Single Publication

Ore Fire Update
Thursday, August 1, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.

Size: 1539 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Cause: Under Investigation | Containment: 29%
Total Assigned Personnel: 188 | 6 engines | 1 hand crew | 4 dozers | 18 water tenders | 8 masticators

(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.

On Friday, August 2 at 7:00 a.m., command of the Ore Fire will transition to Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (Rocky Mountain 1). Due to the limited availability of additional incident management teams, all fires on the Willamette National Forest will be combined under a central command structure. A dedicated group of fire managers will remain focused on directing operations on the Ore Fire. While the incident command post for the fire will be relocated, crews and equipment will continue to operate out of Strube Flats. Rocky Mountain 1 will be providing regular communications about the incident.

Yesterday, firefighters continued to mop up and patrol the fire perimeter along the FS 1509 and FS 15 Roads, ensuring rolling debris did not cause spot fires across the line. Hose lays and sprinklers were repositioned from areas of containment to where the fire perimeter is progressing. Additionally, heavy equipment operators played a vital role in widening the FS 1509 and FS 1513 Roads, increasing the likelihood that these features will be successful in stopping fire spread to the north.

Today, fire managers from the incoming team will shadow their counterparts to gain an understanding of current conditions and operations. Line construction will continue, connecting spur roads and natural landscape features from north to south using a combination of handline and dozer line. Chipping of removed woody debris and other fuel mitigation efforts are ongoing along the roadways. Firefighters working on day and night shifts will continue to hold the fire perimeter to the south, preventing fire spread into critical infrastructure and identified values at risk.

Incident Commander Chris Orr and the rest of Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 10 extend their gratitude to our cooperators and partners for their collaboration and assistance. The team also thanks the local residents, business owners and visitors for their appreciation and support during this assignment.

Weather: Under sunny skies, temperatures will climb into the 90s, reaching the upper 90s in unshaded valleys. Isolated dry thunderstorms are possible Friday into Saturday. Thunderstorms may produce showers and gusty outflow winds.  

Safety: With incoming hot and dry conditions, fire danger is increasing. The public can help prevent the next wildland fire by observing outdoor burning bans and avoiding other common ignition causes. Fire restrictions are in effect. For additional information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) was expanded to include the Tidbits Mountain area. Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS or drones) are prohibited over the fire area 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.