Jackass Butte

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Jackass Butte Fire was reported on July 24, 2026. It is located in Harney County, Oregon, off Jack Mountain Road near Jackass Mountain and Steens Mountain.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned 24,724 acres and is currently 78% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire experienced rapid growth in its initial days due to high winds and extreme heat. Specific fuel types and current rates of spread are not detailed in the latest reports, as the fire's perimeter has largely stabilized and no new heat has been detected on the western flank.
Containment Efforts: Approximately 77 to 100 personnel are currently assigned to the incident. Firefighters report good conditions across the fire line. While interior heat remains present in a few isolated locations, these areas are limited and do not pose a concern for containment. Crews have been actively setting up water sprinklers, volume pumps, and water tenders to maintain moisture on organic soils. These systems may remain in place as a longer-term solution. Resources are currently being shifted to priority areas as suppression and mop-up efforts continue smoothly.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders and Warnings: As of the latest updates, all evacuation orders and warnings specifically for the Jackass Butte Fire have been removed.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: While evacuations for this specific fire have been lifted, an evacuation center remains open at Crane Union High School in Crane, Oregon, to support residents impacted by broader regional fire activity.
Estimated Number of People Impacted: Because the fire is located in a remote, rural area and evacuations have been lifted, the estimated number of currently displaced individuals is minimal. Exact figures are not available at this time.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:
There are no specific road, school, or critical infrastructure closures reported exclusively for the Jackass Butte Fire at this time. However, regional routes have been impacted by broader fire activity, and drivers are urged to remain cautious of firefighting equipment and personnel in the area.

For more information on evacuations and road closures, visit:

• Harney County Sheriff's Office (Evacuation Updates)
• InciWeb - Jackass Butte Fire
• Oregon Department of Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There are no reported injuries or fatalities attributed to the Jackass Butte Fire.
Structures Impacted: There are no reports of structures or key infrastructure destroyed by the Jackass Butte Fire in the last 72 hours.
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this specific fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire is burning in the vicinity of Steens Mountain, a notable natural landmark and recreational area in Harney County.

Safety Concerns:
Air Quality: Smoke from the Jackass Butte Fire and other regional blazes is significantly affecting air quality, impacting communities far beyond the fire perimeter. Skies remain hazy, and residents—especially those with respiratory conditions—are advised to monitor local air quality and stay indoors if necessary.
Water Safety: Firefighting aircraft are utilizing waterways in eastern Oregon. The public is strongly advised to stay clear of the center of major waterways, as recreational boats can block aircraft from accessing the water needed to suppress wildfires.
Burn Bans and Fire Restrictions: Regional fire restrictions and burn bans are in effect