AI Generated Image
Grasshopper Fire surpasses 54K acres, now 23% contained as flames advance toward Hwy 35
katu.com • • nation
Key Points:
- The Grasshopper Fire near Mount Hood has expanded overnight, now burning over 54,200 acres and reaching Highway 35 in multiple locations, with containment at approximately 23%.
- The fire, believed to be caused by lightning on July 23, is complicated by hot, dry, and windy conditions under a Red Flag Warning, making containment efforts challenging.
- Oregon Department of Transportation has closed a section of Highway 35 between Bennet Pass Snow Park and Baseline Road due to fire activity.
- Firefighters report progress with containment lines holding in the southwest and confidence in the eastern area, while the northwest fire is backing down toward Highway 35 as an understory burn.
- Level 3 "GO NOW" evacuations are in effect, with a shelter for large animals established at the Sherman County Fairgrounds in Moro.
