ODF ‘optimistic we’ve hit a turning point’ in fire season – but over 7,700 firefighters are still battling 20 large blazes
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- More than 7,700 firefighters are still working on the 20 large fires still burning across Oregon, but Oregon Department of Forestry authorities said Monday they are "optimistic" the cooler weather means we've turnedg the corner on a fire season in which nearly 2 million acres have burned.
ODF Incident Management Teams
- Team 2 is in command of the Fossil Complex (Central Oregon District). Follow the incident’s Facebook page for updates. Â
- Team 1 is on mandatory rest.
- Team 3 is on rotation.
ODF Priority Fires
| FIRE NAME | TOTAL ACRES | ODF ACRES | CONTAINMENT | LOCATION | COMMAND |
| Bachelor Complex | 10,963 | 0 | 0% | 20 miles SW of Bend | NW Team 3 |
| Fossil Complex | 24,456 | 24,456 | 17% | 10 miles E of Fossil | ODF IMT 2 |
| Rail Ridge | 162,278 | 33,260 | 30% | 14 miles S of Dayville | CA Team 10 |
| Devils Knob | 4,142 | 1,653 | 40% | 5 miles S of Tiller | NW Team 13 |
| Wiley Flat | 30,163 | 3,899 | 73% | 10 miles SE of Post | CA Team 1 |
| Firestone | 9,188 | N/A | 10% | 21 miles N of Fort Rock | NW Team 3 |
| Flat Top | 35,433 | N/A | 21% | 10 miles N of Fort Rock | NW Team 3 |
There are approximately 7,739 personnel assigned to the 20 large fires across the state, not including many of the local and agency government employees, landowners, forestland operators, and members of the community who are contributing every day.
 ODF Highlight: What are ember showers? When we think about wildfires, we usually envision large flames. In fact, a larger danger to communities are wind-borne embers that are carried ahead of the fire perimeter. When the heat generated by an intense wildfire is combined with wind, small embers can travel several miles away from the fire perimeter and create spot fires.ODF IMT 2 experienced this on the Fossil Complex Fire outside of Spray, Oregon. |
Weather: Showers and wet thunderstorms become more focused over eastern Oregon and far southeast Washington today, then will continue overnight. Gusty north winds develop over portions of eastern Washington and north-central Oregon, driest in Washington. Another upper trough moves over the region Tuesday for additional rain across western PSAs and showers east. High pressure builds offshore Wednesday and heading into the weekend. However, how this upper ridge evolves remains rather uncertain for this weekend and early next week.
Prevention: We are optimistic that we’ve hit a turning point in the season, however that doesn’t mean Oregon is in the clear yet. ODF warns Oregonians against becoming complacent. By taking extra steps, you can prevent the next human-caused wildfire in Oregon and reduce strain on resources. Know the fire danger level of the areas where you live, work and play, and follow all local restrictions on burning, equipment use, campfires and other activities that can start wildfires. Find danger levels and restrictions across the state here.
Resources
- ODF wildfire blog and Public Fire Restrictions/Danger Levels map
- Regional situation report and national situation report
- InciWeb (information, photos, videos, and maps from specific incidents)
