Wildfire updates: July 27, 2026

According to an official Oregon Department of Forestry update from The Dalles Unit Forester Chase D. Duncan, the fire started on July 24. It received heavy initial attack from ODF, mutual-aid partners, aircraft, contract resources, and local landowners. Forward progression was stopped that same night at 532 acres.

Crews have since been strengthening containment lines and mopping up hotspots. As of July 26, the fire stood at 35% containment, with further increases expected as mop-up continues deeper from the edge. This fire remains relatively small and is showing steady progress under active management.

Several wildfires continue to burn in and near Wasco County, including the Grasshopper Fire (Mount Hood National Forest area near Wamic/Pine Hollow), the Little Buck Fire (part of the Hay Creek Complex near Shaniko/Antelope/Clarno), and the 10-Mile Fire area near the Jefferson County border. Sizes and activity have changed with weather, and fire behavior can shift quickly.

UPDATE: 10 Mile Wildfire & 586 Fire (Near Trout Creek / Jefferson & South Wasco County border)

• 10 Mile Fire Size: 4,834 acres (Cause: Unknown)

• 586 Fire Size: 191 acres (Cause: Lightning, adjacent to 10 Mile fire)

• Responding Units: BLM, ODF, Ashwood Antelope RFPA

Evacuation Levels:

• Level 3 lowered to Level 2 Get Set: From the Wasco/Jefferson County border on Hwy 97 to the Antelope Hwy/Hwy 97 intersection, to Milepost 3 on Hwy 293, and to the Jefferson County line.

• Level 2 lowered to Level 1 Get Ready: From Highway 97 on the Jefferson County line to the Highway 97/197 intersection, south of South Junction Road to the Deschutes River, and from the Hwy 97/Antelope Hwy intersection to milepost 68 on Hwy 97.

• Level 1 lifted: From north of South Junction Road to the Deschutes River, to Hwy 97, and to Milepost 63 on Hwy 197.

Road open: South Junction Road

River Closures: The Prineville District Bureau of Land Management has implemented a closure order for all BLM lands, launches, access points, and backcountry campsites from Warm Springs launch at Hwy 26 to the Locked Gate on the Deschutes River Access Road.

Grasshopper Fire (Mount Hood National Forest near Grasshopper Point)  Evacuation Zones

• Size: 10,742+ acres

• Cause: Unknown

• Responding Units: Interagency Type 3 team (Wildland Fire Service and US Forest Service), Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State Fire Marshal

Evacuation Levels:

• Level 3 (Go Now) Mount Hood National Forest - Grasshopper Advisory Zone

• Level 3 (Go Now): Sportsman Park, Pine Hollow, and Wamic.

• Level 2 (Be Set): Smock Road, White River Crossing, Badger Creek, Shadybrook Rd, and Tygh Valley.

• Level 1 (Get Ready): Forest Rd 27 to Friend Rd; Elliot Rd to Friend Rd to Hwy 197.

Closures: A closure order is in effect for Mount Hood National Forest. Details are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood/alerts/closure-place-grasshopper-fire

Shelter Location: Maupin High School, 699 4th St, Maupin, OR 97037

Large Animal Shelter - Sherman County Fairgrounds, 66147 Lone Rock Rd, Moro, OR 97039

Little Buck Fire (Haycreek Complex)- Evacuations Remain the Same

• Size: 33,4723+ acres

• Cause: Unknown

Evacuation Levels (Updated by Wasco County Sheriff's Office):

• Level 3 (Go Now): Shaniko, Hwy 97 from Shaniko to the Sherman County Border, Antelope, Bennett Rd, Young Life, and Clarno.

• Level 2 (Be Set): Upper Tubs Rd to Cold Camp Rd

• Shelter Location: St. Patrick Catholic Church, 341 SW J St, Madras, OR 97741

Deep Canyon Fire

Size: 8089 acres

• Level 1 Has been lifted

Why Level 3 (“Go Now”) orders can be in place even when a fire appears miles away: High winds (including periods of Red Flag conditions) can cause rapid spread, spotting, and sudden changes in direction. Officials issue and adjust evacuation levels based on current fire activity, forecasted winds, terrain, fuels, and the need to give people safe time to leave before conditions worsen. These decisions prioritize public safety over proximity alone. Levels remain dynamic and can be raised, lowered, or lifted as containment improves or risks change.

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management work to provide the most current information possible. Citizen safety is the clear priority.

For the latest, most accurate details:

• Check the live interactive map at perimetermap.com/wascocounty-or. Enter your address to see if you are in an evacuation zone, view current levels, shelters, and related information. This is the recommended primary source for real-time perimeter and evacuation status.
• Follow official updates from the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office (Facebook and other channels) and Oregon wildfire resources.

Sign up for Citizen Alert notifications: Visit the Wasco County Emergency Management website and use the Citizen Alert signup link (Everbridge system). Registering ensures you receive direct alerts for your location by phone, text, or email about evacuations, road issues, and other emergencies. Traditional landlines may receive some notices, but signing up covers additional devices and locations you designate.

Stay informed through these official channels rather than unofficial reports. If you are in an affected area, follow any Level 3 instructions immediately, prepare go-kits if at Level 1 or 2, and monitor conditions. Resources such as shelters (examples have included Maupin High School and locations in Madras) are listed on the Perimeter map and official updates when activated.

Thank you for checking official sources. Conditions can evolve, so the map and Citizen Alert remain the best ways to stay current and prepared.