Hat Fire incident update as of July 31, 2026
By Mindy McKerrall on Friday, July 31st, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
MALHEUR COUNTY-
Location: 40 miles East of Burns, OR
Acres Burned: 44,122
Containment: 93 %
Start Date: July 24, 2026
Cause: Lightning
Residents Evacuated: 0
Residential Structures Threatened: 15
Structures Destroyed: 0
Injuries: 0
Public Phone Line: 208–5503
Media Phone Line: 208-295-5494
Hat Fire Email: 2026.hat@firenet.gov
Hat Fire Website: Hat Fire
Hat Fire Facebook: Big Grass & Hat Fire Updates
Big Grass YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigGrassFireInformation2026
Personnel: 119
Dozers: 5
Engines: 9
Crews: 1
An aggressive full-suppression strategy is in place for the Hat 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, firefighters continued mopping up hotspots and extinguishing any burning or smoldering vegetation. The fire is now 93 percent contained. Smoke may be visible from vegetation burning well within the perimeter of the fire area.
Weather and Air Quality: Continued hot and dry conditions through Friday. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening, when a dry cold front is anticipated to bring stronger winds and low humidity to the area. Wildfire smoke will cause persistent haze and degraded air quality. For more information on Air Quality at your location, visit www.airnow.gov for real-time data.
Cooperating Agencies: Juntura RFPA, Owyhee County OEM, Idaho OEM, ODT, Idaho Power
