FIRE ALERT: The Marks Creek Fire now at 18% containment; fire crews continue the battle to stop the fire from growing
(September 7th Update: several new fires started around the fire area)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Marks Creek Fire is 18% contained and has burned 1,718 acres. Thunderstorms were active over the fire area Saturday evening.
While the precipitation has provided some relief, it also triggered several new starts around the fire area, requiring immediate response and diverting resources, which would otherwise, be focused on building and securing that containment line, around the fire.
Highway 26 remains open, but drivers should use caution due to firefighting equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Sunday night, firefighters will continue building and reinforcing lines, working towards building depth around the fire perimeter.
Crews will also patrol for heat and smoke and continue mop-up operations.
Saturday, September 6 update:
Today, firefighters will continue building and reinforcing lines, working towards building depth around the fire perimeter. Crews will also patrol for heat and smoke and continue mop-up operations. Tree-falling work to remove fire-damaged trees is also underway. These efforts will enhance safety and support effective mop-up operations. Aerial resources will be available to support suppression efforts and respond to any new fire activity, as conditions allow.
Weather conditions today are expected to bring increased instability and the potential for increased fire activity. Fire crews remain prepared to respond to new starts or advancing heat.
Evacuation levels have decreased in some areas around the fire, allowing residents to return home. This progress highlights the collaborative effort between agencies and a shared commitment to ensuring a safe and timely re-entry.
All responding agencies are coordinating closely to protect lives, property, natural resources, and nearby communities. The safety of firefighters and the public remains the highest priority.
Highway 26 remains open; however, firefighters and heavy equipment are entering and exiting the roadway. Please drive with caution and slow down in the fire area to ensure firefighter and public safety.
Evacuations: Crook County Sheriff’s Office evacuation orders remain in place. An evacuation map is available on the Crook County Sheriff’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CrookCountySheriff/.
Local Area closures: The U.S. Forest Service has implemented a temporary forest closure. For more information, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco/alerts/marks-creek-fire-area-closure.
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Crews continue battling the Marks Creek Fire amid critical weather, steep terrain, and shifting conditions. Firefighters are working around the clock to build and reinforce containment lines. The northern and northeastern flanks of the fire are starting mop-up along the fire line. The southwest perimeter remains particularly challenging due to steep, rugged terrain that limits direct access.
On the northwest flank of the fire, crews will patrol the perimeter, identifying and extinguishing any spot fires and mopping up burned areas. Heavy equipment is actively constructing and reinforcing containment lines around the fire perimeter, while aircraft continue to provide aerial support across the fire as conditions allow.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect over the fire area from 1 PM to 11 PM, bringing thunderstorms and the potential for lightning.
COMMUNITY MEETING: ODF IMT2 will host a community meeting at 6:00 PM today at the Crook County Fairgrounds in the Grizzly Mountain Pavilion. The public will receive a fire update from fire team members and will have the opportunity to meet with fire representatives and ask questions after the presentation.
All responding agencies are coordinating closely to protect lives, property, natural resources, and nearby communities. The safety of firefighters and the public remains the highest priority.
Highway 26 remains open; however, firefighters and heavy equipment are working along the roadway. Please drive with caution and stay out of the fire area to support fire operations and ensure firefighter safety.
Evacuations: Crook County Sheriff’s Office evacuation orders remain in place. An evacuation map is available through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.
UPDATE: As of Thursday morning, the Marks Creek Fire has been downgraded from 2,500 acres to 1,512.9 acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
UPDATE: KTVZ News is LIVE on the frontlines of the Marks Creek Fire.
WATCH the video below and in the story for urgent updates.
UPDATE: Central Oregon Fire Info has provided new pictures from the frontlines of the Marks Creek Fire.
UPDATE: According to Watch Duty, the Marks Creek Fire is now 2,000 acres. Two evacuation orders are in place. A Level 3 - GO NOW - order is in place from Ochoco Ranger Station Road at Highway 26 to the Ranger Station north to the 2610 Road.
UPDATE: According to Watch Duty, the wind has shifted pushing the fire to the south, where there are structures approximately a mile away.
UPDATE: Wildfire Alert from Crook County Sheriff's Office. Level 3 - GO NOW - Evacuate immediately from Marks Creek Fire Hwy 26 between NF150 and 2610 Road. - Per Everbridge.
The wind has shifted and is now pushing the fire to the south, where there are structures approximately a mile away. - Per radio traffic.
Two additional Large Air Tankers and a lead plane have been requested due to a wind shift.
Crook County Emergency Management is on scene at the Marks Creek Fire. The fire is located between Forest Road 2610 and Forest Road 150 off of Highway 26 East (Ochoco Highway).
Fire crews, including helicopters, dozers, and ground crews, are actively engaged. A Level 3: GO NOW evacuation order is in place.
Use caution when traveling on Ochoco Highway in that area, as fire equipment is moving in the area. - Per Crook County Sheriff's Department on Facebook.
Jurisdiction: Crook County/Ochoco National Forest
Fire Size: Approximately 30 acres and progressing to the north. High fire behavior.
Fuels: Timber and brush
Structures: no structures are immediately threatened
Fire Crews/Resources: 5 engines, 2 dozers, 1 water tender, 1 skidgen, 3 hand crews, air attack, 3 Type 1 helicopters, 4 SEATS (Single Engine Air Tankers), 1 helitack crew, single engine super scoopers ordered.
UPDATE: Per Watch Duty, firefighters have asked for additional support, including scoopers.
An order for scoopers has been filled, and orders for additional scoopers and manpower have been placed. Law enforcement is in the area evacuating campers. - Per radio traffic.
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new wildfire reported in Crook County, the Marks Creek Fire, has quickly drawn aerial firefighting resources and prompted efforts to evacuate nearby campers, according to initial dispatch reports and fire officials.
The blaze, reported by WildCAD at 12:22 p.m. Tuesday, is burning in the Ochoco Mountains and was estimated at about 5 acres in size as of early reports. However, the fire has now grown to 15 acres.
Smoke from the fire was visible on remote cameras in the area, and an air attack plane was expected to arrive within five minutes of the initial alert.
Law enforcement has been contacted to assist with evacuating campers from the area, according to radio traffic.
This is a developing story. KTVZ News will update as more information becomes available from fire and emergency management officials.
