Wind-driven grass fire burns near Google data center construction site in The Dalles
A wind-driven grass fire occurred near a Google data center construction site east of The Dalles, Oregon. Multiple fire engines responded to the blaze, which burned through dry vegetation but was largely brought under control. No injuries or structural damage were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
A wind-driven grass fire broke out near a Google data center construction site on River Road east of The Dalles, Oregon, around noon on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The fire, fueled by dry vegetation, drew multiple fire engines and wildland firefighting units to the scene near Interstate 84 Exit 82.
The flames advanced towards Google's newest data center, which is currently under construction at 3500 River Road, but were slowed by an area of sparse ground. Firefighters quickly gained control of the blaze by early afternoon, with no immediate reports of injuries or damage to structures.
The incident occurred amidst heightened fire danger in north-central Oregon and the Columbia Basin, where critical fire weather conditions have been warned by the National Weather Service. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have urged residents and travelers to exercise extreme caution to prevent sparks due to the extremely dry conditions.