Crews nearing containment of Big Grass Fire after over a month spent fighting one of the nation's largest fires

The Big Grass Fire, which began on July 23 near the Idaho-Oregon border, has burned approximately 578,637 acres and reached 93% containment. Fire activity was minimal, containment lines held despite hot, dry, windy conditions, and crews continued reducing assigned resources. A total of 402 personnel are assigned to the Big Grass and Flint fires, including **seven hand crews, seven bulldozers, 19 engines, 12 water tenders, and four helicopters.

Because of lingering fire danger, the Bruneau and Owyhee Field Offices extended the temporary closure of public lands within the Big Grass Fire perimeter through September 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Smoke may remain visible as unburned fuel ignites inside the perimeter, but officials said these areas are being monitored and are not immediately near containment lines. Highways 78 and 51 remain open. The closure affects the area south of Trout Creek Road and Silver City Road toward the Owyhee River, extending from the Oregon border east to Highways 78 and 51.

Evacuation orders remain active. The Level 3 evacuation area includes territory near Sagebrush Mountain, extending through portions of Pleasant Valley, Flint Creek, Bachman Grade, Antelope-Ridge, Mud Flat, Big Springs Ranch, Battle Creek, and Bybee roads to the reservation and Oregon boundaries. Triangle is under a “Go Now” evacuation because of the Flint Fire. The Level 2 area lies south of the Level 3 boundary between the Oregon and Nevada state lines and the reservation boundary; Silver City is on “Ready” status.

The Flint Fire, reported on Aug. 25 about 8 miles northwest of Triangle, Idaho, had reached an estimated 6,700 acres and was 35% contained as of Sunday, Aug. 30. Firefighters strengthened lines, worked in difficult terrain around the Deer Creek and Boulder Creek drainages, and assessed structures in Triangle while installing portable water tanks and hose lines.