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Grasshopper Fire Expands to Over 54,000 Acres, Threatens Highway 35

Grasshopper Fire Expands to Over 54,000 Acres, Threatens Highway 35

The Grasshopper Fire near Mount Hood, Oregon, has expanded to over 54,200 acres and is now 23% contained. The fire, believed to be caused by lightning, has reached Highway 35 in several locations, prompting the Oregon Department of Transportation to close a portion of the highway. Firefighters are facing challenging conditions due to a Red Flag Warning for hot, dry, and windy weather. Crews are conducting strategic burns and building bulldozer lines to protect the highway and nearby structures. Evacuations are in place, and a shelter has been set up for large animals.

Oregon Wildfires Trigger Evacuations Amid Red Flag Warning

Oregon Wildfires Trigger Evacuations Amid Red Flag Warning

Oregon is facing multiple wildfires, including the Grasshopper Fire near Mount Hood, which has prompted red flag warnings due to critical weather conditions. The Grasshopper Fire has burned nearly 50,000 acres, leading to the closure of Highway 35 and numerous evacuations. Other fires, such as the Woodrat Fire near Jacksonville and the Wright Springs Fire near Chiloquin, have also caused evacuations and significant damage. The state is currently managing 32 active wildfires, with over 10,000 personnel involved in firefighting efforts. The situation is exacerbated by hot, dry, and windy conditions, which are expected to persist.

Oregon Residents Urged to Prepare Wildfire Emergency Go Bags Amidst Expanding Fires

Oregon Residents Urged to Prepare Wildfire Emergency Go Bags Amidst Expanding Fires

As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat in Oregon, particularly in the Willamette Valley, residents are being advised to prepare emergency go bags to ensure readiness for potential evacuations. The ongoing fires have led to increased smoke and air quality concerns, prompting emergency preparedness experts to emphasize the importance of having a go bag ready. This bag should be small, durable, and waterproof, containing essential items such as shelf-stable food, water, a flashlight, a flame-resistant blanket, and a basic first-aid kit. The advice comes as evacuations can occur with little warning, making it crucial for individuals and families to have a plan in place. The guidance also includes signing up for local emergency alerts and creating a comprehensive evacuation plan that includes all household members and pets.

Oregon Air National Guard Mobilizes to Combat Grasshopper Fire

Oregon Air National Guard Mobilizes to Combat Grasshopper Fire

The Oregon Air National Guard has deployed 44 troops to assist in fighting the Grasshopper Fire, marking the first time Air National Guard troops have led Oregon's ground firefighting efforts. The deployment includes two 22-person hand crews from the 142nd Wing in Portland and the 173rd Fighter Wing in Klamath Falls. The Grasshopper Fire has burned over 49,000 acres and is 23% contained, prompting numerous evacuations. The Oregon Department of Forestry requested additional support as its resources were nearly exhausted. The National Guard troops are expected to serve for two weeks, with additional teams on standby.

Lightning-Caused Fire Erupts Near Finger Rock Trail in Santa Catalina Mountains

Lightning-Caused Fire Erupts Near Finger Rock Trail in Santa Catalina Mountains

A wildfire, known as the Finger Ridge Fire, has ignited near Finger Rock Trail in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona. The fire began late on Friday, August 7, 2026, and is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike. As of Saturday morning, the fire has expanded to cover 20 acres. The rugged and steep terrain of the Santa Catalina Mountains, combined with extreme heat and anticipated storms, is complicating firefighting efforts. Additional air and ground support are being deployed to manage the blaze. Currently, there are no structures at risk, but smoke is expected to be visible in the surrounding areas throughout the day. The Finger Rock Trail has been closed to the public as a precautionary measure.

Rowe Creek Complex Fire in Oregon Continues to Challenge Firefighters

Rowe Creek Complex Fire in Oregon Continues to Challenge Firefighters

The Rowe Creek Complex fire, located 10 miles south of Fossil, Oregon, has burned 357,895 acres since it started on July 15, 2026, due to lightning. As of August 7, the fire is 73% contained. Firefighters are working to keep the fire within established control lines, using natural and manmade features to build contingency lines. Efforts are focused on preventing the fire from crossing US Highway 26 and protecting structures at risk. The fire remains active, with strategic ignitions and aerial support being employed to manage the blaze.

Firefighter Dies Battling Wrights Spring Fire in Southern Oregon

Firefighter Dies Battling Wrights Spring Fire in Southern Oregon

A firefighter, Jason Ensign, tragically lost his life while battling the Wrights Spring Fire in Southern Oregon's Fremont-Winema National Forest. The fire, which has grown to nearly 9,000 acres, remains uncontained. Ensign was operating a D-6 dozer when unexpected weather conditions caused rapid fire growth, cutting off his escape route. Governor Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to deploy additional firefighting resources. The fire has prompted Level 1 and Level 2 evacuation orders, with a heat advisory and air quality alert in effect.

Oregon Air National Guard Deployed to Combat Grasshopper Fire

Oregon Air National Guard Deployed to Combat Grasshopper Fire

The Oregon Air National Guard has activated 44 Airmen to support firefighting efforts on the Grasshopper Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest. This marks the first time Air National Guard personnel have led the state's ground firefighting response. Two hand crews from the 142nd Wing and the 173rd Fighter Wing have been mobilized to assist in the operation. The activation comes as the Oregon Department of Forestry's resources are nearly exhausted. The mission is expected to last 14 days, with additional teams on standby. The deployment includes air support with helicopters conducting water bucket missions.

Oregon Wildfires Prompt Evacuations and Air Quality Concerns at Timberline Lodge

Oregon Wildfires Prompt Evacuations and Air Quality Concerns at Timberline Lodge

The Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, Oregon, has been placed under a Level 1 'Be Ready' evacuation notice due to the spreading Grasshopper Fire, which has burned 39,000 acres. Improved wind conditions have temporarily reduced the threat to the lodge and nearby areas, but the situation remains volatile. Portland experienced the worst air quality in the world for several hours, attributed to the ongoing wildfires. The lodge plans to resume outdoor activities as conditions improve, but officials warn that circumstances can change rapidly.

Oregon Wildfires Prompt Evacuations and Affect Air Quality at Timberline Lodge

Oregon Wildfires Prompt Evacuations and Affect Air Quality at Timberline Lodge

Wildfires in Oregon have led to evacuation orders and poor air quality, particularly affecting the Timberline Lodge area on Mount Hood. The Grasshopper Fire, burning over 39,000 acres, has prompted a Level 1 'Be Ready' evacuation notice for the lodge. Improved wind conditions have temporarily reduced the threat, allowing the lodge to remain open. However, Portland has experienced some of the worst air quality globally due to the fires. The Rowe Creek Complex Fire has also grown significantly, contributing to the hazardous conditions.

Oregon's Timberline Lodge Threatened by Grasshopper Fire

Oregon's Timberline Lodge Threatened by Grasshopper Fire

The Timberline Lodge in Oregon, famously used as the exterior for the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining', is under threat from the Grasshopper Fire. The wildfire, which has burned over 36,600 acres in Mount Hood National Forest, is only 19% contained. The lodge is currently under a Level 1 'Be Ready' evacuation notice, while nearby areas face mandatory evacuations. The fire has already affected local businesses and tourism, with declining air quality driving visitors away. Firefighters are working to protect the lodge and surrounding areas as the fire continues to spread.