Grasshopper Fire Nears Highway 35 as National Guard Deploys to Oregon Wildfires

The Grasshopper Fire burning near Mount Hood has surpassed 54,000 acres and reached 23% containment.

Firefighting personnel are working to secure perimeter lines while protecting infrastructure and landmarks around Mount Hood. The operational response has scaled up as statewide totals cross the 2.2-million-acre mark for the current wildfire season, drawing additional support from the National Guard to assist ground crews.

Winds shifting across the ridges near Mount Hood have tested defensive lines established by firefighters. Erratic gusts carry embers across existing firebreaks, forcing crews to pivot from containment to direct structure protection as flames advance toward major transit routes.

Highway 35 remains closed to regular traffic to maintain emergency access and protect the public from heavy smoke and rolling debris.

National Guard Deployment and Statewide Wildfire Totals

To bolster strained resources, the National Guard was activated to support operations and assist with traffic control checkpoints around the active fire zones.

The Grasshopper Fire is part of a statewide wildfire season that has scorched more than 2.2 million acres across Oregon.

Impact on Hood River Businesses and Local Infrastructure

The closure of Highway 35 has isolated several local enterprises that rely on tourism and agricultural traffic.

Official Updates and Safety Advisories