A stretch of cooler, wetter weather in early September has given Oregon firefighters crucial breathing room, allowing crews to drive containment forward on several of the state's most significant fire incidents. Oregon currently leads the nation with eight large active fires, but most of the season's headline-grabbing blazes are now well past their peak growth phases.

Big Grass Fire — Malheur County

Oregon's largest fire of 2026, the Big Grass Fire, has burned 578,637 acres in Malheur County along the Oregon-Idaho border and reached 94% containment as of early September. The fire was first discovered on July 23, 2026, and quickly spread through the dry rangeland of southeastern Oregon and neighboring Owyhee County, Idaho. Crews have held lines effectively through a combination of direct attack and natural barriers, and the incident is expected to reach full containment in the coming days as mopping-up operations continue.

Crosswhite Fire — Wheeler County

The 0445 Crosswhite Fire in Wheeler County has burned 342,923 acres and stands at 93% containment. Like the Big Grass Fire, the Crosswhite ignited during the peak heat of late summer and spread rapidly through drought-stressed central Oregon rangeland. Suppression resources have been largely successful in protecting range infrastructure, private property, and watershed values in the area.

Coleman Creek Fire — Harney County

The Coleman Creek Fire in Harney County has burned 308,863 acres and is 99% contained — effectively concluded from an active suppression standpoint, with crews finishing mop-up and patrol operations.

Grasshopper Fire — Wasco County / Mt. Hood National Forest

Burning in the Columbia River Gorge region near the Mount Hood National Forest, the Grasshopper Fire has charred nearly 94,000 acres and reached 91% containment. The fire destroyed at least 20 structures, including six homes. Rain in early September allowed firefighters to extinguish hot spots and extend containment lines, and portions of the Mount Hood National Forest that were closed due to the fire have now reopened, including the Timberline Trail, Tamanawas Trail, and Rock Creek Campground. Around 1,000 people remain under some level of evacuation order related to the Grasshopper Fire, though many levels were reduced this week.

Austin and Narrows Fires — Mt. Hood National Forest

Two additional fires continue to burn in the Mount Hood National Forest. The Austin Fire has burned more than 12,500 acres and is 21% contained, while the smaller Narrows Fire has burned just over 300 acres at 25% containment. Both fires have benefited from the recent wet weather but remain active. Level 3 evacuation orders remain in place for some residents in affected areas. Crews continue to build containment lines where terrain allows and are using heavy equipment to remove fuel loads in critical areas.

Paradise and Hagen Fires — Umatilla National Forest

The Paradise and Hagen Fires burning in the Umatilla National Forest have also seen moderated behavior in recent days, with some evacuation levels being reduced around the Hagen Fire in response to improved conditions and stronger containment.

State officials continue to caution that despite the recent progress, Oregon's fire season is not over. With dry fuels still abundant across eastern Oregon and fire weather potentially returning later in September, active incidents could resume aggressive growth with changing conditions.