KWSO News for Thu., Aug. 13, 2026

Air Quality Alert

An air quality alert remains in effect across parts of Central, Eastern and North-Central Oregon through at least 3 p.m. Friday, August 14. Smoke levels may change quickly with weather. Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen heart and lung conditions. Limit outdoor activity when smoky and keep children indoors. For current conditions, check the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ Air Quality Index, or the free OregonAIR app.

Grasshopper Fire

The Grasshopper Fire, on the eastern side of Mount Hood and the Barlow Ranger District, has grown to more than 85,000 acres and is 20% contained. Dry conditions, red flag warnings and northwest winds continue to drive fire activity, particularly along the eastern and northeastern edges. Crews are protecting structures near Friend and Elliott roads and expanding patrols into Shadybrook. Aircraft continue to support firefighters and slow fire growth.

Evacuation notices in Hood River, Wasco and Clackamas counties range from Level 1 (Be Ready) to Level 3 (Go).Check evacuation status: Wasco County evacuation map
Clackamas County alerts

The evacuation shelter is at The Dalles Middle School, 1100 E. 12th St., The Dalles.

A closure is in effect on Mt. Hood National Forest: Grasshopper Fire closure information

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place. Unauthorized drones can ground firefighting aircraft.

Check road closures at TripCheck.

A campfire ban is in effect on Mt. Hood National Forest: Mt. Hood fire restrictions

Check local burning and fire restrictions at Oregon Department of Forestry.

A community meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight at Dufur High School, covering fire suppression, evacuations and planned operations.

Austin Fire

The Austin Fire, southeast of Ripplebrook along Clackamas River Road, is at approximately 1,400 acres with zero percent containment.

Air support is assisting firefighters. The fire is just west of the Warm Springs Reservation.

Tribal members traveling in the woods for huckleberry picking or other activities are urged to stay alert to changing fire conditions.

Mt. Hood National Forest has closure maps available for the Grasshopper and Austin fires. Check current closure areas before traveling.

06-06-05-26-09_AustinMitchell_MtHood restircitions

06-06-01-26-11_Grasshopper_MtHoodN restrictions

Wrights Spring Fire

The Wrights Spring Fire, sparked by lightning August 5 near Upper Klamath Lake, has burned approximately 53,060 acres and is 6% contained.

Multiple evacuation levels are in effect in Klamath County. Check zones at Klamath County evacuation map.

Emergency shelters are open at:

• Chiloquin Elementary School, 548 S. 2nd Ave., Chiloquin
• Living Springs Fellowship, 31897 Mission St., Bonanza

The Fremont-Winema National Forest issued an emergency closure August 9: Fremont-Winema fire closure.

A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place. Drones are prohibited near the fire because they can interfere with firefighting aircraft. More information is available at Know Before You Fly.

Warm Springs Animal Relief

A relief drive is helping horses and livestock affected by wildfires on the Warm Springs Reservation.  The Warm Springs Animal Relief Fund initially sought $15,000 for hay, feed and animal care but has raised nearly twice that amount. Organizers say more support will be needed as animals lose grazing areas and forage over the coming winter.  Another flower fundraiser is planned for Sunday – flower bouquets donated by Charles Little Flower Farm outside Lox, Stocks and Bagels in Eugene..

Water Notice Lifted

The CTWS Public Utilities Department and EPA have agreed to lift the Boil Water Notice and water conservation order, effective immediately. Residents are asked not to let excessive water run onto roads and driveways, which can loosen soil and aggregate around asphalt. Public Utilities thanked the community for helping maintain fire protection during the emergency.

Tribal Vehicle Fuel

The Tribal Vehicle Pool Cardlock system is down following vandalism and is expected to remain offline for at least several months.Tribal vehicles should use alternate fuel locations, including 3 Warriors Market, Plateau Travel Plaza, DMJ or the Warm Springs Shell Station.