Single Publication

Ore Fire Update

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.

Size: 747 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Cause: Under Investigation
Total Assigned Personnel: 246 | 11 engines | 3 hand crews | 3 dozers | 16 water tenders | 4 masticators | 4 feller bunchers | 1 helicopter

An Ore Fire Community Meeting is scheduled for today, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the McKenzie High School Gymnasium.

(Springfield, Ore.) – Fire suppression efforts continue on the Ore Fire, which is burning 7 miles northeast of Blue River, Oregon. Challenges include steep and rugged terrain, falling rocks and rolling debris, fire-weakened trees, and extreme weather conditions. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority on the incident. Fire managers are focusing on activities with a high probability of success while minimizing risk to firefighters and protecting values such as communities, infrastructure and forest, recreation and cultural resources. Progress on the Ore Fire is ongoing as an unprecedented number of wildfires continue to burn across the region. 

Yesterday, cooler temperatures moderated fire behavior with growth mostly isolated to the southwest portion of the fire. Fire backed down the hillside and was held by ground crews at the FS 15 Road, where falling debris remained a hazard. The section of the FS 1509 Road to the Tidbits Trailhead was graded, and a feller-buncher removed fuels from the road to widen the containment lines. Handlines and hose lays have been set up from the FS 15 Road to the 500 Spur, with the equipment ready to be used if fire activity increases.

Today, in coordination with Resource Advisors who have extensive local knowledge, fire managers are evaluating areas along the FS 15 Road where additional bulldozer lines could be established to safely and effectively stop fire spread. Crews and equipment have been strategically placed in areas where the fire poses the greatest threat to values at risk. As more resources arrive, fire line construction to the north will commence. 

Weather: Drier and slightly warmer conditions exist as a very dry northerly flow briefly scours out moisture across the landscape today. Winds will be light and terrain-driven over the fire area. Seasonable temperatures and mostly sunny conditions will continue through the end of the week.

Safety: Fire danger continues to increase as does the number of fire incidents around the region. The public plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire. Avoid causing undue strain on firefighting resources by using caution with all ignition sources. For prevention tips visit, https://keeporegongreen.org. Fire restrictions are in place within the Willamette National Forest. More information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area.

Smoke: Smoke from numerous wildfires burning throughout the state will affect air quality in many areas over the coming days. For information on air quality in your area, go to: www.airnow.gov. 

Forest Closures: Closures in the Willamette National Forest have been established around fire-impacted areas. These closures include the following sites: Buck Mountain Trail, Tidbits South and West Trail, Gold Hill Trail, Mona Campground, Lookout Campground, and Saddle Dam Boat Launch. For a complete list of recreation and roads in the Ore Fire closure order, visit  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices.