Mid Columbia Fire Rescue

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue!

Today we recognize the hard work, dedication, and commitment of workers throughout our community—and especially the firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, law enforcement officers, public works crews, healthcare professionals, and others who continue serving while many enjoy the holiday.

As you spend time with family and friends, please celebrate safely. Use extra caution with outdoor cooking, campfires, vehicles, and recreational activities, and remember that late-summer fire danger can still be significant.

From all of us at Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue, have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day.

08/23/2026

At 3:27 p.m. today, Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a brush fire in the Mill Creek Trail and drainage area between W. 9th Street and W. 6th Street in The Dalles. The fire occurred near the location of two previous recent fires in the same area.

MCFR responded with assistance from mutual aid partners including the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Dallesport Fire District.

Firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire and prevent it from spreading into nearby vegetation and threatening adjacent properties. No injuries were reported.

Due to the location and circumstances, this fire is being investigated as suspicious in nature. MCFR is asking anyone who may have witnessed the fire's origin or observed suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident to come forward.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal's Office at [email protected]

08/22/2026

2 separate attic fires today are keeping crews busy from the early morning hours through midday.

At 2:22 AM, crews responded to an attic fire on Floral Court with Engine 21, Engine 22, Truck 23, Medic 25, and Chief 24.
Later, at 12:04 PM, firefighters were dispatched to another attic fire on Cascade Avenue, with Engine 21, Engine 22, and Chief 24 responding.

Thanks to the quick actions of firefighters and early notification by occupants, both incidents were contained before they could grow into larger structure fires. Attic fires can be especially challenging because they often spread unseen through concealed spaces before becoming visible.

We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our crews who answered the call on both incidents today and the support of our community.

Working smoke alarms save lives. Test yours monthly and replace batteries as needed.

08/19/2026

Firefighters from Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue and our regional partners responded to four separate fire incidents in less than two hours today, highlighting how quickly fires can start and spread under current conditions.

12:15 PM - 3500 River Road Brush fire originating from an encampment. Responding agencies included MCFR, Mosier Fire, Dufur Fire Department, Mosier Fire, Oregon Department of Forestry, and U.S. Forest Service Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

1:15 PM - 350 Lone Pine Vehicle fire that extended into nearby vegetation. MCFR and Dallesport Fire Department responded. A good Samaritan assisted with initial extinguishment efforts. Cause remains under investigation.

1:24 PM - 62088 8 Mile Road Brush fire on ODF-protected land south of the MCFR district. MCFR, Dufur Fire Department, and Oregon Department of Forestry responded. Cause remains under investigation.

1:54 PM - 2744 E. 9th Street Rapidly growing brush fire that threatened six homes. MCFR, Dufur Fire Department, Dallesport Fire Department, and U.S. Forest Service Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area personnel responded. Firefighters quickly stopped the fire's spread and successfully protected all threatened structures. Preliminary investigation indicates the fire originated while a resident was cutting grass to create a fire break.
At this time, there is no indication that any of these fires are connected.

With hot temperatures, low humidity, and dry fuels across the region, please use extreme caution with mowing, vehicles, equipment, campfires, and any activity that could create sparks.

08/18/2026

Grasshopper Fire Update - Critical Weather Conditions Today
Today is a critical day on the Grasshopper Fire. Fire lines that have held strong for days will be tested by a combination of low humidity and strong winds. Firefighters have worked tirelessly to increase containment, and those efforts will be critically important as conditions become more extreme.

For those not near the fire area, today is also a day to be especially vigilant. Please follow all Red Flag Warning precautions and do your part to prevent new fires.

Common causes of human-caused fires on days like today include: Trailer chains dragging and creating sparks, Improper disposal of ci******es, Driving or parking in dry grass, Industrial or farm equipment producing sparks, Carbon or hot debris from diesel exhaust systems.

It only takes a single spark to start a wildfire under conditions like these. We ask everyone to remain alert, use extra caution, and help us prevent additional fires while crews continue their work on the Grasshopper Fire.

08/12/2026

08/11/2026

August 11 morning update for the Grasshopper Fire 

08/11/2026

Wasco and Hood River Taskforce Immediate Response
At approximately 8:30 PM on August 10, 2026, Wasco County and Hood River County structure protection task forces were requested for immediate assistance on the Grasshopper Fire as fire activity increased near populated areas along Friend Road and and areas southwest of Dufur.
Both regional task forces have responded and are assigned to structure protection operations, working alongside other resources to prepare and defend homes and property should the fire continue to advance.

08/10/2026

IMPORTANT GRASSHOPPER FIRE UPDATE 8-10-26 -Please stay out of fire operations areas
As the Grasshopper Fire becomes more visible, especially at night, we understand many community members are keeping a close eye on fire activity. More than 1,600 firefighters, along with aircraft and Oregon State Fire Marshal structure protection task forces, are actively working to protect communities and stop the fire's spread.

Our most important message today: Stay out of fire operations areas.
We have had reports of people and equipment engaging with the fire in the fire operations areas. Aircraft are expected to be conducting retardant drops on the south side of the fire, particularly in the Sportsman's Paradise and 44 Road/Shell Rock areas. If civilians are in these areas, aircraft may be unable to safely conduct retardant drops. Every missed drop reduces firefighters' ability to slow the fire and strengthen protections for nearby communities.

Firefighters are taking direct action on the fire, building contingency lines, and preparing structures should conditions change. If you don't see resources near your home, it does not mean your property is not important. Firefighters are strategically positioned based on fire behavior, weather conditions, and where they can have the greatest impact.

Please help responders protect our communities by staying out of active fire areas and giving firefighters and aircraft the space they need to work safely and effectively.