5,240-acre Elk Lane Fire west of Madras now 20% contained as crews hold the lines and fire behavior moderates
(Update: adding Thursday update, containment figure, video)
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – The 4-day-old Elk Lane Fire west of Madras is now 20% contained, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said Thursday morning, a day after revising the map of evacuation and pre-evacuation zones on the blaze, allowing some residents to return home.
"Thank you to all those who have come out to help our county!" the Facebook posting stated after the containment figure was announced by fire officials at Wednesday evening's online community meeting. "The fire is at 20% containment and that could not have been done without their hard work!"
Here's the Thursday morning update on the fire:
Acres: 5,240 acres | Start Date: August 4, 2024 | Cause: Lightning | Fuels: Timber, Brush, Tall Grass | Containment: 20% | Resources: 232
Highlight: Firefighters have held the fire within the existing footprint since Tuesday and it is now 20% contained. Although, today’s hot and dry conditions will create challenges for firefighters, they will continue to improve control lines and mop up existing hot spots. Efforts today will focus on keeping the fire south of Willow Creek and from spreading any further east toward the community of Madras. Currently the fire is approximately 3.5 miles from the city limits.
Overview: The Elk Lane Fire is approximately 5,240 acres in size. It was started by a lightning strike on the evening of August 4th. The fire is being managed under unified command by a Central Oregon Fire Management Service Type 3 Team and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) Red Incident Management Team along with four structural task forces
Fire Activity: Fire activity moderated during the day on Wednesday. The approximate footprint of the burned area is east of the Deschutes River from Lake Simtustus to Belmont Lane, north of Belmont Lane to SW Elbe Drive and the Dry Canyon Area, south of Willow Creek, and west of NW Clackamas Drive. Suppression efforts today will continue to focus on securing existing lines and continuing mop-up. Aerial and ground resources will continue to focus on spots within Willow Creek and Deschutes River canyons. Due to the hard work of firefighters, threats to structures have decreased. As a result, OSFM is starting to return some task forces to their home agencies.
Evacuations: Areas south of Belmont Lane saw reductions in evacuation levels yesterday. For the most up to date evacuation information in Jefferson County visit, https://tinyurl.com/mte4e75m or the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonCountyORSheriff/. The Madras High School is a temporary evacuation site, and the Red Cross is on scene. Evacuated animals can be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Importance of Fire Prevention/Fire Restrictions: All public lands in Central Oregon are in 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.
Weather: Hot temperatures (high 80s to above 90), low humidity values (teens) and light winds are forecasted to continue today. Cooler conditions and higher relative humidities at night have continued to help firefighters improving lines and mopping up around structures.
Fire Information: The public is encouraged to call (458) 206-1745, for updates or reports from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M
Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire.
--
Central Oregon fire officials said in their X/Twitter post Thursday morning, "Fire behavior has moderated to mostly creeping and smoldering. Over 200 personnel are working to strengthen and secure control lines."
On Wednesday, Madras resident Donna Carillo told us, "I think it (the evacuations) spooked them a bit. I don't think it's going to get worse, and the shock is just a part of nature."
Juan Ferrer, another resident, said, "I was a firefighter back in the day, and I know when they (wildfires) go crazy, they're serious and dangerous."
There are about 285 firefighters on scene, according to Jeff Kitchen, a public information officer for Central Oregon Fire Management Service.
"We are 0% contained," he said Wednesday, "so if you were to look at a map, we're all red around the edges now," Kitchen said. "We're really hoping in the next 24 hours we're going to change some of that red to black."
And they did.
With over 1,000 homes evacuated, the Red Cross set up a shelter at Madras High School with food, water and beds, but thus far, but no one has utilized it.
Shelter Supervisor Pablo Torres said, "We have been open since Monday, but we haven't had any any clients up to now. but we are ready to to have them, in case."
The biggest challenge thus far has been the terrain.
"It's one thing when you have flat terrain that's fairly even with the grass and timber, and we're able to put resources in there, because it's all about making sure that our firefighters stay safe," Kitchen said.
Here's the updated evacuation info released Wednesday afternoon by the sheriff's office:
There have been changes to evacuation levels in variety of areas. Thank you to the amazing efforts of the teams, we are able to lower a few levels. Please read this carefully and click the map for a better visual! (some zones are split up)
They have been able to hold it at Belmont Lane, they have it on the northside. Those SOUTH of BELMONT, you should have a received an Everbridge Alert.
