Single Publication

Ore Fire Update
Monday, July 29, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.

Size: 1452 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Cause: Under Investigation | Containment: 29%
Total Assigned Personnel: 329 | 6 engines | 5 hand crews | 3 dozers | 20 water tenders | 7 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, 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. While evaluating potential firefighting strategies, carefully defining objectives and understanding the challenges are essential when determining which actions have the highest probability of success with minimal risk to responders.

Yesterday, crews increased containment along the FS 15 and 1509 Roads with the assistance of favorable weather conditions and minimal fire activity. Specialized felling modules above Ore Creek on the FS 1509 Road removed hazardous trees, while chippers followed closely behind to reduce larger woody debris into finer material. Access roads were cleared using heavy equipment to scout potential containment lines to the north.

Today, firefighters will use explosives to remove fire-damaged trees in the southwest corner that have hindered progress on the incident. Due to the trees’ size and condition, these hazards cannot be safely removed by fallers. Fire managers continue to evaluate areas where containment lines can be constructed to stop fire spread to the north. Firefighters will patrol the contained areas of the fire to the south, extinguishing hot spots and protecting identified values at risk. A night crew will be on site to patrol the fires perimeter. 

The fourth pillar of the Incident Strategic Alignment Process (ISAP) involves evaluating the probability or likelihood of success of specific actions. It is important to consider the potential obstacles and factors that will contribute to successful implementation of a chosen strategy. This process ensures management actions are discussed and coordinated among agency administrators and incident management team personnel throughout the incident. Visit the incident’s Facebook page to learn more about ISAP at https://www.facebook.com/OreFireInformation2024.

Weather: Cloudy skies this morning will limit heating and keep the inversion intact, resulting in smoky conditions and poor visibility. Cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and spotty showers are expected today, with the potential for rain this afternoon into tomorrow. A period of warmer-than-average temperatures and lower humidities will return Wednesday and continue into the weekend.

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.  Fire restrictions are in effect. For additional 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. Find out more at: If You Fly, We Can't | US Forest Service (usda.gov)

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.