Camp Baldwin Grasshopper Fire Updates

by Cascade Pacific Council | Jul 28, 2026 | Featured, News

The Latest Updates Regarding the “Grasshopper Fire” near Camp Baldwin

Updated: July 28th, 2026 at 12:26 p.m.

As you’ve likely heard, the wildfire called the “Grasshopper Fire” is currently 6 miles south of Camp Baldwin.

Here’s the latest information so that you can rest assured that our Staff and Council are closely monitoring the situation and keeping everyone at camp safe and informed:

The fire is at least 6 miles away
Favorable winds are blowing smoke and fire progression away from camp.
We are in direct contact with Emergency Management and the Forest Service
No county evacuation orders have been issued for the camp

We will continue to monitor the situation and continue to send messages to you as situations change.

Full Details, Links & Other Information

Camp Baldwin leadership is actively monitoring ongoing wildfire activity in the region, specifically the Grasshopper Fire. The camp remains in close, continuous communication with Wasco County Emergency Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and local emergency response agencies to evaluate real-time conditions and prioritize the safety of all Scouts, leaders, and staff.

We want to express our deep appreciation to all the firefighters on the ground battling multiple wildfires across the region, as well as local agency officials for their continued support, guidance, and tireless efforts during this ongoing situation.

Current Status & Camp Operations

Fire Location & Weather: The fire is currently located no closer than 6 miles from Camp Baldwin. Favorable weather conditions—primarily north-westerly winds moving 5 to 15 mph—continue to push smoke and fire progression away from camp.
Evacuation Status: Wasco County Emergency Management has not issued any official fire evacuation notices (Level 1, 2, or 3) for Camp Baldwin or the surrounding four-mile radius. Out of an abundance of caution, camp leadership is operating at an internal, precautionary Level 1 (“Get Ready”) readiness posture.
Air Quality & Outdoor Programs: Light morning haze may occur due to overnight settling, but skies typically clear by afternoon with air quality returning to normal. Morning programs are adjusted as needed whenever air quality warrants modification.

Forest Service Closures & Access Forest Road 44 (Dufur Valley Road)—the primary access route to camp—remains open. However, the U.S. Forest Service has closed all forest lands south of Forest Road 44 to public entry. To support firefighting operations and prevent putting anyone in future danger, public travel along Forest Road 44 into the forest area is strongly discouraged. The public is asked to avoid non-essential travel in the area to keep roadways clear for emergency equipment and response personnel.

Safety Protocols & Leader/Parent Communication Camp Baldwin maintains comprehensive, site-specific emergency management procedures practiced regularly by staff and youth leadership. Should any evacuation or relocation become necessary:

Immediate notification will be sent directly to Unit Leaders (Scoutmasters) on-site and parents at home.
Communications will clearly specify the selected evacuation route and designated off-site pickup rally point.
Multiple contingency routes and rally locations are established to adapt dynamically to fire behavior.

Looking Ahead Firefighting operations over the coming days will be critical in forecasting overall fire spread. While current conditions remain stable and positive for camp operations, council and camp leadership will provide an update regarding future week schedules by the end of the week once clearer long-term trends emerge.

Official Tracking & Information Resources Scout families and leaders seeking verified, real-time updates can monitor official incident pages:

Wasco County Emergency Management: wascocountyor.gov/departments/emergency_management
Mt. Hood National Forest Alerts: fs.usda.gov/mthood
Watch Duty Incident Tracking: app.watchduty.org
WFCA Interactive Fire Map: wfca.com/fire-map

This page will be updated as conditions evolve.

If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Camping Department at 492.camping@scouting.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an evacuation order?

No. Wasco County Emergency Management has not issued any evacuation levels for Camp Baldwin or the surrounding 4 miles. Internally, our camp leadership is staying proactive at a precautionary ‘Level 1 / Get Ready’ posture just to stay prepared.

How is the smoke / air quality for my Scout?

Smoke settles slightly overnight, so mornings can have a light haze. By afternoon, skies are clear and AQI is normal. Our program directors modify high-exertion outdoor activities in the morning if air quality drops.

Can parents drive up to camp or visit?

Forest Road 44 is open, but the Forest Service has closed all forest lands south of it. They are asking the public to avoid non-essential travel on Forest Road 44 to keep the roads open for emergency vehicles. Unless it’s an emergency, we ask visitors to avoid driving up.

What happens if you DO have to evacuate?

Camp Baldwin has full, rehearsed emergency action plans. If an evacuation ever becomes necessary, camp will immediately contact unit leaders on site and parents at home with the exact route and the designated off-site pickup rally point.

Will future weeks of camp be canceled?

At this time, operations look positive and stable. Leadership and county fire officials are evaluating the forecast over the coming days, and we will send out an update regarding future sessions by the end of the week.

About the CPC

Adventure, grit & growth start here. In the Cascade Pacific Council, we develop the self-starters, goal-getters & leaders of tomorrow, making a positive impact on individuals and communities for generations.