From S of Belmont to SW Mountain View and Around Round Butte: You are now in LEVEL TWO. This new area expands through the middle of SW 17 and SW 16 on the map.
*** In this area, please stick to Mountain View Dr while you return home if you are on the SW side of Round Butte.
*** If you have a driveway only accessible through Belmont, meet Law Enforcement at the corner of Elbe and Belmont.
*** Please make sure to travel back with caution, there is still personnel in the area.
NORTH OF BELMONT ALL THE WAY FROM the west side of SW 17 to the east side of SW 16 will remain in level three.
From the South side of Riverview and North side of Eureka Ln., This area is now in LEVEL ONE.
Everything SOUTH of Eureka is no longer in an evacuation level!
In NW 12, you are no longer in an evacuation level!
In NW 7, The Madras Airport and everything EAST of it is no longer in an evacuation zone! The west side of NW 7 will remain in a level one.
We know this is a lot of different changes, so please look at this map for a better reference. Also note that if you received a message saying you are safe to return home, you are.
--
Earlier info:
Over 300 people were fighting the blaze Tuesday, including eight task forces of engine crews from Lincoln, Yamhill, Washington, Clackamas, Linn, Marion and Benton counties.
"This afternoon, operations reported that the line along the south end of the fire, nearest homes, was holding," officials said in the Central Oregon Fire Info X/Twitter feed.
The Central Oregon Type 3 Team and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Red Team were in unified command on the fight against the lightning-sparked fire, one of several sparked around the area by lightning Sunday evening.
"This fire is exhibiting extreme fire behavior," officials said Tuesday, "and numerous evacuations remain in place."
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said in a Tuesday morning Facebook post that current evacuation levels would stay in place and advised residents to be aware of fire traffic moving in and around the area.
On Monday, they advised that planes would be dipping in and out of Lake Simtustus all day, urging people to avoid the area for safety reasons. The Lake Simtustus Resort was evacuated and those who left campers were advised to use Highway 26 and Pelton Dam Road to get them.
In a 12:30 p.m. Monday update on Facebook, the sheriff's office added another Level 1 BE READY pre-evacuation zone due to afternoon winds.
"There is no current wind-driven direction of the fire," they said. "The fire is, however, headed toward the campgrounds, but also moving south at this time. It is currently active near the Willow Creek drainage."
The evacuation shelter was moved Monday to Madras High School, with the fire command post at the Jefferson County fairgrounds, where evacuated large animals also were welcomed. A fire information number at 458-206-1754 was having some technical issues but the sheriff's office said they were working to get it working.
Meanwhile, the map of Level 3, 2 and 1 evacuation zones was frequently changing late Monday; find the latest here.
--
Governor Kotek Invokes Conflagration Act for Elk Lane Fire
Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizes resources to Elk Lane Fire in Jefferson County
Salem, OR — Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the morning of August 5, 2024, in response to the Elk Lane Fire in Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Fire Defense Board requested assistance with life, safety, and structural fire protection and the state fire marshal concurred with that request.
“I have so much gratitude for the firefighters and other partners on the ground during this unprecedented fire season,” Governor Kotek said. “To date, I have invoked the Conflagration Act for eleven fires. Because of the tireless dedication and coordination across local, state, and out-of-state firefighting agencies, the Elk Lane Fire is currently the only fire exceeding local capacity to protect lives and homes. We have a long way to go before fire season ends, and I remain committed to using every resource available to fight the fires across our state and jumpstart a full recovery.”
The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has an incident management team and five structural task forces assigned to the Elk Lane Fire. Over the last month, the Oregon structural fire service has worked diligently to protect life and property and reduce the wildfire threat to communities.
OSFM continues to send firefighters and equipment outside of a conflagration, and wildland firefighting resources from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and other states continue to fight for full containment.
Following ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The governor’s declaration allows the state fire marshal to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to support local fire service agencies on scene. This conflagration is declared only for the Elk Lane Fire threatening structures in Jefferson County.
A link to Executive Order 24-20 can be found here for the Elk Lane Fire.
