Burns Basin Fires Update August 09, 2026
By Garrett Christensen on Sunday, August 9th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
MALHEUR & HARNEY COUNTIES — (Release from official fire resources)
Bald Mountain Fire
Size: 76,160 acres Containment:78% Personnel: 245
Reported: July 23, 2026
Crews are focusing on the western and north‑central areas today to connect and strengthen containment lines. Work is beginning on critical repair needs, and crews are improving travel routes to support movement and access where and when able. The main focus for firefighters and equipment remains on tying in line segments and managing remaining pockets of heat.
Jackass Butte Fire
Size: 24,724 acres Containment: 92% Personnel: 52
Reported: July 24, 2026
The large scale water handling operation including pumps, water tenders and sprinkler systems continue today, helping cool remaining hotspots and stabilize containment. Crews are moving into suppression repair, with graders, a dozer, and an excavator beginning work in the western portion of the incident. Resources continue shifting between operational areas as needs change.
Weather: Temperatures will reach around 90 degrees today with hot, dry, and windy conditions across the incident. Gusts up to 20 mph are expected in the higher valleys. Relative humidity is increasing slightly, though fuels remain dry and receptive under warm, breezy conditions.
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
