Crews make progress on large lightning-sparked wildfires across the region as evacuations grow, heat wave returns
(Update: Wiley Fire update)
POST, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Hundreds of firefighters are working to build lines, protect structures and stop or slow the spread of several lightning-sparked wildfires across the region, reporting progress but also preparing for a return of hot weather in coming days.
Meanwhile, new wildfires continue to emerge, such as the Hawley Ridge Fire (Incident 793), southwest of Paulina, at about 200 acres Tuesday morning, with Level 3 evacuations. Meanwhile, more evacuations have been ordered on the 14,000-acre Wiley Flat Fire in Crook County and on the 61,000-acre Rail Ridge Fire.
Gov. Tina Kotek's office said Tuesday there were 21 large uncontained fires burning across the state.
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Here are the latest daily reports. Track updates at https://app.watchduty.org/
Wiley Flat Fire update - Wednesday, Sept. 4
Acres: 14,760 Acres; 0% Contained
Location: 10 Miles southeast of Post, off Highway 380
Start Date: September 2,2024 Personnel: 160 Cause: Lightning
Resources: 4 crews | 5 engines | 2 water tenders | 1 skidgine | 4 dozers
Highlights: Firefighters continue structure protection efforts while scouting control line opportunities around the Wiley Flat Fire perimeter.
Yesterday, firefighters concentrated on structure protection, working diligently to safeguard homes and critical infrastructure in the immediate area. Crews successfully established an anchor point on the west end of the fire perimeter, providing a strong foundation for future containment efforts.
Today, operations will continue to prioritize structure protection while utilizing both aerial and ground resources to scout for potential control line locations around the fire’s perimeter.
Weather: Dry weather is expected with a high of 90 degrees. Southeast winds of 5 to 10 miles per hour and a minimum humidity of 9 to 14 percent.
Evacuations: LEVEL 3 evacuation now encompasses the area from SE Pine Creek Road (FS RD 17) east to SE Camp Creek Road, south from Paulina Highway to the southernmost portion of SE Camp Creek Road (including SE Tackman Road). This LEVEL 3 evacuation also covers Antelope Reservoir.
LEVEL 2 evacuation now encompasses SE Camp Creek Road east to the south fork Crooked River, from Paulina Highway south to roughly GI Ranch Road. For the most current evacuation information, please visit the Crook County Sheriff’s Office webpage and Facebook page.
Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon, including the Ochoco National Forest, are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open fires, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources.
The Ochoco National Forest has implemented a partial forest closure. More information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ochoco/alerts-notices/?aid=89203
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.
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Shoe Fly Fire - Wednesday update:
| SHOE FLY FIRE Daily Update: September 4, 2024 | Fire Information Links: https://linktr.ee/odfteam1 Phone: (541) 362-4119 Email: IMT1.FireInfo@ODF.oregon.gov |
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Total Size: 20,699 acres
Total Containment: 1%
Cause: Lightning
Estimated Cost: $65,000
County Evacuations
Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation notices, info available here: https://tinyurl.com/RAPTOR-Evacuation-Info
Road Closures
For road closures, visit:
https://www.tripcheck.com
Fire Restrictions
ODF: www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx
All Resources
Hand Crews: 1
Engines: 4
Water Tenders: 2
Dozers: 10
Total Personnel: 50
ODF Incident Commander: Joe Hessel
Incident Management Team 1
Limited fire growth, hot dry weather expected
MITCHELL, Ore. – After rapid fire growth Monday on the Shoe Fly Fire, firefighters saw reduced fire behavior and minor fire spread Tuesday. Overnight, firefighters worked to build fireline around small spot fires on the northeast side of the fire adjacent to the fire perimeter. The fire grew to 20,699 acres with 1% containment.
ODF Team 1 Incident Commander Joe Hessel thanked local landowners and partners at Wednesday morning’s briefing, stating, “A significant amount of great work was done prior to our arrival. This fire made a large push in its first 24 hours, but local fire agencies and landowners pushed back, and we’ll continue to build on their forward momentum.”
Today, crews will continue to strengthen the fireline, working to construct line directly adjacent to the fire where possible. Resources will focus on areas where the fire is currently the most active. Strategic firing operations will be used to remove fuel between the fire perimeter and the fireline. Firefighters will be working to connect the fire near Waterman Road and establish a strong fireline in this area.
Hot, dry weather is a concern today, increasing the potential for spotting across the fireline in extremely dry fuels.
Additional crews and firefighting resources have been ordered and should be arriving starting today. Aircraft is available to support ground resources as needed.
Oregon State Fire Marshal structural taskforces are working for the Wheeler County Fire Defense Board, providing structural protection for homes near the fire. The Wheeler County Sheriff has issued evacuation notices for residents around the fire. More information on current evacuations is available at https://tinyurl.com/RAPTOR-Evacuation-Info
Numerous landowners, rangeland protection association members, Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department, and Oregon Department of Forestry – Central Oregon District resources initially responded to the fire Monday morning.
The fire is burning on private and BLM lands protected by ODF, and private rangelands protected by Twickenham RFPA, Wheeler County Ranches RFPA, and Wheeler County Fire and Rescue.
