Oregon Wildfire Update: Smoke chokes Portland and Willamette Valley as evacuations continue across the state

Wildfires continue to burn across the Pacific Northwest, with thick smoke settling over much of Oregon, including the Portland metro area and the Willamette Valley.

An orange haze blanketed Portland and surrounding communities Aug. 4 as fires continued to grow in several parts of the state, prompting ongoing evacuation orders, highway closures, and unhealthy air quality.

While some of Oregon’s ongoing wildfires are now more than halfway contained, many of the state’s largest fires continue to burn.

Grasshopper Fire grows near Mount Hood

The Grasshopper Fire burning in the Mount Hood National Forest expanded to nearly 34,700 acres on the morning of Aug. 4 after growing by about 3,000 acres overnight.

The fire is 19% contained, with more than 1,200 firefighters assigned.

Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders remain in place for large portions of the forest, including areas along U.S. Highway 35.

Mt. Hood Meadows also entered a Level 3 evacuation Tuesday morning. The ski resort announced the evacuation in a social media post after hoping earlier that conditions would improve.

Fire managers warned that strong easterly winds and critical fire weather could drive additional fire growth. Evacuation shelters remain open at South Wasco County High School in Maupin and the Sherman County Fairgrounds in Moro.

Rowe Creek Complex reaches 60% containment

The Rowe Creek Complex in Central Oregon has burned nearly 324,000 acres and is now 60% contained.

While fire activity has slowed, U.S. Highway 26 remains closed for about 34 miles between Prineville and John Day. Crews continue removing vegetation and other fuels along the highway before it can safely reopen. No reopening timeline has been announced.

Nearly 2,000 personnel remain assigned to the complex.

Smoke remains a serious concern in Central Oregon. Prineville recorded a hazardous Air Quality Index reading of 377 Tuesday morning, prompting health officials to urge residents to stay indoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

Big Grass remains Oregon’s largest wildfire

The Big Grass Fire remains the state’s largest active wildfire, burning approximately 346,700 acres across eastern Malheur County and into western Idaho.

About 900 firefighters continue protecting more than 600 homes while reinforcing containment lines around nearby ranches and farms.

Nearby, the Hat Fire has reached 99% containment after burning about 44,000 acres. Crews remain on scene completing mop-up work and protecting structures.

Air quality across the region remains unhealthy, with Tuesday morning Air Quality Index readings around 150.

Burns Basin fires continue burning in eastern Oregon

Several major fires remain active across the Burns Basin in Harney and Malheur counties.

The Second Flat Fire has burned about 105,000 acres, where crews continue extinguishing hot spots. Evacuation orders remain in effect for several rural communities west of Burns.

The Coleman Creek Fire remains the largest blaze in the complex, burning more than 274,000 acres and reaching 23% containment. Firefighters continue working to keep the fire south of U.S. Highway 20 while using smokejumpers and infrared aircraft to identify active hot spots.

The Bald Mountain Fire is now 30% contained after burning more than 78,000 acres, while the Jackass Butte Fire has reached 78% containment as firefighters take advantage of improved weather conditions.

Burns also continued to experience unhealthy air Tuesday, with Air Quality Index readings above 150.

Progress reported on Central Oregon fires

Firefighters continue making progress on several other Central Oregon wildfires.

The Bench Fire on the Warm Springs Reservation is now 66% contained after burning more than 67,000 acres.

The nearby Round Butte Fire outside Metolius, which forced evacuations over the weekend, has been contained.

Near Sisters, evacuation orders for the Akawa Fire have been lifted after nearly three weeks of firefighting. The fire is now 85% contained, although officials continue warning hikers and mountain bikers to avoid burned areas because of unstable trees, loose soil, and other hazards.

Umatilla County fires show little growth

Fire activity slowed Monday on the Hagen, Paradise and Horse Ridge fires in Umatilla County as smoky conditions helped reduce fire behavior.

Fire crews have deployed more than 90 miles of hose across the three fires, while helicopters have dropped approximately 1.4 million gallons of water. Officials reported no significant fire growth as firefighters continue strengthening containment lines.

Smoke expected to remain a concern

Smoke from fires across Oregon continues affecting air quality throughout much of the state, including the Portland metro area and Willamette Valley.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions, limit outdoor activity when smoke levels are high, and stay alert for changing evacuation notices in fire-affected communities.