Single Publication

Ore Fire Update
Sunday, July 28, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.

Size: 1400 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Cause: Under Investigation | Containment: 20%
Total Assigned Personnel: 327 | 8 engines | 5 hand crews | 3 dozers | 20 water tenders | 5 masticators | 4 feller bunchers

An Ore Fire Community Meeting is scheduled today, Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the McKenzie High School Gymnasium. A recording will be posted to the Ore Fire Facebook Page following the meeting.

(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, rolling rocks and debris, and fire-weakened trees. 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. Firefighters face an inherent risk associated with fighting wildfires, but mitigation efforts and proper planning can reduce the overall dangers to responders.

Yesterday, firefighters successfully held the edge along the FS 15 and 1509 Roads as more fire backed down to the containment lines. Ground crews cleared a helicopter landing zone to the north of the fire to reduce extraction time in case of serious firefighter injury. Along FS 1509 Road, firefighters patrolled and monitored from the west side of Tidbits Creek to minimize the exposure from boulders and logs rolling onto the roadway. Heavy equipment operators are improving roads to provide safer access routes for the personnel on the fire line. 

Today, crews are concentrating on holding the southern perimeter of the fire. Woody debris removal and road improvements are ongoing. The FS 827 Road is being cleared to provide access north of the fire. Chipping operations are underway to remove large piles of heavy debris and improve access to the fire's edge.

After identifying strategic actions in the Incident Strategic Alignment Process (ISAP), information is gathered to evaluate the associated risks to responders. This involves considering factors including ground transportation, fire behavior, gravity hazards, aviation operations, human factors, and medical response time and capability. Fire managers identify ways to reduce these risks before deciding on which strategic actions are appropriate. Visit the incident’s Facebook page to learn more about ISAP at https://www.facebook.com/OreFireInformation2024.

Weather: Today, highs will be in the mid-70s at ridgetops and near 80 at the lower elevations. On Monday, breezy southwesterly winds are expected ahead of an approaching cold front. Rain chances will increase as incoming moisture introduces the chance for scattered showers over the fire. Thunderstorms are not likely.

Safety: Firefighters are reporting an increasing number of motorists traveling into the closure area where crews are actively working to contain the fire. Forest closures are in place for the safety of everyone. The public is asked to remain clear of the fire area and allow firefighters to safely complete their work. Fire restrictions are in effect. For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS or drones) are prohibited within the TFR. If you fly, we can’t.

Smoke: Smoke from numerous wildfires burning throughout the region will affect air quality in many areas over the coming days. A daily smoke outlook can be found at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net. Being prepared for smoke is important. For more information, go to: www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready.org. 

Forest Closures: Closures on the Willamette National Forest have been established around fire-impacted areas, including 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.