Hoop Fire on Steens Mountain Loop Road has reached 885 acres
By Mindy McKerrall on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
HARNEY COUNTY-Firefighting crews are responding to a rapidly expanding wildfire in Harney County. Dubbed the Hoop Fire, the blaze was discovered just southeast of Blitzen Crossing along the Steens Mountain Loop Road and has already grown to 885 acres.
A multi-agency effort is underway to contain the fire, utilizing a robust combination of ground and air defense. On-scene resources currently include:
- Fire engines and a heavy-duty dozer crew cutting containment lines.
- Ground crews working directly on the perimeter.
- Air support consisting of helicopters, an air attack command plane, and Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) dropping fire retardant.
Fire officials are urging the public to strictly avoid the area and stay clear of Steens Mountain Loop Road near Blitzen Crossing. Keeling the roads and skies clear is critical for public safety and ensures that firefighters can operate heavy machinery and air assets without interference.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire agencies will share more updates as new information and containment figures become available.
