Two significant fires are burning in different corners of Oregon's federal forest lands, each presenting unique challenges for fire managers. The Castle Fire on the Umpqua National Forest near Milo has grown to approximately 1,400 acres in steep, rugged terrain — and just became the first fire in the Northwest this season to receive an assigned international Incident Management Team from Australia and New Zealand. Meanwhile, the Grasshopper Fire in Mt. Hood National Forest has stabilized at 10,700 acres as crews work to hold key containment lines.

Castle Fire: Umpqua National Forest

The Castle Fire, burning near Milo on the Umpqua National Forest in Douglas County, grew to approximately 1,400 acres as of July 27 and is burning in steep, rocky, cliff terrain east of Carmen Lake. The Umpqua National Forest has issued Closure Order #06-15-02-26-01, closing roads and trails in the Little Black Rock and Castle Creek areas due to the fire's proximity and active behavior.

The terrain presents significant challenges for ground crews — much of the fire is burning in cliff faces and rocky drainages that are inaccessible or extremely hazardous for crews on foot. Air resources including helicopters are providing reconnaissance and water drops where safe to do so.

In a significant development, NIFC has assigned a 15-person Australian and New Zealand Incident Management Team to the Castle Fire as part of the broader international deployment to the Pacific Northwest. The team will take command and control responsibilities, integrating with U.S. personnel for planning, logistics, and operations. This marks one of the rare deployments of an international IMT as a cohesive team to a specific fire in the Northwest.

Evacuations have not been ordered for communities in the immediate area, but residents near the Milo and Days Creek communities should monitor the situation closely. Umpqua National Forest updates are available through the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region and InciWeb.

Grasshopper Fire: Mt. Hood National Forest

The Grasshopper Fire in Mt. Hood National Forest, Wasco County, started on July 23 following the same series of lightning storms that ignited fires across central Oregon. The fire grew rapidly in its first few days — from its origin north of Forest Road 4812 and west of Rocky Butte — ultimately reaching over 10,700 acres.

FEMA Region 10 approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Grasshopper Fire on July 25, 2026, unlocking federal cost-share assistance for suppression operations. Fire crews have been working to strengthen containment lines and mop up hot spots, with an 8-Mile Fire nearby reaching approximately 35% containment as crews take advantage of more moderate weather.

The Grasshopper Fire's location in the Mt. Hood National Forest — one of the most heavily visited national forests in the country — has resulted in multiple recreation area closures and highway impacts. Highway 26 between Mt. Hood and Madras was previously affected; travelers should check ODOT TripCheck for current highway conditions before driving through the area.

Broader Southern Oregon Fire Situation

Southern Oregon has seen multiple fire starts across the Umpqua National Forest, with at least five fires confirmed in the forest following the mid-July thunderstorm events. While some of the smaller fires have been contained or held, the Castle Fire has emerged as the most significant given its terrain challenges and resource commitment.

Both the Umpqua and Mt. Hood National Forests have implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions across their jurisdictions, prohibiting campfires, charcoal fires, and the use of stoves or lanterns that use solid or liquid fuel in all areas — regardless of elevation or location. Visitors are strongly encouraged to review current restrictions before entering either forest.