Fast-moving Cottonwood Fire reaches 705 acres, prompts evacuation orders in
By Mindy McKerrall on Friday, August 7th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
GRANT COUNTY-Firefighters are battling a fast-moving wildfire southwest of the 35000 block of Cottonwood Road in Grant County, Oregon. Dubbed the Cottonwood Fire, the incident exploded from a reported smoke column Thursday afternoon to over 700 acres in under eight hours.
The blaze was first detected at 3:25 PM PDT on Thursday, August 6. Driven by dry conditions and terrain, the incident triggered immediate Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations for surrounding residents as rapid growth occurred through the late afternoon and evening.
Local emergency services urge residents in Grant County near Courtrock to avoid Cottonwood Road to leave corridors open for incoming wildland engines and heavy equipment. Suppression operations and air reconnaissance remain ongoing.
Information will be updated as more information comes in.
