Northern Rockies Team 1, Incident Commander Brent Olson

Location:  14 miles southwest of Naches, WA

Start Date: July 23, 2024

Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 18,273 acres

Resources: 302 Total Personnel; 8 Dozers; 6 Hand Crews; 10 Engines; 1 Helicopter.

Key Message:  Firing operations are currently in progress, employing both direct and indirect tactics to stop fire advancement to protect communities and identified critical values in the eastern area of the fire and the Highway 12 corridor. 

Current Status:

The Retreat Fire, located southwest of Naches, WA, spans approximately 18,273 acres. Given the expected winds and smoke movement, active fire behavior may be observed. The fire is currently under a full suppression strategy, prioritizing public and firefighter safety. A combination of direct and indirect tactics are being employed along Hatton Road, Oak Creek, and Highway 12 on the eastern portion of the fire.  Heavy equipment and hand crews are also working lines along the northern and southern perimeters to minimize forward advancement of the fire.  Operational resources are continuing to do reconnaissance along the west flank scouting for potential indirect line locations to prevent additional fire spread toward Rimrock Lake. Firing operations are ongoing in the northeast along Bethal Ty Road towards Highway 12, with further assessments being done to determine the need for future firing operations along the main ridge southward.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

This weekend, typical seasonal temperatures are expected with daytime highs reaching above 80 degrees. A weather disturbance will bring strong and gusty west-northwest winds starting late Saturday afternoon and continuing through the night into Sunday. The humidity will be slightly higher over the weekend. Expect mostly sunny skies, although some areas may have smoke and haze.

In terms of fire conditions, there are three main types of vegetation in the landscape: oak bottoms, grass and sagebrush, and Ponderosa pine mixed with other conifers. The oak bottoms and grass/sagebrush are very dry and can easily catch fire. Isolated groups of trees or single trees may catch fire and potentially spread flames to other areas.

Closures and Evacuations:

Level 3 “GO NOW” Evacuation Advisory from US Hwy 12 at Bear Canyon Trailhead (NF 1301 Forest Service Road) northeast to the “Y” (Hwy 12/410).  From “Y” (Hwy 12/410) south along the borders of Town of Cowiche and Town of Tieton to Cowiche Mill Road. Cowiche Mill Road west to NF 641 Forest Service Road.NF 641 Forest Service Road North to Hwy 12.

Level 2 "GET SET" Evacuation Notice for the City of Tieton, WA area including Cowiche Mill Road east to Summitview Road, Summitview Road North to the four way stop on West Tieton Road, heading west on West Tieton Road to the end of West Tieton Rd.  The west boundary is the end of West Tieton Road going south to the 3600 block of Cowiche Mill Road.  For the evacuation boundary visit the Yakima County Office of Emergency Facebook page: www.facebook.com/YakimaCountyOEM/.

• US Hwy 12 remains closed for several reasons between the Y at Hwy 410 and the summit of the Pass at milepost 151.
• Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Retreat Fire Area Closure: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices/?aid=89192.
• The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast Region has temporarily closed the Ahtanum State Forest due to increased activity from the adjacent Retreat Fire burning near Rimrock Lake. The public can access the most up-to-date closure information at www.dnr.wa.gov/ahtanum.
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has closed the majority of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area to public access due to the Retreat Fire.The Oak Creek Wildlife Area is scheduled to remain closed until Aug. 23 to ensure public safety and facilitate firefighting efforts. More information can be found at Wildlife Areas | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Federal, state, and local wildland fire management agencies and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urge members of the public not to fly “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)” or drones over the Retreat Fire area. Unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Wildland fires are a “no fly zone” for drones. If you fly, WE CAN’T!

Starting today, July 27, 2024, the Administrative Closure for Diamond Lake, Thielsen View, and Broken Arrow Campgrounds has been lifted. Campgrounds will be first-come, first-serve tonight, Saturday, July 27, and tomorrow, Sunday, July 28. And then will go back into reservation status for Monday, July 29. There is still a large closure impacting most recreation sites in the Diamond Lake Ranger District, please stay out of closed areas for your safety as well as firefighter safety. See the closure areas, here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1194264.pdf 

Diamond Lake Campground: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231980

Broken Arrow Campground: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231979

Thielsen View Campground: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251548

Diamond Lake Boat Ramps are OPEN. The Diamond Lake Visitor Center will be staffed as air quality conditions allow, call (541) 793-3310, before visiting. Please check air quality information before traveling to the Diamond Lake area at AirNow.Gov.

