, the Grasshopper Fire in Wasco County has reached 76% containment across approximately 93,794 acres. Improved containment has led Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill to ease evacuation levels in some areas that have been under orders for weeks.

Fire behavior analysts described most recent activity as docile, aided in part by the shading effect of smoke from the Austin Fire's drifting plume. A large helicopter conducted six hours of water drops, and crews took advantage of overcast conditions to slow the fire's spread. Heavy equipment crews are also removing debris along Highway 35.

Rowe Creek Complex — Approaching Full Containment

The massive Rowe Creek Complex — covering parts of Crook, Jefferson, Wasco, and Wheeler counties — has reached 92% containment at 373,981 acres. The lightning-caused fire started July 15 south of Fossil and at its peak required 1,168 personnel to manage.

Mop-up work continues in the Mill Creek and Duncan Creek areas. Chipping operations are underway along Oregon Route 207 between Mitchell and Service Creek. Drivers should reduce speeds and watch for equipment on the roadway.

Resources Under Strain