Big Grass Fire Active 2026
Big Grass Fire is the largest active wildfire in Idaho, burning 21 miles south of Murphy and has grown 24,010 acres in the last 24 hours and spread southeast.
Latest update
An aggressive full-suppression strategy is in place for the Big Grass Fire to protect communities, structures, critical infrastructure, and other valuable resources at risk. Efforts are focused on minimizing impacts on public, private, and state lands, as well as natural and cultural resources. This is being done in coordination with the local Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) and cooperating agencies.
Current Situation: Yesterday, the fire was very active on the southern perimeter, spreading south over both the main and south fork of the Owyhee River. The fire also moved southeast toward Deep Creek. Crews continued to build and improve containment lines from the Boulder Creek area to Josephine Road, as well as along Mud Flat Road. Hot, dry conditions, along with gusty afternoon winds, caused the fire to jump across the containment line near Josephine Road and farther south along Star Ranch Road. Crews worked throughout the night and were able to get containment lines around the spot fires.
Today, hot and dry conditions, along with gusty winds, will increase fire activity this afternoon. The top priority is to continue constructing and improving the containment line from Boulder Creek to Josephine Road and holding the fire north of the Mud Flat Road. Further south and southeast, firefighters are developing a plan to use Deep Creek as a containment line and are also being transported by helicopter to establish containment lines where the fire crossed the middle and south forks of the Owyhee River. Additionally, crews are working to secure fire lines around ranches, private properties, and critical infrastructure near South Mountain.
Evacuation: The Owyhee County Sheriff expanded a Level 3 GO to Antelope Ridge Road south to Big Springs Ranch Road, south to the Owyhee River Canyon to include Dickshooter, west to the Oregon Stateline to include the 45 Ranch.
Level 3 GO evacuation order is also in place for Triangle Reservoir, Pleasant Valley, South Mountain, Pleasant Valley Road to the City of Triangle, City of Triangle to the Triangle Reservoir, Flint Creek Road, Juniper Mountain Road, and the west portion of Mud Flat Road. A Level 2 SET status has been issued for Silver City.
BLM Area Closure: The Bureau of Land Management's Owyhee Field Office has announced a temporary closure of the area located south of Trout Creek Road and Silver City Road. This closure extends to the East Fork and Main Stem of the Owyhee River and covers the region from the Oregon border eastward to Highway 78 and Highway 51. For more information on BLM area closures and maps, visit: BLM Idaho Closures and BLM Oregon Closures.
Weather and Air Quality: High pressure over the desert Southwest continues to bring very hot and dry conditions to the area. Today, temperatures will be in the 90s to low 100s. Relative humidity will drop into the single digits, with poor overnight recovery. Southwest to west winds, gusting around 20 to 25 MPH, can be expected this afternoon. Degraded air quality will persist over the area. For more information on Air Quality at your location, visit www.airnow.gov for real-time data.
Cooperating Agencies: Jordan Valley RFPA, Owyhee RFPA, Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Owyhee County Sheriff’s Office, Owyhee County OEM, Idaho OEM, ODT, Idaho Power, Idaho Department of Lands.