Ochoco National Forest trims Maury Mountains closure area as Wiley Flat Fire reaches 75% containment
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Following significant progress in firefighting efforts, the Ochoco National Forest, in consultation with fire management officials and the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, said Tuesday it has reduced the Wiley Flat Fire Area Closure in the Maury Mountains.
"This decision comes as containment lines have been strengthened, reducing the immediate threat to public safety," according to the announcement, which continues in full below:
While key areas remain closed to allow firefighters to continue their work, this reduction opens up portions of the forest for public access. Fire officials will continue to monitor the situation closely, to ensure that it remains safe for the public to return to more areas as conditions improve.
We recognize the importance of these lands to the community, especially during hunting season, and appreciate your cooperation throughout the closures. Our priority remains the safety of both the public and our firefighters, and we will only lift restrictions as it becomes safe to do so.
The reduced closure will stay in place until further progress is made and will be reassessed regularly. We ask the public to continue respecting all closure signs and stay informed on current conditions.
For updated closure maps and information, please visit the Ochoco National Forest website.
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Wiley Flat
Publication Type: News - 09/17/2024 - 09:00
Fire Information Phone: 541-208-7108 (8 a.m.- 8 p.m.)
Email: 2024.wileyflat@firenet.gov
Acres: Wiley Flat – 30,163 acres; 75% contained
Hawley Ridge – 793 acres; 100% contained
Location: Wiley Creek: about 10 miles southeast of Post, Oregon off Highway 380
Start Date: September 2, 2024
Personnel: 415 personnel
Resources: 10 crews |14 engines | 11 bulldozers | 14 water tenders | 6 masticators | 5 skidgens |6 excavators | 4 ambulances
Highlights: Crews had another successful day conducting suppression repair yesterday and firefighters will continue to secure handline and mop up on the western edges of the fire. Crews completed suppression repair on most of the southwestern portion of the fire and will continue work in that area. On the northeast side of the fire, crews will work to complete suppression repair over the next few days. Apart from a small section by Miller Dip, crews have completed suppression repairs on the northwestern side of the fire, as well.
Today’s Weather: The cool weather will continue today with temperatures in the mid-fifties. North-northwest winds may be gusting up to 20 mph, mainly in the afternoon. Humidity will be down to 50 percent, and similar to yesterday, we may see some scattered light and brief rainfall.
Evacuations: The following evacuations are in effect:
LEVEL 3: SE Maury Road west to SE Newsome Creek Road from Crooked River south to the Forest boundary.
LEVEL 2: SE Newsome Creek Road west to SE Conant Basin Road area south of Crooked River. SE Maury Road east to SE Camp Creek Road from Hwy 380 south to Forest Boundary.
The evacuation map is available online through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.
The Red Cross evacuation shelter is in the Carey Foster Hall at Crook County Fairgrounds SE Lynn Blvd. Prineville, OR 97754. Information number: 1-800-RED-CROSS
Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon 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 prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources.
Fire Restrictions and Closures: These areas are closed to all uses, including recreational activities, for public and firefighter safety. The Ochoco National Forest has implemented temporary closures for the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for portions of public lands in Crook and Grant Counties.
More Information:
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-wiley-flat
Facebook: Facebook.com/2024Wiley Flat Fire
Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/
