BIG GRASS

BIG GRASS Fire Report - August 22, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Big Grass Fire was ignited by lightning on July 23, 2026, approximately 25 miles southwest of Jordan Valley in Malheur County, Oregon, near the Idaho-Oregon border.
Size and Containment: As of August 22, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 578,635 acres and is 89% contained. It is officially the largest single wildfire in Oregon's recorded history.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been primarily fueled by fine fuels such as dry grass, shrubs, and sagebrush across high desert rangelands. Driven by deep-seated drought conditions and erratic winds, it grew rapidly across the state line into Idaho. Recently, gusty winds up to 50 mph have stirred up dust and fanned residual heat, but the fire has largely stayed within its existing perimeter.
Containment Efforts: The active blaze is currently managed by a Complex Incident Management Team directing 566 personnel, including 7 hand crews, 22 dozers, 32 engines, 22 water tenders, and 1 helicopter. Firefighters are utilizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to locate hot areas for ground resources to extinguish. As mop-up work is completed, the Juniper Forward Operating Base (FOB) is closing, and resources are gradually returning to the Jordan Valley Incident Command Post or being released. The estimated suppression cost to date is $64.4 million.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Level 3 "GO NOW" evacuation orders remain in effect for parts of Owyhee County, Idaho, including areas near Pleasant Valley, Flint Creek Road, Triangle, Antelope-Ridge Road, and the 45 Ranch, as well as areas south of Jordan Valley in Oregon.
Evacuation Warnings: Level 2 "SET" warnings cover areas farther south toward the Oregon and Nevada state lines, and the reservation boundary to the east.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Approximately 159 people have been evacuated due to the fire. A community meeting was scheduled at the Jordan Valley Lions Community Center to provide updates to residents and is being live-streamed online.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Boise District has revised the Temporary Closure Order for the public lands around the Big Grass Fire.
• While major highways remain open to travel, heavy equipment and firefighters are actively working along the fire area's narrow roadways.
• Expect delays and use extreme caution on Juniper Mountain Road as large vehicles and equipment depart the area.

For more information, visit:

• Owyhee County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page
• Watch Duty - Big Grass Fire Updates
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Closures

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: No specific fatalities or injuries have been reported in connection with the Big Grass Fire.
Structures Impacted: Currently, 74 residential structures and 148 other structures remain threatened by the fire.
School and Business Closures: No specific school closures have been reported, but local agricultural and ranching operations have been severely disrupted.
Notable Impacts: The fire has consumed massive amounts of grazing lands in both Oregon and Idaho, severely impacting local ranchers whose livestock, fences, and livelihoods have been threatened. Fire crews have also prioritized protecting the Duck Valley Reservation on the southeast flank.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No major residential power outages have been reported in the last 72 hours.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: Strict fire restrictions and burn bans remain in place across the region due to extreme fire danger.
Air Quality: Blowing dust and ash are reducing visibility on roadways. Smoke from the fire continues to pose health risks, and residents are advised to stay indoors, set HVAC systems to recirculate, use air purifiers, and wear a KN95/FFP2 mask if they need to go outdoors.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With containment at 89%, firefighters have made steady progress securing the fire's edge, particularly around South Mountain and Cow Creek. Crews will continue to focus on extinguishing pockets of residual heat and mopping up the interior. While the number of resources needed is decreasing, firefighters remain vigilant against embers flaring up in a massive internal pocket of unburned fuel.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the Oregon portion of the fire. Forecasts call for possible thunderstorms and scattered showers, with temperatures in the low 90s and humidity dropping to around 16%. Strong downbursts with wind gusts up to 40-50 mph remain a significant concern, as they can carry embers past established fire lines and spark new lightning-caused fires.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Big Grass Fire was ignited by lightning on July 23, 2026.
Weather and Climate: The fire's massive growth was initially driven by deep-seated drought conditions, dry high-desert fuels, and erratic winds. Recent weather patterns, including scattered dry thunderstorms, low humidity, and wind gusts up to 50 mph, have continued to challenge containment efforts by fanning residual heat and stirring up dust. The region's exceptionally severe 2026 wildfire season has exacerbated the fire's intensity and rapid spread.

For more information, visit:

• Owyhee County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page
• Watch Duty - Big Grass Fire Updates
• AirNow Air Quality Updates