RUCH, Ore. (August 9, 2026) – Firefighters are moving farther into the interior of the Woodrat Mountain Fire, with mop-up now reaching 150 feet from the perimeter. Containment has increased to 35%, and the fire remains mapped at 282 acres.
Today, crews are focused on finding and extinguishing remaining heat and increasing the distance between hot material and the fire’s edge. Falling modules (FMODs) continue removing hazardous snags throughout the incident, with that work expected to be completed by the end of today’s shift.
A strong ground response remains across the fire. On the south side, three FMODs, a 15-person suppression module (SMOD), four 20-person hand crews, three engines and three water tenders are assigned. The SMOD provides a flexible group of firefighters that can reinforce crews and support a variety of suppression needs as work progresses.
The north side, which covers the largest section of the fire, has two FMODs, four 20-person hand crews, five Type 6 engines, two water tenders and two skid units (SKDs). Skid units are smaller firefighting units equipped with water, a pump and hose. More resources are assigned to the north side because of the amount of ground crews need to cover.
On the east side, two FMODs, three 20-person hand crews, two Type 6 engines, two water tenders and a dozer are assigned.
Three Type 1, three Type 2 and two Type 3 helicopters are available today to support ground resources. During initial attack, aviation and ground resources worked together to slow the fire and establish control lines despite high temperatures, dry conditions and challenging terrain, using water and retardant drops where needed. Photos attached to this update show aircraft supporting the Woodrat Mountain Fire during initial attack.
Temperatures remain warm but have eased from earlier highs, while improving overnight relative humidity recoveries are expected to provide more favorable conditions for deeper mop-up. Resources will continue securing the fire while remaining prepared for new initial attack incidents.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire area. Flying a drone near a wildfire is illegal and can force firefighting aircraft to leave the area.
The official cause of the Woodrat Mountain Fire remains under active investigation. An evening update will be provided tonight, unless significant information becomes available sooner.
For more information, including current fire regulations, visit our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest, or our website, www.swofire.com.
Mop-up advances on Woodrat Mountain Fire as crews work deeper into interior