To see a full list of recreation sites, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/umpqua/recreation.

This photo does not reflect current conditions. Please check air quality information before visiting the Diamond Lake area at AirNow.Gov.

Actualización diaria del incendio Pioneer                                

27 de julio de 2024

Datos clave

Tamaño: 32,048 acres           

Fecha de inicio: 8 de junio de 2024         

Ubicación: 31 millas al NO de Chelan, WA

Contención: 14%                              

Personnel: 749                    

Causa: De origen humano, a ser determinada

Recursos asignados: 12 cuadrillas, 4 helicópteros, 24 camiones de bomberos, 27 tanques de agua, 12 maquinarias pesadas

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: Fue mínimo el crecimiento del incendio Pioneer ayer. Los bomberos respondieron al fuego en el desague de Fourmile vertiendo agua desde helicópteros para frenar la propagación del fuego. Las cuadrillas continuaron patrullando y extinguiendo focos de calor a lo largo de la orilla del lago y los bomberos trabajaron hasta la noche alrededor de la desembocadura del arroyo Fourmile, y protegieron con éxito las estructuras en esa área mediante operaciones de quema estratégicas. En Stehekin, continuaron ampliando y mejorando el cortafuego alrededor del pueblo. El cortafuego permitirá que los bomberos trabajen de manera segura para implementar el trabajo de quema estratégico, y así quemar la vegetación entre el cortafuego y el fuego activo, si llega a ser necesario. Por varios días se ha mantenido en su lugar el extremo sur del incendio en el desague de Lone Fir, y un vuelo de reconocimiento confirmó ayer que no se podía ver rastros de calor en el desague. Al sur del incendio, las cuadrillas continuaron mejorando las carreteras y las líneas de contingencia indirecta. Si las condiciones llegan a cambiar más adelante en la temporada, los bomberos pudieran usar estas líneas de contingencia indirecta para que el fuego no llegue a Manson.

Stehekin está cerrado a los visitantes recreativos mientras que existe una evacuación de nivel 2. La gestión de incendios está coordinando con las empresas locales en Stehekin para brindar comidas y otro tipo de apoyo al personal de bomberos. El extremo sur del incendio está a unas 23 millas al noroeste de Manson. Las comunidades de Chelan y Manson siguen abiertas para los negocios y el turismo.

ACTIVIDADES DE HOY: Los bomberos siguen patrullando y protegiendo las estructuras ubicadas a la orilla del lago, implementando operaciones de quema estratégicas donde sea necesario. Los helicópteros vertirán agua donde sea necesario para reducir la propagación del fuego. Los equipos de bomberos también continuarán mejorando el cortafuego que se construyó alrededor de Stehekin y realizarán otros preparativos, tal como remover árboles caídos e instalarán mangueras y rociadores para proteger Stehekin. También continuarán mejorando las carreteras y las líneas de continencia al sur del incendio y al este de Manson.

CLIMA: Para el día de hoy se prevé un clima cálido y generalmente seco, con temperaturas máximas en los 80 grados. Los vientos serán ligeros e impulsados mayormente por el terreno, y por la tarde cambiarán lago abajo y aumentarán en velocidad hasta la noche. Hay un 10% de probabilidad de una lluvia ligera o una breve tormenta eléctrica.

EVACUACIONES:  Los niveles 1, 2 y 3 de evacuación alrededor del incendio Pioneer no han cambiado. Visite https://t.ly/QoH9w para tener más información.

CIERRE DEL BOSQUE: Cierres vigentes del Parque nacional North Cascades: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm

El Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee ha emitido una orden de cierre sobre gran parte del área afectada por el incendio: https://bit.ly/PioneerClosure. Las fogatas están prohibidas. Hay una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR, en inglés) sobre el área del incendio: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. La actividad de drones no autorizados está prohibida por la TFR.

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wases-pioneer 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080 

Línea de información sobre el incendio: 541-861-5808, de 8 AM a 8 PM

Correo electrónico: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov 

July 27, 2024

Northwest Team 7 is currently managing the Diamond Complex, estimated at 4,489 acres and 7% contained, and have assumed command of the Middle Fork, 641 acres and 1% contained within Crater Lake National Park. There are currently 25 fires and 570 personnel assigned to the two incidents. 

