Oregon News Roundup: Fielder Mountain Fire Prompts Evacuations, Dry Storms Ahead, Goats Board a Portland Bus

Published Aug 15, 2026 · Community · Red Rock Daily staff

Here’s a roundup of recent Oregon news: the Fielder Mountain Fire near Rogue River prompted evacuations in southern Oregon, the state’s biggest fire has burned more than 580,000 acres, dry thunderstorms are expected across central and eastern Oregon, and two goats were caught on video boarding a Portland city bus.

Fielder Mountain Fire prompts evacuations in southern Oregon

The Fielder Mountain Fire in southern Oregon’s Jackson and Josephine counties started Thursday afternoon, Aug. 13 as just 5-10 acres along Interstate 5 near the rural community of Rogue River. It spread rapidly through grass and grew to roughly 550 acres by Friday morning, Aug. 14. About 1,000 people were ordered to evacuate under a mandatory Level 3 “Go Now!” order, mostly in the city of Rogue River and areas just west, while another ~2,000 people in Jackson and Josephine counties were placed under “Be Ready” or “Be Set” status. 7 helicopters and 4 airplanes, plus ground crews, were deployed to battle the fire, and heavy winds and steep terrain fueled its growth. I-5 remains open, but travelers should expect delays, especially northbound, and multiple local roads are closed (OPB, Aug. 14, 2026).

The cause remains under investigation. Initial reports indicated tires on a semi-truck were on fire and flames spread to nearby vegetation, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. North Middle School in Grants Pass is sheltering people and pets, and the Jackson County Expo Fairgrounds in Central Point is sheltering livestock (OPB, Aug. 14, 2026).

Big Grass Fire tops 580,000 acres

Oregon’s biggest fire, the Big Grass Fire, has burned more than 580,000 acres as of Friday, Aug. 14. The fire started July 23 in a remote area of the Jordan Valley, and more than 1,000 firefighting personnel are deployed against it. About 160 people remain evacuated and more than 300 homes are threatened. The National Weather Service red flag warning is in effect through 8 p.m. Friday, and gusty wind and lightning could affect firefighting efforts (OPB, Aug. 14, 2026).

Dry thunderstorms expected across central and eastern Oregon

Dry thunderstorms are expected across central and eastern Oregon on Saturday, Aug. 15, according to KATU. Red Flag Warnings end tonight, but high fire danger persists east of the Cascades, where gusty winds and dry lightning may spark new fires. Humidity rises overnight, and forecast models show no meaningful rain for at least 7 days. Smoky skies remain in the westside, including the Portland area, Willamette Valley, Cascades and coast (KATU, Aug. 15, 2026).

Oregon National Guard helping fight wildfires

Oregon National Guard personnel are battling wildfires across the state (News Radio 1190 KEX, Aug. 14, 2026).

Goats board a Portland city bus

Two goats were caught on video boarding a city bus in Portland, a light moment amid the state’s wildfire season. The clip was reported Aug. 14, 2026 by localnewslive.com and WPTZ/mynbc5.com.

For more on the Beaver State, see the Oregon guide.