Firefighters continue to hold and secure more line with milder temperatures in the forecast
UKIAH, Ore. – Firefighters with Oregon Department of Forestry Teams 1 and 3 continue to make strides across the Battle Mountain Complex fires, with more lines being built, connected and strengthened on both Zones I and II. Slight changes in weather today may test some control lines, however it will also offer opportunities for firefighters to secure areas that have been challenging. Wind direction is the biggest change; winds from the west will be present across the fires today, which may provide some natural help to firefighters, along with the potential for clearer skies for continued aircraft use.
On Zone I, firefighters had a good night overall; on the southwest side, resources were able to conduct strategic firing operations to better secure line between the fire and scattered homes in the area. Today, firefighters will mop up these areas, further strengthening line, with continued structure protection provided by Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces. To the northwest, much of the same work will occur. West winds in the afternoon should help naturally push fire away from the line and into the interior of the fire itself.
To the south in Zone I, firefighters continue to hold and strengthen line from Monument to the east. Firefighters will focus on further mop-up in these areas today. To the north, resources continued building line. A lot of this terrain is difficult to access and building a strong line can be challenging; however, crews have used strategic firing operations as a beneficial tool in stopping fire growth.
In Zone II, firefighters capitalized on the milder conditions and increased resources to cut-in tighter line along the northeast perimeter to save an additional 400 acres of forested land.
“This was another big win we’ve been looking for,” said ODF Team 3 Incident Commander Tyler McCarty. “We’re really proud of the firefighters and our operations staff for taking advantage of this opportunity. This will protect a lot of homes in that area, minimize acres and protect the community’s natural resources.”
On the southern head of the fire, crews carried out a burn operation, to remove unburnt vegetation and used dozers to connect into Zone I to the west to minimize new growth.
Elsewhere in Zone II, firefighters are holding and securing lines, while catching smaller fires that spotted or crossed over firelines. Crews are beginning to mop up in more areas in Zone II where lines are more secure. Mop-up operations also continue on the North Fork Owens Fire to north of the Monkey Creek Fire.
Evacuations: Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in effect. For updated information, visit:
For Umatilla County, follow www.facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff or sign up for Umatilla County Emergency Alert System at https://member.everbridge.net/index/2590041373147145.
- For Grant County, visit the RAPTOR arcgis site or sign up for alerts at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/825462649520134.
- For Morrow County, visit https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/de78333b0d2544f7a320142174aa20ae
Public Land Closures:
The Bureau of Land Management has closed public lands along the John Day River from Kimberly to Dale, and from Kimberly to Service Creek. More information here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
The Umatilla National Forest has implemented a closure for public lands within the Heppner Ranger District and the North Fork John Day Ranger District. More information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1194462 and https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5286768.
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Total Estimated Complex Size: 162,389 acres
Monkey Creek Fire: 157,905
North Fork Owens: 4,484 acres
Total Containment: 7%
Cause: Under Investigation
Estimated Cost: $18,200,000
All Resources
Hand Crews: 52
Engines: 99
Water Tenders: 41
Dozers: 20
Helicopters: 8
Total Personnel: 1,712