Crews are engaged in a full suppression strategy utilizing direct attack on the fires’ edge where access and firefighter safety allow and implement indirect strategies using constructed control lines or natural barriers where direct attack cannot be done safely.  Pacific Power and Light (PP&L) infrastructure within the complex continues to be a top priority for protection as crew attack fires threatening those resources. 

The Trail fire, east of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen, is 818 acres and 10% contained. Crews have added containment lines on the north and south flanks and continue to fortify those to keep the fire within the current control lines. 

The Lemolo fire, north of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill, is 734 acres and 0% contained. Crews will continue to secure the dozer line on the east flank and look for opportunities to implement control lines north of the fire to protect recreational values around Lemolo Lake.

The Pine Bench fire, north of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek, is 1,654 acres and 0% contained. Crew will patrol and continue to hold the 4775 road and hold and mop up any new spot fires. 

The Watson fire, north of Hwy 138 on Watson Ridge, is 190 acres and 10% contained, and the Loafer fire is at 24 acres and 0% contained. Crews have been making great progress with the limited resources available. They will continue to complete direct line around the fire to keep it within the current footprint.

There are smaller clusters of fires within the complex that consist of: Pig Iron, 27 acres and 90% contained, near Pig Iron Mountain north of Hwy 138; Brodie, 98 acres and 0% contained,  about 5 miles south of Hwy 138 and south of Devils Canyon; Trep, 109 acres and 0% contained, about 4 miles south of Hwy 138; Garwood, 5 acres and 90% contained, about 3 miles southwest of Mt. Bailey; Slide, 0.1 acres and 95% contained, northeast of Pine Bench; Potter, 578 acres and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 about 2 miles southeast of Potter Mountain; Ooya, 158 acres and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 about 1 mile northeast of Bird Point; Clearwater, 1 acre and 100% contained, south of Hwy 138 about 5 miles northwest of Diamond Lake; Elephant, 0.7 acres and 90% contained, 2 miles southwest of Lemolo Lake; Lost Bear, 0.1 acres and 0% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138; Lost, 14 acres and 0% contained, 4 miles south of Hwy 138;  Sheep, 0.3 acres and 95% contained, 3 miles north of Diamond Lake; Thin, 0.6  acre and 90% contained, four miles northwest of Diamond Lake; Trap, 4 acres and 0% contained, 1 mile south of Hwy 138 near Trap Mountain; Bear Trap, 45 acres and 0% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138 near Bear Trap Mountain; Campwood, 8 acres and 0% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138; Rough, 8 acres and 0% contained, two miles south of Hwy 138;  Birds, 10 acres and 90% contained; Wood, 8 acres and 0% contains, 2 miles south of Hwy 138, and Mowich, 0.4 acre and 0% contained, 1 mile north of Hwy 138. 

The Middle Fork, fire is located in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park. Crews will continue to work on the southern perimeter to stop progression toward the historic buildings and infrastructure in the park. They will continue to improve access and create fuel breaks along the Bert Creek Trail to the junction of the Bald Creek Trail.

Today, firefighters will continue direct suppression on accessible fires, and will develop specific suppression strategies for other less accessible fires to be carried out as resources become available.

Nationally and in the Pacific Northwest, fire activity is putting an extreme demand on firefighting resources. The highest priority remains public and firefighter safety and protecting infrastructure and homes.

Weather: Today’s forecast will be in the 74–78-degree range with drier air moving into the region. Lower humidity levels could result in increased fire activity. Cooler temperatures are expected into the weekend which should result in more favorable conditions for firefighting. 

Fire Behavior: The fire will likely remain active today and has potential for some torching and uphill runs in areas with heavier fuels and steep slopes. Widespread smoke could have a moderating effect on fire behavior slowing the rate of spread.

Smoke Outlook: Smoke will remain the area and continues to impact the region. For the most up to date information, please visit www.fire.airnow.gov 

Closures and Evacuations: Umpqua National Forest has issued two closures across the forest in response to fire activity to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03 and Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01 impact all of the Cottage Grove Ranger District, most of the Diamond Lake Ranger District, and parts of the Tiller and North Umpqua Ranger Districts. The closure orders can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. Fire danger is set at Very High and Public Use Restrictions are set at Level 2: https://bit.ly/3xIZZdK.    

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded the evacuation order for the Trail fire from a Level 2: BE SET  to a Level  1: Get Ready, but the Level 3: GO NOW remains in effect for the Trail fire east of Hwy 138. The Level 2: BE SET and Level 3: GO NOW evacuations for the Lemolo fire remain in place. There is still a Level 2: BE SET for the Pine Bench Fire. For more information visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website: www.dcso.com/evacuations.  

