A firefighting helicopter lowers to refill water from a pond west of Friend, Ore., to fight the Grasshopper Fire during a tour of the wildfire on Aug 3, 2026.
Eli Imadali / OPB
Hot, dry and breezy conditions east of the Cascades have triggered new red flag warnings for north-central Oregon and most of central and eastern Washington starting Friday morning and ending Saturday.
Heat advisories are in place for most of Southern Oregon through Saturday. But a break from the heat is on its way. The National Weather Service said August-like temperatures, with highs in the mid-80s, should ease in by Sunday for most of the state.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory for many parts of Oregon as several wildfires continue to burn. Spots west of the Cascades will see moderate to unhealthy levels through Friday night. Air quality advisories in Central Oregon through northeastern Oregon will be in place until further notice — with Hood River and Prineville seeing the biggest impacts and very unhealthy air quality.
Check the air quality where you live
Oregon’s wildfire situation remains active, with evacuation orders climbing across all three levels, according to the state’s wildfire dashboard. Level 3 “Go Now!” orders rose to 1,280 on Friday morning, up from 814 on Thursday. Level 2 “Be Set” orders increased to 5,862 from 5,779. Level 1 “Be Ready” orders grew to 11,451 from 10,465.
The Grasshopper Fire burning in parts of Hood River, Wasco and Clackamas counties continued to be active Thursday, officials said. Firefighters suppressed increased fire activity along its eastern edge. Sections of Highway 35 were closed due to heavy smoke reducing visibility. Fire crews will continue to strengthen containment lines Friday ahead of the dangerous fire weather this weekend. The Grasshopper Fire has burned more than 43,000 acres and is 23% contained.
The Rowe Creek Complex, Oregon’s second-largest active blaze at 344,834 acres, is 64% contained, with about 1,900 people still under evacuation orders. The Second Flat Fire has burned 105,464 acres and is 77% contained. The Hay Creek Complex has burned 200,292 acres and is 97% contained, with no evacuations remaining.
The Bench Fire has consumed 67,073 acres and is 84% contained; evacuation orders there have been lifted, though the area remains under a red flag warning.
Resources: Stay safe and informed during wildfire season with OPB’s wildfire guide at opb.org/wildfires. This resource offers essential safety tips and preparedness guidance to help you navigate fire and smoke events. This resource was created as part of our commitment to serving the public as wildfire seasons become longer and more dangerous.
