Two significant wildfires in north-central Oregon — the Shingle Fire and the Grasshopper Fire — continue to challenge firefighters as crews work to protect communities, highways, and natural landmarks while fire behavior remains volatile heading into what forecasters call the most dangerous weekend of the season.

Shingle Fire: 66,299 Acres, 10% Contained

The Shingle Fire is burning approximately 14 miles southeast of Mitchell, Oregon, in rugged terrain that includes portions of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. As of August 1, the fire has consumed 66,299 acres and is only 10% contained, placing it among the most threatening active fires in the region.

Firefighting operations focus on several key objectives:

  • Along the Highway 26 corridor, the fire has moved into rocky terrain that has naturally slowed its northern progression, allowing crews to use direct extinguishment tactics near the fire's edge to protect the highway and the monument.
  • At the northwest flank, crews are reinforcing lines near Fort Creek to prevent spread toward additional communities.
  • A firing operation is underway along the 12 Road to keep fire east of the roadway, advancing from the Chamberlain Spring area northward toward the Forest Service boundary.
  • At the southwest edge along the 1250 road, firefighters are working to tie containment lines into the existing Crazy Creek burn scar.

The Shingle Fire started from a lightning strike during the mid-July dry thunderstorm outbreak and has been classified as one of the most difficult fires of the season due to the combination of steep terrain, remote access roads, and unpredictable wind patterns through the local topography.

Grasshopper Fire: 21,126 Acres, 0% Contained

The Grasshopper Fire, burning in north-central Oregon near the Pine Hollow and Sportsman Park communities, remains 0% contained at 21,126 acres — making it one of the most active threats to residential areas in the region. Firefighters are working around the clock to build and hold containment lines on the fire's edge, with structure protection in the Sportsmans Park and Pine Hollow communities as the top priority.

Crews successfully executed a firing operation along Forest Road 27 to secure the fire's southern edge, and work is ongoing to strengthen and improve those lines. While fire activity has been somewhat moderated in recent days, allowing direct attack on several flanks, the zero-containment status reflects the challenge of establishing perimeter control under the current weather conditions.

Looking Ahead

Both fires face a critical test this weekend as the forecast wind event brings gusts of 35–50 mph to central Oregon. Fire managers have adjusted tactics ahead of the weather, pulling crews back from exposed positions and focusing on safety zones and escape routes in advance of deteriorating conditions. Public land closures remain in effect around both fire areas, and residents in adjacent communities should have evacuation plans ready and be prepared to move quickly if conditions deteriorate.

For the latest official updates on these incidents, visit InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov or the Central Oregon Fire Information website at centraloregonfire.org.