A return to more seasonable weather is giving firefighters a window of opportunity to gain ground on the fire, but the fire is still moving north and east.   

In the area of Buffalo Lake, firefighters were able to advance line along the flank of the fire. While managers are feeling optimistic about this western edge, there is still work to do before the Level 3 Evacuation can be lifted for residents in this area. 

On the other side of the fire, fire spread is significantly affected by local winds in the late afternoon which can “pull” fire down the canyons towards the Sanpoil River. Despite protection efforts, structures were burned near French John Lake on Friday. The fire continues to creep around Mt.Tolman and has come to within ¾ mile of Jack Creek Road. Crews worked tirelessly on structure protection in this area and were supported by aerial resources. Other teams completed a dozer line around the town of Keller and put in hoses and sprinklers to help reinforce it. Firefighters are also scouting for areas to put another dozer line slightly further away from Keller creating an additional layer of protection for the community.  

Plans are underway for determining when to allow reentry into the burn once it is safe to do so. This includes making sure access roads are free from any dangerous trees, rocks and debris. Operations staff has a goal of opening the Manilla road by the end of the weekend.  

Forecasting models continue to indicate a chance that the fire is likely to reach the town of Keller sometime on Sunday. Direct attack on the fire in this area is challenging due to the steep terrain of Mt.Tolman. Additional Hot Shot Crews, who are more accustomed to working in rugged terrain, are arriving and will be a valuable asset in the execution of suppression plans. 

Level 3 evacuations remain in place and many roads remain closed in order to prioritize the lives of residents and firefighters. Personnel can fight fire aggressively in dangerous conditions when they can focus on protecting structures, building containment line, spraying water and establishing infrastructure without also worrying about the safety of community members. Getting life “back to normal” is a high priority, but the fire must be contained and dangers mitigated before that can happen. We appreciate the community’s respecting the road closures and evacuations. 

An evacuation center is open at the Lake Roosevelt High School gym in Coulee Dam. The shelter at the Paschal Sherman Indian School in Omak is full. Keller Ferry is open only for limited service to assist with evacuations.  

Bridge Creek Wildfire 

The Bridge Creek Road opened today now that road hazards are complete. The 30 Mile road remains closed as firefighters are conducting burning operations along this northern boarder of the fire. Several resources have been moved from this fire to the Swawilla fire. Evacuations have been lifted. 

Additional Information and Maps at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/, https://www.facebook.com/CCTENV, https://www.facebook.com/CCTBroadcasts 

HOMESTEAD COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE

Saturday, July 27, 2024

Fire Information                                                                                                              

Phone: 208-713-9693 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Email: 2024.homesteadcomplex@firenet.gov

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HomesteadComplexFireInfo

Inciweb: http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-homestead-complex

Hotshot Crew Making Progress Constructing Direct Fireline on Salmon 33 Fire

The seven fires of the Homestead Complex total 1,261 acres this morning, with 4% containment. Suppression tactics are being prioritized by threat to property, infrastructure, industry, and areas with the highest probability of success. There are currently 348 personnel assigned to the Homestead Complex.

A hotshot crew camped out near the Salmon 33 Fire (142 acres) for the last two nights to maximize opportunities to construct fireline during cooler evening and morning conditions, when the fire is less active. They are working with a hand crew to make progress creating direct line on the east side. Today other available resources will be shifted to that area to assist in completing the line on the east flank of the fire. 

Heavy equipment crews are working on the east flank of the No Man Fire (424 acres), while crews are working with cooperators on the west flank. The indirect line on the west side of the fire should be completed today, and crews will begin to patrol and improve that line. 

The Horse Heaven Creek Fire (371 acres) saw another active day. Crews are working to tie indirect line to existing roads on the south end of the fire. Yesterday an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) was used to assist with scouting new opportunities for building line.

Crews have completed indirect line and hoselay around the Reynolds Butte Fire (104 acres). Yesterday’s infrared flight revealed that there was more activity within the fire perimeter than in the last several days. Crews will continue to patrol and improve the indirect line around the fire.

Two heavy equipment resources have begun work on the north side of the Bullpup Fire (125 acres) to improve the 300 Road for use as a containment feature. Fuller Lake Fire (61 acres) remains unstaffed today, but firefighters continue to scout and develop plans for operations, working closely with Resource Advisors. The Lost Bucket Fire (34 acres) saw minimal fire activity yesterday. It remains in patrol and maintain status today. The north side is contained.

