TALENT, Ore. (Sep. 20, 2026) — Oregon Department of Forestry crews are responding to a grass fire along Little Applegate Road south of Anderson Butte that was estimated at approximately 8 acres and spreading rapidly Sunday evening.
The fire is burning amid warm, dry conditions in the area, with temperatures currently in the 80s near Talent.
ODF said the fire was spreading at a high rate of speed as multiple ground resources responded to the incident.
A Type 2 helicopter was on scene assisting with suppression efforts. A Type 1 helicopter and air attack aircraft were also en route to assist with firefighting operations.
ODF said additional updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
ODF UPDATE (6:15P)
The grass fire along Anderson Butte Road is now estimated at 10 acres. Multiple ground resources are on scene and actively engaged in suppression efforts.
Two additional Type 1 helicopters and a Type 2 helicopter are being ordered to assist with firefighting efforts.
ODF UPDATE (7:00P)
The fire burning along Anderson Butte Road, southwest of Talent and east of Ruch, is now estimated at 30 acres. Firefighters are making good progress despite hot temperatures.
Crews are currently working on a hose lay along the eastern side of the fire. Multiple ground resources and aircraft are working in tandem to support suppression efforts, with additional units from partnering agencies on scene or en route.
The public is asked to please avoid the area and give firefighters and incoming resources plenty of room to safely access and work on the fire.
More updates will be provided as they become available.
ODF UPDATE (8:30P)
The Anderson Butte Road Fire is now estimated at 60 acres and is 20% wet lined. Firefighters are building on today’s great progress despite temperatures reaching the high 80s and low 90s.
Additional resources continue to arrive on scene, and eight
20-person crews, four Type 6 engines and four water tenders are being ordered for the night shift. All aircraft have completed operations for the night, while ground resources continue working to strengthen containment lines.
The public is asked to continue avoiding the area to allow firefighters and incoming resources to safely access and work on the fire.
ODF UPDATE (10:00P)
Night shift resources are arriving on scene and engaging in overnight suppression efforts on the Anderson Butte Road Fire. Resources ordered for the night shift include eight 20-person crews, four Type 6 engines and four water tenders.
The fire was last estimated at 60 acres and 20% wet lined.
Firefighters continue to build on the progress made throughout the afternoon, despite temperatures reaching the high 80s and low 90s.
Overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the 50s, a significant change from the hot conditions firefighters faced earlier in the day. Strong relative humidity recoveries are also expected overnight, providing more favorable conditions for suppression efforts as crews continue working to strengthen containment lines and make progress on the fire.
The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.
This will be the final update of the evening unless conditions warrant additional information. The next update will be tomorrow morning.
ODF AM UPDATE:
Overnight, firefighters built on the progress made during yesterday’s aggressive initial attack, completing line around 100% of the Anderson Butte Road Fire and extending hose along 80% of the perimeter.
The fire is now mapped at 78 acres, reflecting more accurate mapping of the fire’s perimeter rather than additional fire growth overnight.
Fire activity diminished overnight as cooler temperatures and increased relative humidity provided more favorable conditions for suppression efforts. Crews took advantage of these conditions to strengthen existing lines and secure the fire’s perimeter.
Today, firefighters are beginning mop-up operations, working inward from the fire’s perimeter to extinguish remaining heat and reduce the potential for the fire to spread. Resources assigned to the fire today include four Type 6 engines, one dozer, eight 20-person hand crews and six water tenders.
Temperatures are expected to remain warm today, although slightly cooler than yesterday. Aircraft are available to support ground resources if needed, including a Type 1 and Type 2 helicopter.
Firefighters remain ready to respond to any new fire starts across the district while suppression efforts continue on the Anderson Butte Road Fire.
The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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