Burns Basin Fires Update August 08, 2026
By Garrett Christensen on Saturday, August 8th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
MALHEUR & HARNEY COUNTIES — (Release from official fire resources)
Bald Mountain Fire
Size: 76,134 acres Containment:67% Personnel: 258
Reported: July 23, 2026
Scattered juniper pockets are still holding heat, but containment continues to expand as crews improve and tie in lines. Work remains steady and focused on reinforcing progress made over previous shifts while maintaining situational awareness in areas with residual interior heat.
Jackass Butte Fire
Size: 24,724 acres Containment: 92% Personnel: 52
Reported: July 24, 2026
Crews on the Jackass Butte Fire are maintaining steady progress today. Water tender operations continue to effectively cool remaining hotspots. Crews are mitigating heat, monitoring interior areas, and strengthening containment.
Plans are in place to transition into suppression repair once conditions allow, and additional equipment is positioned to support that shift.
Weather: Gusty west-northwest winds are expected across the area today, with temperatures climbing toward the mid-90s. Relative humidity remains low, keeping fuels receptive.
Closures and Safety:
The Malheur National Forest implemented Stage C of Public Use Restrictions (PURs) and Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) IV. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/malheur
Motorists along Highways 78 and 205 should remain alert for firefighting equipment in the area.
For more information and questions about the fires, please see:
Smoke: For smoke and air quality information, visit AirNow Fire and Smoke Map. Evacuations: Harney County Sheriff’s on Facebook: @HarneyCoSheriff Facebook: 2026 Burns Basin Fires
Email: 2026.JackassButte@firenet.gov Incident Information Phone: 541-970-7130