The Department of the State Fire Marshal and the Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Incident Management Team will be entering into unified command with the Central Oregon Fire Management Service Type 3 Incident Management Team.
--
Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for Elk Lane Fire, pre-positioned resources respond immediately
Oregon State Fire Marshal - 08/05/24 11:46 AM
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Elk Lane Fire in Jefferson County. The move comes following a request made by the local fire defense board and approved by the state fire marshal Monday morning.
On Sunday night, two task forces from Lincoln and Polk counties, pre-positioned in Central Oregon, helped local responding agencies with structure protection. This morning, the OSFM mobilized its Red Incident Management Team and three additional structural task forces to protect life and property. The OSFM moved to swiftly bring in more resources through the Emergency Conflagration Act.
“The two task forces we pre-positioned in Central Oregon on Friday have been busy helping several local agencies respond to wildfires including two fires that sparked moments after they arrived,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Pre-positioning these resources has been an extremely valuable tool as our agency focuses on being proactive in keeping fires small and away from communities.”
According to Jefferson County Fire District 1, the region was hit by a massive lightning storm last night that brought gusty winds and sparked the Elk Lane Fire. As of this morning, the fire was estimated to be roughly 3,000 acres. The region is expecting temperatures in the high 90s on Monday, with wind gusts up to 18 miles per hour. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders in place. A map of evacuations can be found here.
The OSFM mobilized its Red Incident Management Team and five structural protection task forces from Clackamas, Lincoln, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties.
There isn’t much relief in sight for improved fire weather conditions over the next week. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is calling on everyone to be wildfire aware. Find wildfire prevention tips here.
About the Emergency Conflagration Act
The Emergency Conflagration Act is invoked by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to wildfires to protect life and property.
The conflagration act is invoked following ORS 476.510-476.610 when Governor Kotek determines threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threats exceed the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.
--
The new fires were just one impact of the thunderstorms moving through Central Oregon Sunday evening that brought heavy rain in Bend, hail in Prineville and damaging wind that toppled trees and knocked out power in Madras and Terrebonne.
Central Oregon fire officials tweeted earlier that interagency resources responded to about 13 smoke reports from the passing thunderstorms, including the three wildfires of notable size.
Incident 604, named the Elk Lane Fire, had burned about 300 acres by late Sunday night and 2,700 acres by Monday morning about seven miles northwest of Madras.
Another fire, Incident 596, named the Bennett Fire, began five miles northeast of Antelope, at about 400 acres by Monday morning, prompting Level 3 evacuation of the small, historic town and Level 1 BE READY for Shaniko, but officials said "crews made good progress overnight." Incident 598, the Wildhorse Fire, located 10 miles south of Spray, was estimated at 60 acres Monday morning, burning in "very challenging terrain."
The Jefferson County fire quickly spread to about 300 acres from the Elk Drive and Belmont Lane area northwest of Madras, prompting a Level 3 GO NOW evacuation and call-up of two regional structure-protection task forces, with Level 2 and Level 1 evacuations to the south. Two areas were raised to Level 3 and Level 2 later Sunday night, with no Level 1 areas remaining. The latest Jefferson County Sheriff's Office map can be seen here.
Sheriff's deputies said the fire was moving south-southwest and that Belmont Lane was shut from the PGE gates to SW Columbia. Residents were asked to avoid Mountain View Drive for fire apparatus.
The Jefferson County Fairgrounds parking lot was established as a temporary evacuation site for anyone displaced by the fire.
One Madras resident said around 7:30 p.m. that a “micro-cell” was moving through the area, knocking down trees and destroying roofs along Highway 97. They said they were helping State Police remove trees from the road.
Terrebonne-area rancher Travis Schwerbel shared photos after trees fell onto and heavily damaged a pickup truck and a shop, also hitting the corner of his house. He said no one was hurt but there were downed trees and damage at several properties along Ice Avenue.
Pacific Power reported nearly 2,700 customers without power from Terrebonne north into Jefferson County Sunday evening. That number was reduced to about 1,000 by 10 p.m. Get updates here.
To the north, the Antelope Fire prompted the Wasco County Sheriff's Office around 8 p.m. to issue a Level 3 GO NOW evacuation for the city of Antelope, saying: "Leave without delay." The Shaniko Schoolhouse was a temporary shelter for evacuees.
