"This incident is notable for its large size of nearly 25,000 acres and the sustained suppression effort that kept containment high despite minimal fire behavior. The significant cost escalation and the long duration of active personnel presence underscore the resource intensity of managing such a remote wildfire."
The Jackass Butte wildfire, located 40 miles south of Burns in Harney County, Oregon, was discovered on July 25, 2026 and is managed by the BLM. The fire has burned 24,724 acres and reached 92% containment by the latest update on October 2, 2026, with minimal to moderate behavior described as creeping, smoldering, and occasionally backing. Over the course of the timeline, containment rose from 78% on August 6 to 92% by August 7 and has remained steady since, while personnel numbers fluctuated from 65 to as low as 1. The estimated cost climbed from $1,727,792 on August 7 to $3,098,452 by August 28, reflecting ongoing suppression efforts. The fire’s behavior has remained largely minimal, with only brief periods of moderate backing noted on August 11.
Official source description: 40 Miles S from Burns, OR
Minimal; Smoldering; Creeping
Moderate air quality. Unusually sensitive individuals should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.
Nearest reporting station: Burns. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
Given the fire’s minimal behavior and high containment, general wildfire safety precautions apply. Residents should remain aware of potential smoke and maintain preparedness for any changes in fire activity.
IRWIN ID: {0C7A5B02-3B18-4CED-B10B-E9C315773C19}
Discovered: Jul 25, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: BLM
Est. Cost to Date: $3,098,452
Coordinates: 43.045, -118.9557
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in OR.
The Jackass Butte Fire has burned 24,724 acres as of October 2, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Jackass Butte Fire is 92% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Jackass Butte Fire is burning in Harney, OR.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Jackass Butte Fire remains active.
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