Big Grass Fire Update, Sunday, August 9, 2026
By Garrett Christensen on Sunday, August 9th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JORDAN VALLEY — (Update from official fire resources)
Public Phone Line: 208-295-5503 7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Location: 25 miles SW of Jordan Valley, OR
Acres Burned: 513, 437
Containment: 39%
Start Date: July 23, 2026
Cause: Lightning
Evacuated: 159
Residential Structures Threatened: 315
Minor Structures Threatened: 420
Injuries: 4
Incident Email: 2026.biggrass@firenet.gov
Big Grass Fire Website: Big Grass Fire
Big Grass Fire Facebook: Big Grass & Hat Fire Updates
Big Grass YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigGrassFireInformation2026
Personnel Assigned: 1,213
Hand Crews: 18
Dozers: 43
Engines: 95
Helicopters: 8
Water Tenders: 27
Special Announcement: Big Grass Fire Officials will host a community meeting Sunday, August 9, at 6:30 PM at the Grand View Community Center, 510 Idaho Avenue, Grandview, ID, to provide an overview of the fire situation.
An aggressive full-suppression strategy is in place for the Big Grass Fire to protect communities, structures, critical infrastructure, and other valuable resources at risk. Efforts are focused on minimizing impacts on public, private, and state lands, as well as natural and cultural resources. This is being done in coordination with the local Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) and cooperating agencies.
Current Situation: Yesterday, the fire remained active along the south and southeast perimeter, spreading south over the main and south fork of the Owyhee River, as well as east of Deep Creek. Crews continued to build and improve containment lines from the Boulder Creek area to Josephine Road, as well as along Mud Flat and Star Ranch Roads.
Continued hot and dry conditions are forecasted through today. The top priority is to continue constructing and improving the containment line from Boulder Creek to Josephine Road and holding the fire north of Mud Flat and Star Ranch Roads. Further south and southeast, a strategy is being developed to address the active fire south of the middle and south forks of the Owyhee River. Additionally, crews are working to secure fire lines around ranches, private properties, and critical infrastructure near South Mountain.
Evacuation: The Owyhee County Sheriff has issued a new Level 3 GO evacuation order for Big Springs Road and Battle Creek Road to the North, East to Wickahoney, South to the Nevada border, east to Riddle Ranch to Hwy 51, to include Riddle Ranches. A SET 2 Zone for 5 miles outside of Level 3 Zone. A Level 3 GO is in place for Antelope Ridge Road south to Big Springs Ranch Road, south to the Owyhee River Canyon to include Dickshooter, west to the Oregon Stateline to include the 45 Ranch. Level 3 GO evacuation order is also in place for Triangle Reservoir, Pleasant Valley, South Mountain, Pleasant Valley Road to the City of Triangle, City of Triangle to the Triangle Reservoir, Flint Creek Road, Juniper Mountain Road, and the west portion of Mud Flat Road. A Level 2 SET status has been issued for Silver City.
BLM Area Closure: The Bureau of Land Management’s Owyhee Field Office has announced a temporary closure of the area located south of Trout Creek Road and Silver City Road. This closure extends to the East Fork and Main Stem of the Owyhee River and covers the region from the Oregon border eastward to Highway 78 and Highway 51. For more information on BLM area closures and maps, visit: BLM Idaho Closures and BLM Oregon Closures.
Weather and Air Quality: Today, hot and dry conditions will persist under partly cloudy skies. There is a small chance (5-10%) that thunderstorms may affect the southern half of the fire area this afternoon. West to northwest winds, with gusts between 20 and 25 mph, are expected into early evening. From Monday through the end of next week, a gradual cooling trend is forecasted. Degraded air quality will persist over the area. For more information on Air Quality at your location, visit www.airnow.gov for real-time data.
Cooperating Agencies: Jordan Valley RFPA, Owyhee RFPA, Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Owyhee County Sheriff’s Office, Owyhee County OEM, Idaho OEM, ODT, Idaho Power, Idaho Department of Lands.
