Single Publication

Fire Update – Ore Fire 

Friday, August 2, 2024 – 9:30 a.m. 

Size: 1539 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Cause: Under Investigation | Containment: 29%
Total Assigned Personnel: 218 

The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT1) has now assumed command of the Ore Fire. Due to the limited availability of additional incident management teams in the region, all fires on the Willamette National Forest are being combined under a central command structure. While the incident command post for the fire has been relocated, crews and equipment for the Ore Fire will continue to operate out of Strube Flats.  

Yesterday, firefighters continued to mop up and patrol the fire perimeter along the FS 1509 and FS 15 Roads. Hose lays and sprinklers were repositioned from areas of containment to more active areas of the fire. Heavy equipment operators completed a check line connecting the FS 502 Road to the FS 15 Road, adding another containment line on the northeast end of the fire. Nonessential equipment along containment lines was backhauled to Strube Flats to be cleaned and readied for future assignments.  

Today, line construction to the north continues, using a combination of existing roadways, handline and dozer lines. 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. 

A helicopter landing zone was created on the north end of the fire where access to provide emergency extractions would be limited in the case of an emergency. 

Weather and Fire Behavior:  

Warm and dry weather is expected today; however, it will be cooler than yesterday. Moderate fire behavior may be observed in areas where slope, wind, and proper fuel types align. A strong inversion is in place with warmer and drier conditions existing at higher elevations. Evening downslope and down valley winds will be present once the sun sets. A stray dry thunderstorm cannot be ruled out over the fire area.   

Closures and Fire Restrictions:  

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in place on the Willamette National Forest in the vicinity of many active fires. Temporary road barricades are in place to restrict traffic across the fire areas. For specific closure information follow this link:  
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029 

Fire restrictions on the Willamette National Forest may be found at this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=81487 

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) remain in place over the Ore Fire. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.