KWSO News for Fri., Aug. 14, 2026
The Grasshopper Fire, burning north of the Warm Springs Reservation, has grown to nearly 87-thousand acres, with about 1,771 personnel working the fire. Fire activity increased significantly yesterday along the eastern edge in the Tygh Creek area, about two miles northwest of Shadybrook.
A community meeting was held last night at Dufur School. The Grasshopper Fire unified command includes the Southern Area Blue Team, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal. U.S. Forest Service representative Casey Gatz said the region is experiencing an extreme fire season after an extended drought, low snowpack and an extremely dry spring. He said resources were dispatched immediately, but crews, aircraft and other support were also being requested for dozens of fires across Oregon and Washington. “The challenge of getting folks here was felt the same way that those fires were being felt everywhere else across Oregon and Washington,” Gatz said.
Fire behavior analyst John Cook said winds are contributing to the fire’s movement, particularly as the fire moves from higher to lower elevations. “Wind just works like water. It picks up speed as it goes downhill,” Cook said. He explained that warm air and smoke rise during the day, then settle at night, while dry air and low humidity continue to challenge firefighters.
The public is reminded to avoid active wildfire areas. Closures are in place on the Mt. Hood National Forest, including the Barlow Ranger District and Clackamas River Ranger District. The Austin Fire, which has burned more than 2,000 acres west of the Warm Springs Reservation near Mount Wilson, is being managed as part of the Grasshopper Fire incident management team. Officials warn that gusty winds could increase fire activity later today.
With the Grasshopper and Austin fires still active near the northwest corner of the reservation, the public is again reminded to avoid wildfire areas. Warm Springs Fire Management Officer Trey Leonard is also urging people in the northwest areas of the reservation, including those huckleberry picking, to remain aware of changing conditions. Leonard said Warm Springs Fire Management is working with other fire managers and monitoring weather and potential fire spread. “There’s always potential” for fire to move onto the reservation, Leonard said. Fire managers are establishing management action points as trigger points for taking action if the fire advances toward the reservation.
Wildfires are also affecting hunting opportunities for Tribal Members. More than 2.3 million acres have burned statewide, with the vast majority in Central and Eastern Oregon. Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Branch of Natural Resources General Manager Austin Smith Jr. said about 1.8 million acres of public land is currently inaccessible or closed because of fires and fire operations. He said off-reservation hunting seasons were delayed from August 1st, with a recommendation to delay them until September 1st because of current conditions and safety concerns. “We want to alleviate any type of issues with hunters going out where they shouldn’t be,” Smith said.
After a lengthy closure because of wildfire and firefighting operations, U.S. 26 between Prineville and Mitchell reopened yesterday morning. Fire crews will continue working along the highway, and motorists are asked to slow down, move over and give crews plenty of space. Smoke and reduced visibility are possible, and travelers are encouraged to check TripCheck.com for current road conditions.
Wasco County 4-H and FFA livestock and small-animal activities have been relocated to the Hood River County Fairgrounds because the Wasco County Fair was canceled because of the Grasshopper Fire. Shows are today and tomorrow, with the livestock auction set for Saturday afternoon. Admission is free.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory through 3 p.m. Friday as wildfire smoke pushes pollution to unhealthy levels across Central and Eastern Oregon. The Branch of Natural Resources air monitor recorded a reading of 287 this morning, in the “very unhealthy” range. Health officials recommend limiting outdoor activity, keeping children indoors when it is smoky and following medical advice for people with heart or lung conditions.
The Oregon Health Authority is also reminding people that wildfires can affect mental health. Evacuation warnings, disrupted routines, property loss and prolonged smoke exposure can contribute to stress, anxiety, grief and other emotional reactions. Health officials recommend staying connected with family, friends and neighbors, taking breaks from news and social media and maintaining routines when possible. Parents are encouraged to reassure children and teens and give them opportunities to talk about their feelings. People needing support can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or call 211 for local resources.
At Thursday Market, OSU Extension again distributed box fans and filters to help community members improve indoor air conditions during the smoke. Central Oregon Extension Forester Janna Deibel said more than 100 box-fan filter sets have been distributed at the last two markets, with another 50 sets available yesterday. Branch of Natural Resources Summer Youth Interns helped assemble and distribute the filters.
The WSCAT Wyam Youth Center was also at Thursday Market promoting tonight’s first Indigenous Youth Fashion Show. Cha Cha Ramirez said the event is open to designers ages 24 and under, who can showcase clothing they have made, including family-made regalia or streetwear. Photographs will be provided to help young designers and models build portfolios. The fashion show is tonight at the old elementary school gym. Dinner is at 5 p.m., the show begins at 6, and everyone is welcome.