"This incident is notable for its unprecedented size—over 578,000 acres—and the rapid escalation in containment effort, involving up to 1,296 personnel and an estimated cost exceeding $82 million. The fire’s evolution from active, wind‑driven behavior to minimal, smoldering conditions illustrates the challenges of managing large, natural fires in remote areas."
The BIG GRASS wildfire, located 25 miles southwest of Jordan Valley in Malheur County, Oregon, was discovered on July 23, 2026 and is a natural fire under BLM jurisdiction. By August 6, it had burned 280,000 acres and was 39% contained with 1,096 personnel on the scene. The fire grew rapidly, reaching 578,637 acres by August 27, while containment rose from 39% to 94% by September 5, with personnel fluctuating from 1,296 to 262. The fire behavior shifted from active, short‑range spotting and wind‑driven runs to moderate flanking and creeping, and finally to minimal torching and smoldering as containment approached 100% on September 12. The estimated cost climbed from $28.4 million on August 7 to $82.2 million by the time the fire was declared contained.
Official source description: 25 Miles SW from JORDAN VALLEY, OR
Minimal; Torching; Smoldering; Flanking
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Boise. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire is currently minimal and contained, but general wildfire safety guidance still applies: stay informed of local advisories, avoid outdoor activities in fire-prone areas, and be prepared to evacuate if conditions change.
IRWIN ID: {6B0C72B3-0E12-4695-9022-E1113C0AA8D1}
Discovered: Jul 23, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: BLM
Est. Cost to Date: $82,200,000
Coordinates: 42.6498, -117.3034
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in OR.
The BIG GRASS Fire has burned 578,637 acres as of September 12, 2026.
Yes, the BIG GRASS Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The BIG GRASS Fire is burning in Malheur, OR.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the BIG GRASS Fire remains active.
Real-time map, acreage, and containment for every major U.S. wildfire, updated from official NIFC data.
View Live Map →