GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Firefighters are mounting an aggressive ground and aerial attack on a grass fire burning along Interstate 5 near Grants Pass Saturday afternoon.
The fire was initially estimated at approximately 10 acres as crews arrived and began working alongside structural fire agencies to slow its spread.
By 4:10 p.m., officials estimated the fire had grown to approximately 50 acres.
Both of the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s Type 2 helicopters were actively making bucket drops over the fire. A third Type 2 helicopter was also headed to the area to assist firefighters.
New Start: Just outside Grants Pass, Oregon.
— The Hotshot Wake Up (@HotshotWake) August 1, 2026
Resources responding. Very active fire behavior. Additional resources have been requested, including two Type 1 helicopters.
60+ acres. pic.twitter.com/3wpLDVcosV
Officials ordered an extensive air response that included four Large Air Tankers and one Very Large Air Tanker. The aircraft are expected to drop fire retardant around the incident to help slow the flames and support crews working on the ground.
An Air Attack aircraft was also dispatched to help coordinate aerial operations over the fire.
Motorists traveling through the Grants Pass area should use caution, watch for emergency vehicles and give firefighters plenty of room to operate. Conditions along the interstate could change quickly as suppression work continues.
Officials had not announced the cause of the fire, its containment level or whether any structures were threatened as of the 4:10 p.m. update.
Additional information will be released as conditions change.
Source: Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.
