Big Grass Incident update as of August 23, 2026
By Mindy McKerrall on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026 in Uncategorized
MALHEUR AND OWYHEE COUNTY-
Acres Burned: 578,637
Containment: 93%
Reported Date: July 23, 2026
Cause: Lightning
Evacuated: 159
Residential Structures Threatened: 74
Other Structures Threatened: 148
Personnel Assigned: 478 | Hand Crews: 6 | Dozers: 10 | Engines: 22 | Water Tenders: 9 | Helicopters: 1
Current Situation: Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 10 (NW10) is completing their assignment and transferring command of the Big Grass Fire to the Albuquerque Zone (ABQ Zone) Type 3 Incident Management Team at 6 p.m. today. Today, ABQ Zone will shadow their counterparts on NW10 to ensure a seamless transition and continue making progress in containing the Big Grass Fire. NW10 thanks the local communities for their support and hospitality.
Yesterday, two crews of firefighters were flown in by helicopter to the remote south edge of the unburned island near South Mountain to continue mopping up. Other fire personnel worked near South Mountain and around the Bennett Ranch to the east. With the very dry and gusty weather, firefighters watched for flare-ups that could threaten to cross established lines and were prepared to extinguish them.
There is a slight chance of thunderstorms today. Firefighters remain vigilant for signs of new ignitions and holdovers; they will assist local initial attack resources if needed. They will continue to search for residual heat along the perimeter. Surplus equipment is being pulled from the fireline and transported back to Jordan Valley for use on other fires.
Evacuation: The Owyhee County Sheriff has evacuation orders in effect. Level 3 begins near Sagebrush Mountain approximately 13 miles south of Jordan Valley and goes north from Pleasant Valley Road to Flint Creek Road. It follows to the intersection with Bachman Grade Road, continues south, then east to Antelope Ridge Road. It follows Antelope Ridge Road southeast to Mud Flat Road, then to Big Springs Ranch Road, then to Battle Cr. Road, to Bybee Road, then south approximately 10 miles to the reservation boundary. It follows the boundary west, then south to the 45 Ranch Road and west on 45 Ranch Road to the Oregon border, then north on the Oregon border to the starting point. Level 2 includes the area south of the Level 3 evacuation between the Oregon State line to the west, Nevada State line to the south, and the reservation boundary to the east. For further information, see the Owyhee County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page.
BLM Area Closure: The Bureau of Land Management Boise District Temporary Closure Order for the area around the Big Grass Fire is anticipated to remain in effect until August 28, 2026. Highways 78 and 51 remain open to travel. Check the status of the area closures at BLM Closures.
Safety: Heavy equipment and firefighters are working along the fire area’s narrow roadways. Winds reduce visibility due to blowing dust and ash. Slow down and use caution to keep everyone safe.
Weather and Air Quality: There is a slight chance of thunderstorms today, with highs forecast around 90 degrees and winds gusting to about 26 mph. For information on air quality, visit www.airnow.gov.
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 and Shoshone–Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation.
Fire Information:
Phone: 208-295-5503 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Email: 2026.biggrass@firenet.gov | Inciweb: Big Grass Fire
Facebook: facebook.com/