Overall fire activity is expected to remain minimal, with weather continuing in a similar pattern over the weekend.  You can find your local smoke outlook online at: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/d393fd74.

Forest fire restrictions and danger ratings are as follows: Fire Danger Rating: Very High. Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPLs): 2. Public Use Fire Restrictions (PURs): 2. 

CLOSURES: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Roseburg District, has issued a closure order for portions of BLM land which border the Umpqua National Forest Emergency Fire Closure north of Steamboat. The closure order can be viewed here: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-rbg-072624.pdf. Umpqua National Forest Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03 and ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01 remain in effect and can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices

Fire Information: Phone: (541) 208-1744 daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Email: 2024.microwavetower@firenet.gov

Microwave Fire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2024MicrowaveTowerFire/

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or954s-microwave-tower

53% Contained

131 Personnel

806 Acres

5 miles west, southwest of Mosier, OR

Burning in brush, timber, and grass

Highlights

Increased humidity levels played a crucial role in helping firefighters successfully complete yesterday's firing operation. The operation, which began around 11:00 a.m. and continued into the evening, starting on the east side, focused on the north perimeter of the fire, advancing towards the west. As a result, smoke was visible from Interstate 84.

Firefighters made significant progress along the northern edge by utilizing the dozer line, the Columbia River Highway State Trail, and rocky terrain. They effectively connected these lines, with successfully securing the area from east to west.

Today, firefighters will continue their strategic burning operations along the northwest flank in order to complete the containment lines surrounding the Microwave Tower fire. There will likely be smoke and flames visible from within the fire area as firefighters light off fuels along their hand and dozer lines. 

Fire Behavior

Low to moderate fire behavior occurred during the firing operations. Smoldering along other flanks of the fire occurred throughout the day and night. Similar fire behavior is expected today during the burning operations. Firefighters will continue to mop-up and patrol the fire area.

Evacuations 

Existing Level 3, 2 and 1 evacuations on the east side of the fire area remains in place. For updated information please follow https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff. 

The evacuation preparedness level remains at Level 1 on the west side of the fire area. Please follow https://www.facebook.com/hrcso for additional information. The Red Cross center is available at the Hood River Middle School for anyone needing a place to go.

Red Fire

July 27, 2024

Daily Fire Update

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire

Facebook – 2024 Red Fire Information

Fire Information Line: 541-208-1766, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Email: 2024.red@firenet.gov

Red Fire Quick Facts

Size: 416 acres Origin: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, Oregon   County: Klamath

Start Date: July 17, 2024 Cause: Lightning Containment: 0% Total Personnel:  168

PUBLIC Meeting Announcement: The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) will host a Community Meeting Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Central Cascades Fire & EMS Community Service Center – 20400 Crescent Lake Hwy Crescent Lake, OR 97733. The meeting will also be viewable live through the Deschutes National Forest Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/deschutesnationalforest/.

Operations: Firefighters continued to construct handline around structures near Odell Lake and down to the lake.

Hand crews worked along Forest Service Road 60 to reduce vegetation loading 50 to 100 feet from the road. Heavy equipment and crews continued their progress removing concentrations of vegetation from the east end of the Odell Lake to the south and west. The shaded fuel break construction continued along the Union Pacific railroad lines. Hand crews worked in areas identified for reducing the density of trees. Decreasing dense tree stands will make it more difficult for fire to travel through the crowns of trees decreasing fire intensity.

Humidity levels play an important role in fire management. The higher humidity forecast for today will improve the vegetation moisture levels and help determine how much of the vegetation is available to burn. When vegetation moisture is high, fires are difficult to ignite and burn poorly. With little moisture in the vegetation, fires start easily and other driving forces, such as wind, may cause rapid and intense spread.

Today, firefighters will continue to install a shaded fuel break along the boundary of the Diamond Peak Wilderness separating heavy fuels from the roads, residences, resorts and the community of Crescent Lake Junction. A structure protection crew and a structure specialist will assess critical values in the Crescent Lake area. A timber task force will continue to create defensible space protecting critical structures and other values along the Union Pacific Railroad and structures along Odell Lake. Crews will scout out opportunities to construct control features along Forest Service Road 1610.

Round Mountain Fire – Firefighters continue to work on mop up.  The fire remains 108 acres and is 65 percent contained.

