Crews bring nearly 72,000-acre Crazy Creek Fire to 19% containment; Paulina drops to Level 2 BE SET evacuation level

PAULINA, Ore. (KTVZ) -- More hot, dry weather has not prevented hundreds of firefighters from boosting containment of the 2-week-old Crazy Creek Fire to the point where the community of Paulina has been moved back to the Level 2 BE SET status after an earlier evacuation.

Firefighters succeed in holding lines as containment increases on the Crazy Creek Fire

Daily Update August 6, 2024

Fire Information Phone: 541-208-1768 (8am-8pm)

Media Information Phone: 541-208-1770 (8am-8pm)

Email: 2024.crazycreek@firenet.gov

Acres:  Crazy Creek – 71,625; 498/Kitty Creek – 73 
Acreage changes may occur due to overnight operations and infrared mapping.

Location: Crazy Creek: 5 miles north of Paulina, OR                      Start Date: July 22, 2024 

           498/Kitty Creek: 7 miles south of Mitchell, OR                     Personnel: 662 

Containment: Crazy Creek 19%; 498/Kitty Creek 100%                Fuels: Timber and short grass

Resources: 16 crews | 2 helicopters | 30 engines | 14 bulldozers | 14 water tenders | 3 masticators | 21 skid steers

Highlights: While containment has increased on the Crazy Creek Fire, crews continue to respond to active fire conditions on the eastern portions of the fire area, including Wolf Creek and areas along Forest Service Road 5810. Additionally, evacuation statuses have been updated, as hot, dry weather persists across the region today.

Fire Activity: On the western perimeter, fire activity was significantly reduced on Monday. Crews patrolled the perimeter and conducted mop up operations to secure the fireline. In the north/northeastern areas of the fire, containment lines to Toggle Meadows are holding well. 

Initial attack resources from the Crazy Creek Fire responded to additional new starts from lightning that moved across the region yesterday. Firefighters also experienced smokey conditions caused by several spot fires near the 5810 road. Crews working in the area were able to quickly locate and contain them with the support of aircraft. While fire threatened to push uphill into private lands, firefighters were able to successfully hold the line, thanks to these resources working in tandem. 

Today, crews will prep the 5810 road and scout contingency lines further east of the active fire area to protect values at risk. Additionally, firefighters across the Crazy Creek Fire will patrol, conduct mop up and extinguish hot spots as needed to further secure and hold containment lines.  

Evacuations: Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for areas in Crook and Wheeler Counties for areas in or near the fire. Level 3 evacuations have extended from the Forest Boundary to Highway 380. Level 2 evacuations have extended south of Highway 380. The town of Paulina (was) also under Level 3 evacuation status.

Weather: Hot, dry weather is expected today with temperatures in the 90s and low relative humidity. 

Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon, to include the Ochoco National Forest are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow fire prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources. The public's cooperation in adhering to fire bans and restrictions is vital to prevent new fires from starting and to help our firefighters focus on containing the existing fires. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ochoco/alerts-notices/?aid=89068. 

Smoke: Smoke from multiple fires in Central Oregon are impacting the region. Additional details are available via https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/079f0f73.

Fire Restrictions and Closures: The Ochoco National Forest has implemented a forest closure for the Paulina Ranger District. More information can be found at fs.usda.gov/alerts/ochoco/alerts-notices/?aid=89203. Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for public lands in Crook and Grant Counties. More information is available at https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-08/orwa-fpo-pri-paulina-080224.pdf. 

More Information:

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-crazy-creek

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWIMT5 

Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/ 

Crook County Emergency Information Map: https://arcg.is/1ij0vb