The Narrows Fire, burning approximately 15 miles southeast of Estacada in the Mt. Hood National Forest, has reached 98% containment at 305 acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center’s September 25 situation report. The fire is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and represents the lone active large fire currently listed for Oregon by federal fire managers.
Fire Nearly Out
Firefighters from the Mt. Hood National Forest are conducting final mop-up operations along the fire’s perimeter and in hot spot areas identified during aerial reconnaissance. With containment at 98%, full containment is expected within the coming days barring any significant weather event. The fire’s relatively small final footprint belies the intensity of Oregon’s 2026 fire season overall, during which millions of acres burned statewide.
The Narrows Fire was determined to be human-caused — one of two large fires this season in Mt. Hood National Forest attributed to human activity, along with the Austin Fire. The investigations into ignition sources are ongoing.
Fire Restrictions Lifted Across Mt. Hood
In a sign that the Pacific Northwest fire season is winding down, the Mt. Hood National Forest officially lifted its fire restrictions on September 23, 2026. The move came as autumn precipitation returned to the western Cascades, significantly reducing fire danger across the forest.
Three large wildfires burned within Mt. Hood National Forest during the 2026 season, making it one of the most impactful fire years in recent memory for the forest. The lifting of restrictions marks the end of the active suppression posture that forest managers have maintained since late spring.
Visitors should note that while restrictions have been lifted, fire safety awareness remains important. Always check current conditions with the Mt. Hood National Forest before lighting campfires, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Weather Helping
The National Weather Service is forecasting more widespread rainfall near and west of the Cascades in Oregon, with wetting rain also expected in northern Idaho and western Montana this week. This pattern is characteristic of the seasonal transition that typically brings relief to Pacific Northwest fire managers in late September.
The Columbia Basin region will see breezy west winds with relative humidity above 30%, while the western slopes of the Cascades receive the heaviest precipitation. This moisture is expected to significantly reduce any remaining fire activity in the region.
What’s Next
With The Narrows Fire approaching full containment and restrictions lifted, Mt. Hood National Forest managers will now shift focus to post-fire assessment, rehabilitation planning, and evaluating the forest’s readiness for prescribed burning operations that may be conducted later in fall when conditions are optimal. Residents and recreationists near Estacada and the upper Clackamas River drainage can expect access to improve as suppression operations conclude.