Oregon Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Oregon - August 26, 2026

Overview

Oregon is experiencing a grueling, record-breaking wildfire season driven by a low snowpack, widespread drought, and persistent lightning strikes. Over 2.5 million acres have burned across the state so far in 2026, surpassing the previous state record set in 2024. The extreme combination of critically dry vegetation and high winds has led to potentially risky situations for wildfires across the state. The current National Preparedness Level for the region remains high, indicating local and national resources are heavily committed to managing these historic incidents.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple large wildfires actively burning across North-Central and Eastern Oregon, prompting evacuation orders, threatening communities, and drawing a significant multi-agency firefighting response. While containment has risen for many fires going into the final stretch of summer—leading to lower evacuation levels in some areas—several fires continue to exhibit active fire behavior under dry weather conditions. Firefighters are focusing on protecting homes, strengthening containment lines, and limiting additional fire growth.

Key Fires:
Rowe Creek Complex: Located 10 miles south of Fossil, OR, this lightning-caused fire is the largest active priority, having burned 373,981 acres. It is currently 91% contained. The fire is fueled by tall grass, timber, and brush. Firefighters are using thermal imaging cameras and unmanned aircraft systems to identify heat sources and are shoring up containment lines along the southern and eastern edges ahead of gusty winds.

Hay Creek Complex: This fire has burned approximately 200,292 acres and is currently 100% contained. Crews remain focused on patrol and mop-up operations to ensure no flare-ups occur.

Grasshopper Fire: Burning over 90,000 acres near Mount Hood across Wasco, Hood River, and Clackamas counties, this fire is 71% contained. Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations remain in place for the Badger Creek Wilderness and east to the White River Wildlife Area to protect residents and ensure firefighting efforts remain uninterrupted.

Bench Fire: Located 4 miles southwest of Warm Springs, OR, this lightning-caused fire has burned 67,071 acres and is 90% contained. It continues to be fueled by grass, shrub, and ponderosa pine. Fire behavior remains minimal, but firefighters are working diligently to hold containment lines against strong winds.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to extreme fire danger, widespread burn bans have been implemented. Multnomah and Washington counties have enacted mandatory High-Fire Danger Burn Bans, prohibiting backyard burning, agricultural burning, and recreational wood fires. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service have also implemented emergency public land closures in and around fire areas, including portions of the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland. Oregon State Parks has enacted strict seasonal fire restrictions across multiple locations.

Air Quality: Smoke from the Rowe Creek Complex and Bench Fire continues to impact Central Oregon, particularly around Prineville and Warm Springs. Smoke remains most noticeable where heavier timber is still smoldering. Multnomah County has restricted wood burning until regional air quality improves.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Hot, dry, and windy conditions persist across much of the state, challenging ongoing suppression efforts.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service in Medford has issued Red Flag Warnings for portions of Southern and Southeastern Oregon, including the Siskiyou Mountains, Southern Cascade Mountains, Rogue Valley, and the Burns BLM fire-weather zones. West-to-northwest winds may gust around 25 to 30 mph, with afternoon relative humidity falling to between 8% and 15%. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast, which may produce abundant lightning and strong, erratic outflow winds reaching up to 50-55 mph. These conditions greatly increase the spread potential of any new and existing fires. A slight dip in temperatures is expected heading into the weekend, though it coincides with continued lightning risks in the Cascades.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts. Drivers should remain alert for firefighters and heavy equipment on area roadways. It is crucial to stay out of closed areas, strictly follow evacuation orders, and adhere to all burn bans to prevent new fire starts.
Resource Allocation: Agencies are working under challenging conditions with extreme fire behavior. Structural specialists are fortifying structures within fire perimeters, and aerial resources remain available to support ground crews and quickly respond to any new fire starts.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF): www.oregon.gov/odf
Oregon Emergency Management: www.oregon.gov/oem

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.