Oregon's 2026 wildfire season has been defined by several historically large fires, most of which are now approaching full containment following weeks of suppression work by thousands of firefighters. As of September 17, the state still has seven large active fires listed by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), though fire behavior has moderated across most of the state following recent precipitation.

Season's Giants: Big Grass and Rowe Creek Complex

The Big Grass Fire in Malheur County — the largest fire in Oregon this season — has now burned 578,637 acres of short-grass rangeland and is 94 percent contained. First discovered on July 23, the fire spread rapidly during a period of extreme heat and strong winds, overwhelming initial attack resources and growing to near-record size within days.

The Rowe Creek Complex, located 10 miles south of Fossil in Wheeler County, has consumed 373,927 acres and stands at 99 percent containment. Demobilization of resources is expected to accelerate in the coming days as firefighters complete mop-up along remaining hot spots.

Wasco County's Grasshopper Fire

The Grasshopper Fire, burning 14 miles southwest of Dufur in Wasco County, reached 93,982 acres and has climbed to 97 percent containment following more than six weeks of suppression effort. Total estimated suppression costs have exceeded $113.4 million, reflecting the intensity and duration of operations. The fire started July 24 and grew rapidly in drought-stressed ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forests on the eastern slopes of the Cascades.

Umatilla National Forest: Hagen and Paradise Fires

Operations on the Hagen Fire (26 miles east of Pendleton, 61,381 acres, 87 percent contained) and the Paradise Fire (18 miles east of Milton-Freewater, 9,656 acres, 86 percent contained) have transitioned from active suppression to long-term repair and restoration work. Both fires are burning in Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa counties.

Forest and road closures remain in effect around both fires, and officials are urging the public to stay out of closure areas. Hunters have reportedly been observed inside fire perimeters, putting themselves at serious risk from falling snags, rolling debris, and other post-fire hazards.

Western Oregon: Austin and Narrows Fires

Near Estacada in Clackamas County, two fires continue to burn in the Mount Hood National Forest. The Austin Fire (25 miles southeast of Estacada, 12,887 acres) sits at 67 percent containment, while the smaller Narrows Fire (15 miles southeast of Estacada, 304 acres) is 89 percent contained. Some Level 3 evacuation orders previously in effect for nearby areas have been lifted, though closures around the Clackamas River Ranger District remain active.

Other Active Oregon Incidents

  • McCully Fire — 22 miles northwest of Baker City, 13,604 acres, 87% contained
  • Sycan Fire — 20 miles southwest of Summer Lake, 2,185 acres, 90% contained

Residents throughout eastern and central Oregon should monitor local emergency management websites for updates on closures, air quality conditions, and any changes in evacuation status as fire crews continue their work.