Single Publication

Ore Fire Update
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.

Size: 860 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Cause: Under Investigation
Total Assigned Personnel: 301 | 8 engines | 4 hand crews | 3 dozers | 18 water tenders | 4 masticators | 4 feller bunchers 

(Blue River, 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 while protecting values such as communities, infrastructure and forest, recreation and cultural resources.

Last night’s community meeting in Blue River was well attended and the Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 10 expresses its appreciation for the community’s support and engagement. 

Yesterday, burning debris rolling down the steep slopes caused fire to slopover (cross) the control line at the FS 1509 Road about a mile from the FS 15 Road junction. Ground crews, assisted by aviation resources, secured this slopover, but falling debris will remain a challenge in the southwest portion where the fire is most active. An engine patrolled and monitored through the night. Road grading was completed along the FS 1509 Road, north of Tidbits Trailhead. Firefighters successfully held the fire at the FS 15 Road, and heat is diminishing along the established control line. 

Today, crews will monitor the slopover, and patrol the rest of the southwest line as the fire continues backing down to FS 1509. Feller bunchers and masticators will follow the road grading operations above Tidbits Trailhead to strengthen the FS 1509 Road. Northeast of the fire, grading operations will begin along the FS 1513 Road.

Weather: Occasional shading from passing clouds will trend temperatures a few degrees cooler and moderate humidity today compared to yesterday. Terrain-driven winds continue for the next few days. A deep marine layer will push onshore tonight, bringing mostly cloudy skies, warmer overnight low temperatures, and excellent humidity recovery.

Safety: Fire danger continues to increase as does the number of fire incidents around the region. The public plays a crucial role in preventing the next wildfire. Your caution with all ignition sources can help avoid causing undue strain on firefighting resources. For prevention tips, visit https://keeporegongreen.org. Fire restrictions are in place within the Willamette National Forest. For more information visit 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. An Air Resource Advisor is now assigned to the Ore Fire and providing daily smoke outlooks for the affected area at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net.  Being prepared for smoke is important to everyone’s health. For more information go to: www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready.org/ 

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