Single Publication

Durkee, Cow Valley, and Bonita Fires Update for Friday, July 19, 2024

541-208-4371, staffed 7a.m. to 7 p.m. MDT

2024.cowvalley@firenet.gov

DURKEE FIRE: Start date: July 17, 2024 | Location: 5 miles southwest of Durkee, OR | Personnel: 88 | Fire size: 2,699 acres | Cause: Lightning |Containment: 0%

Yesterday, fire personnel worked quickly to develop a strategic plan to engage and suppress the Durkee Fire. The structure protection group was formed and has started structure assessments.  Firefighters were able to make progress in partnership with local Rangeland Fire Protection Associations on creating firelines. 

Aviation was used to help minimize fire behavior supporting crews on the ground. Throughout the day, there were about 14 aircraft dropping water and retardant helping to slow the fire so crews on the ground could make progress. Overnight, there was not much fire spread to the north, but the fire did spread about 5 miles to the south into Rye Valley. 

Today, firefighters will be working to establish control points to keep the fire south of Burnt River. The fire is expected to be active today because of hot, dry, and breezy weather. Fire personnel will continue to use aviation and work to establish primary and secondary firelines. 

COW VALLEY FIRE:  Start date: July 11, 2024 | Location: 9 miles east of Ironside, OR | Personnel: 303 | Fire size: 133,408 acres | Cause: Human caused |Containment: 77%

Firefighters working on the Cow Valley are patrolling to find any pockets of heat to extinguish. No fire spread is expected, and fire behavior is characterized as smoldering. 

BONITA FIRE: Start date: July 11, 2024 | Location: 9 miles south east of Ironside, OR | Personnel: 0 | Fire size: 2,727 acres | Cause: Human caused |Containment: 90%

Minimal fire behavior has been observed due to suppression efforts, containment features and fuel consumption. 

NEWS RELEASE

Oregon/Washington BLM Vale District

Media Contact: Larisa Bogardus, 541-523-1407

July 18, 2024

Reward offered for information relating to wildfires in Malheur Reservoir area

VALE, Ore. – Fire investigators and law enforcement officials are requesting the public’s assistance in the investigation of the Cow Valley, Bonita and other small wildfires in the Malheur Reservoir area.

These fires all began in the early morning hours of July 11, between approximately 1 and 5 a.m. They are believed to be human caused and of a suspicious nature. A monetary reward is being offered for information leading to the identification of individual(s) responsible.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents should call We Tip Anonymous at 1-800-47-ARSON, online at wetip.com or at the QR code shown.

This is a multi-agency investigation by the Bureau of Land Management Vale District, Oregon State Fire Marshal, Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police

WEATHER AND SMOKE: It will be hot and dry today with temperatures ranging between 97-108 and low humidities. Winds will be north, 8-12 mph. The inversion will lift over the Durkee fire this morning that will cause gusts to reach up to 30 MPH this afternoon. For current smoke information and air quality index, visit airnow.gov. 

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES: All evacuation order related to the Cow Valley Fire have been lifted. Check for updates on the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuations for the area around Durkee Fire. Visit the Baker County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for more information. Baker County Sheriff's Office has closed Burnt River Canyon road to non-local, non-emergency traffic due to the Durkee Fire.

BURN BAN: A burn ban is currently in effect for all of Malheur County, including all BLM lands.  For more information, visit https://www.malheurco.org/category/public-notices/. 

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION: There is a temporary flight restriction over the Durkee Fire, please remember if you fly we cant.

Cow Valley Fire Incident Website

Durkee Fire Incident Website

Cow Valley and Durkee Fire Facebook