An aggressive full-suppression strategy is being implemented 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:  

Over the past few days, the Big Grass Fire, which is burning through brush and grass, has exhibited extreme fire behavior, with rapid rates of spread, especially in the afternoon when winds pick up. Yesterday, the primary concern remained the northeast perimeter, where strong afternoon winds and severe fire conditions pushed the fire front towards Boulder Creek with moderate to rapid rates of spread.  

Today, crews will continue to focus their efforts on the advancing fire in the northeast, around Boulder Creek, and in the southeast, near the North Fork of the Owyhee River. Additional firefighting resources will arrive today, including air resources (water-dropping helicopters and air tankers) to help attack the advancing fire.  

Evacuations: 

The Owyhee County Sheriff has issued a Level 3 GO evacuation order for Pleasant Valley, South Mountain, Jordan Valley, ID, Flint Creek Road, Triangle Area (including Triangle Reservoir), the West portion of Mud Flat, Juniper Mountain, and Pleasant Valley. A Level 2 SET status has been issued for Silver City.  Please monitor the Owyhee County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for changing conditions and updates. 

BLM Area Closure:   

Access to the North Fork Campground along Juniper Mountain Road in Owyhee County is temporarily closed. The entire area south of Trout Creek Road and Silver City Road to the East Fork and Main Stem of the Owyhee River and from the Oregon border east to Highway 78 and Highway 51 is temporarily closed. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the public and firefighters involved in suppression efforts. 

Weather and Air Quality: The large high-pressure dome anchored over the Desert Southwest will slowly shift into the Great Basin, bringing warm temperatures, low relative humidity, and increased fire behavior.  Wildfire smoke will cause persistent haze and degraded air quality. 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.