Grasshopper Fire Update
Aug 5th
Ash has been falling over Baldwin for days but the Grasshopper Fire poses no more of a threat now than it has since last Friday. Winds have changed back and forth from east and west but nothing has moved north.
There has been only one water tender each of the last two days, but today they have been coming in nonstop, with a line of up to five waiting at a time to fill their water tanks.
While the threat to Camp Baldwin has not changed since it was first placed under a Level 1 order, shifting weather has caused the fire to move west, bringing it closer to Aubrey Watzek Lodge than to camp.
A Level 2 evacuation notice has now been issued for the lodge, although the building is unoccupied. Within the last couple of years, the entire building envelope was replaced, most notably the old cedar siding, which was replaced with Hardie Board, a fiber cement material.
We continue to monitor the fire while both properties have been buttoned up as best the can be.
Watch the progress with us by following the official Grasshopper Fire Facebook page or by using the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/share/14k45rMBrLC/
https://wfca.com/fire-map/oregon/grasshopper
https://share.watchduty.org/i/110721?ts=1785957499000
https://perimetermap.com/wasco
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Camp Baldwin & Horse Trek Grasshopper Fire Update
July 31st, 12:58 PM
The Camp Baldwin property remains under a Level 1 (“BE READY”) notice from Wasco County Emergency Management. While fire activity continues in the region, the camp property is not in immediate danger. Firefighting crews continue work to strengthen containment lines.
- All campers have departed safely. Scouts are either home or concluding their week at Camp Meriwether.
- Horses have been safely relocated to Butte Creek Scout Ranch and are doing well.
Horse Trek Program Notice: Due to several wildfires developing along the northern portion of the planned trek route, the U.S. Forest Service has closed the affected backcountry area for ongoing containment, hazard tree removal, and fire watch operations. Consequently, the remaining Westbound Horse Trek was canceled and all impacted participants have been contacted directly regarding alternative programing options.
We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the U.S. Forest Service, Wasco County Emergency Management, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and the interagency fire crews battling regional wildfires. Their dedication, rapid response, and ongoing coordination with local facilities ensure the continued safety of our community and surrounding forest lands.
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Camp Baldwin Grasshopper Fire Update
July 29th, 12:25 PM
Yesterday afternoon, Wasco County Emergency Management issued a Level 1 “Get Ready” order for Camp Baldwin. At that time, out of an abundance of caution, camp management and council leadership determined that this would be the last week of camp.
Today, the evacuation levels have not changed, but this morning air quality became such a detriment to Camp Baldwin’s program that we are asking all guests to leave camp today.
Even with the elevated status and poor air quality, we still do not believe Camp Baldwin to be in imminent danger.
The staff have been given the option to leave at any time. Those who choose to stay will be taking all precautionary measures to ensure their safety as they help put camp away.
All current camp guests have been given the option to finish their week at Camp Meriwether or head home. Please check with your unit leadership to determine the plan for your specific unit.
If your Cub Scout Pack was scheduled to attend a future Webelos/AOL session, our Camping Team will reach out to you directly to discuss options, including transfers, refunds, or alternate opportunities.
The NYLT program scheduled for August 9th is working out their own details about shifting program to a different Cascade Pacific Council property. NYLT leadership will be in contact with participants about their options for that session.
If you have immediate questions regarding reservations this summer, please contact our Camping Department at 492.camping@scouting.org.
If you do not have current or future reservations at Baldwin for programs this summer, please refrain from asking general questions at this time. We need to do our best to keep communication lines open for folks that need to adjust their plans for this summer.
Further communication about the general status of Camp Baldwin and the Grasshopper Fire will be posted to cpcscouting.org/council/news/camp-baldwin-grasshopper-fire-updates
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.
Thank you to our Scouting community for your continued support, resilience, and understanding as we navigate this evolving situation.
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The Latest Updates Regarding the Grasshopper Fire near Camp Baldwin
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:
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The fire is at least 6 miles away
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Favorable winds are blowing smoke and fire progression away from camp.
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We are in direct contact with Emergency Management and the Forest Service
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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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Camping Department at 492.camping@scouting.org