Wickiup Fire – Firefighters continue to work on mop up.  The fire remains 168 acres and is 75 percent contained.

Closures – The Deschutes National Forest has implemented an emergency closure around Crescent Lake and in the Diamond Peak Wilderness. Closure information is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices/?aid=89091

Evacuation Notices – The WILDFIRE! Level 1 – BE READY to Evacuate notice issued by Klamath County Emergency Management for the Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, and Crescent Junction area remains in effect (INCENDIO FORESTAL! Nivel 1 - ESTÉ PREPARADO para evacuar de las siguientes zonas: Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, Crescent Junction). For information, or to sign up for alerts, visit: www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency-management

Fire Restrictions – Stage 2 Public Use Fire Restrictions which prohibit open fires, including in developed campgrounds, are in effect for the Deschutes National Forest.  Visit the Deschutes National Forest’s website fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=stelprdb5297376 for more information.  The Industrial Fire Precaution Level is currently Level IV “General Shutdown”.

Weather: Humidities are improving, into the 25% range creating damper air for the next 2-3 days. Temperatures will climb into the low 70s near the fire area. Winds will remain very light in the morning hours and will shift to northwest winds in the afternoon, gusting up to 15 mph. An Air Quality Alert is in effect today until noon due to wildfire smoke and forecasted conditions causing the air to reach unhealthy levels.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. If you fly, we can’t! Unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and will halt aerial operations and seriously impact fire suppression efforts.

Smoke: Smoke from the Red Fire and other area fires will continue to impact air quality.  Air quality information can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Firefighters strengthen and connect key lines  

UKIAH, Ore. – Firefighters assigned to the Battle Mountain Complex continue to push forward on progress across both zones of the incident. As of this morning, Oregon State Fire Marshal Green Team is unified with ODF in the protection of structures across the incident as ODF Teams 1 and 3 work in cooperation on the fire line. Resources from both agencies continue to arrive, and today, 1,628 personnel are staffed by the ODF Teams and 12 structural task forces were brought in by OSFM.

Fire behavior on the southwestern side of Zone I, near Cupper Creek Road, was active overnight and firefighters focused much of their attention in these areas, protecting structures and building line where possible. Today, these efforts will continue, as this remains the most critical and challenging portion of Zone I. Additional resources will be assigned here today with the goal of holding existing line and constructing more where possible. To the west, windy conditions overnight challenged firefighters around the Ant Hill area, and firefighters on this portion of the fire will continue to build and strengthen line.

To the south on Zone I, containment line was further secured around the town of Monument, which has been a focus for firefighters over the past couple of days. Firefighters spent the early morning hours conducting strategic firing operations in the cooler temperatures, which will help to create a stronger and more secure barrier between the fire and scattered homes in the area.

In Zone II, the eastern half of the complex, firefighters made more progress securing and connecting key lines and even beginning mop up in less-active portions of the fire.

Along the north of the fire, crews established and connected lines from Potamus Creek to Highway 395. Along Highway 395, firefighters continued to remove standing, dead timber and began mop-up operations to remove burning materials close to the line to ensure they don’t flare up when temperatures rise in the coming weeks.

Along the southeast, crews conducted firing operations to remove unburnt vegetation. Structural resources, under the command of the OSFM, continued protecting and mopping up around structures.

Evacuations: Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in effect. For updated information, visit:

• For Umatilla County, follow www.facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff or sign up for Umatilla County Emergency Alert System at https://member.everbridge.net/index/2590041373147145.
• For Grant County, visit the RAPTOR arcgis site or sign up for alerts at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/825462649520134.
• For Morrow County, visit https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/de78333b0d2544f7a320142174aa20ae

Public Land Closures:

The Bureau of Land Management has closed public lands along the John Day River from Kimberly to Dale, and from Kimberly to Service Creek. More information here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

The Umatilla National Forest has implemented a closure for public lands within the Heppner Ranger District and the North Fork John Day Ranger District. More information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1194462 and https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5286768.

FIRE AT A GLANCE

Total Estimated Complex Size: 159,454 acres
Monkey Creek Fire: 154,970
North Fork Owens:  4,484 acres
Total Containment:  7%
Cause:                Under Investigation  
Estimated Cost:            $13,700,000

All Resources 

Hand Crews: 47          
Engines:  96    
Water Tenders:  41     
Dozers:  20
Helicopters:  8
Total Personnel: 1,628