Single Publication

Ore Fire Update
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.

Size: 1486 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Cause: Under Investigation | Containment: 29%
Total Assigned Personnel: 310 | 6 engines | 5 hand crews | 3 dozers | 18 water tenders | 8 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. Despite an unprecedented number of wildfires in the region, fire managers have strategically allocated scarce resources. Firefighters have worked diligently to meet the objectives of protecting communities and values to the south and west of the Ore Fire while minimizing impacts to the north.  

Yesterday, as the fire backed down to the prepared FS 1509 Road, crews further secured the fire’s edge, extinguishing the flames as they reached the road. A local fire crew worked to construct a handline off the FS 1509 Road north to bypass a steep and winding section of road that would pose safety concerns and challenges in holding the fire. Dozers improved access along this line from north to south, meeting the handline.

Today, efforts are focused on maintaining and reinforcing the secured fire perimeter. Heavy equipment operators are removing dense woody debris north of the fire and identifying control lines that can be safely constructed to effectively contain the fire. Plumbing, including hose lays and sprinklers, is being strategically placed along roadways and other control features to manage the fire's progression. Crews are actively monitoring and patrolling fire lines both day and night.

The Pacific Northwest region, which includes Washington and Oregon, is experiencing an exceptionally severe fire season. Currently, 53 uncontained large fires have burned over 1.3 million acres in the region. There are 22 incident management teams committed to large incidents, including 12 teams brought in from other regions. Over 13,000 personnel are engaged in the region’s firefighting efforts, representing half of all the resources dedicated to incidents nationwide. National fire managers prioritize incidents by the threat to values at risk and allocate limited resources where the stakes are highest and most urgent. Of the uncontained large incidents, the Ore Fire is ranked 49 out of 53. 

Weather: With sunny skies, temperatures will climb through the 80s and could reach into the 90s this afternoon. Winds will be light and terrain-driven over the fire area. There is a potential for isolated dry thunderstorms Friday night into Saturday.

Safety: 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: The Ore Fire is producing minimal smoke. However, numerous fires are burning throughout the state, decreasing air quality. 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.