Cottonwood Fire update for 8/9/26
By Garrett Christensen on Sunday, August 9th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
GRANT COUNTY — (Update from the U.S Department of the Interior)
Size: 722 acresIncident Start Date: August 6, 2026
Containment: 30% Cause: Under Investigation
Location: 15 miles southwest of Long Creek Fuels: Grass, juniper, timber
Resources Assigned: Crews: 7 | Dozers: 3 | Engines: 8 | Skidgines: 8 | Personnel: 255 | Aerial Resources: 2
Update: UAS infrared flights show most remaining heat concentrated on the west side of the fire. No significant changes to the fire’s footprint were observed overnight.
Operations: Crews will continue mopping up and improving existing line to strengthen containment. Crews are also conducting snagging operations and addressing pockets of fuel that still have potential to burn.
Weather: Sunny and warm today with highs in the upper 80s. Humidity will be very low, and winds will shift from drainage to northerly at 5 to 10 mph by mid‑morning, with gusts up to 21 mph in the afternoon. Expect smoke in the area throughout the day and again overnight, with low overnight humidity recovery.
Evacuations: Residents in Grant County should stay aware of current evacuation levels. Grant County residents can sign up for alerts at: https://member.everbridge.net/825462649520134/login
