Oregon firefighters are battling 10 large active fires as of September 2, 2026, with two significant blazes near the Mt. Hood National Forest and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest showing little to no containment progress. Across the state, more than 750,000 acres remain under active fire conditions, though many of the season's largest fires are now trending toward control.

Austin Fire: Zero Containment on Mt. Hood's Eastern Flank

The Austin Fire, burning in the Mt. Hood National Forest approximately 25 miles southeast of Estacada, has grown to 11,682 acres with 0% containment. The fire is being managed by a Type 1 Incident Management Team, reflecting the complexity and scale of operations required.

The blaze is burning in steep, rugged terrain with limited road access, complicating both direct attack and aerial operations. Evacuations and road closures are in effect for portions of the Clackamas River watershed. Residents and recreationists are advised to avoid the area. The fire information line is available at 541-982-5802.

McCully Fire: Growing Fast Near Baker City

The McCully Fire on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, located 22 miles northwest of Baker City, has burned 11,231 acres and is only 4% contained. The fire is expanding in difficult fuel conditions across mixed conifer and grass terrain.

The Paradise Fire on the Umatilla National Forest, 18 miles east of Milton-Freewater, has reached 9,466 acres at 15% containment. Both fires are being closely monitored for potential threat to private lands and rural communities. Information: 541-712-8905 (McCully) and 541-970-7128 (Paradise).

Hagen Fire: Holding at Half Containment

The large Hagen Fire on the Umatilla National Forest, 26 miles east of Pendleton, continues to hold at approximately 50% containment after burning 61,125 acres. Crews have made consistent progress but continue working to secure the perimeter in rugged terrain east of the Pendleton area.

Season's Larger Fires Nearing Control

Several of Oregon's historically large 2026 fires are approaching full containment:

  • Grasshopper Fire (Mt. Hood NF, 14 miles SW of Dufur): 93,961 acres, 83% contained
  • Wrights Spring (Fremont-Winema NF, near Sprague River): 55,134 acres, 95% contained
  • Rowe Creek Complex (BLM Prineville District, south of Fossil): 373,927 acres, 96% contained
  • Big Grass Fire (BLM Vale District, Jordan Valley area): 578,637 acres, 94% contained

The Big Grass Fire, at nearly 579,000 acres, has been one of the largest fires in Oregon's recorded history — a stark measure of just how severe the 2026 fire season has been for the state.

Staying Safe in Impacted Areas

Residents near active fires should monitor InciWeb (inciweb.wildfire.gov) and Oregon's wildfire response portal (wildfire.oregon.gov) for the latest information. Sign up for your county's emergency alert system and follow all evacuation orders issued by local authorities.