Spot fires found overnight on Courtrock Fire, extinguished by resources
MONUMENT, Ore. – Firefighters working on the Courtrock Fire overnight saw increased fire activity, largely due to temperatures heating up during the day and drying out vegetation. Two small spot fires were located outside of the lines, one to the southwest that was caught at a half-acre, and another to the northeast that was caught at three acres. These spots are indicators of potential fire behavior moving forward with temperatures reaching near the 100s today, and the potential for wind and thunderstorms tomorrow, extending through the weekend.
“With the incoming hot weather and instability, we need to be aggressive and thorough in mopping up out there,” Jason Pettigrew said with Team 1 Field Operations at this morning’s briefing. “We need to hold what we have and do so safely.”
Along the rest of the fire line, mop-up operations continue, with no new growth off the perimeter reported. Acreage on the fire has increased to 19,854 acres, however the change is due to more accurate mapping. The fire is now 41% contained, which is a direct reflection of how far mop-up has progressed; as firefighters push further into the interior of the fire extinguishing hot spots, containment will continue to increase.
Today, firefighters will continue mopping up and watch for increased fire activity, especially in the afternoon. Aircraft will likely be used today to guide resources on the ground to hot spots and conduct water bucket drops where needed.
Due to fire activity in the area, the U.S. Forest Service has issued closures for the Malheur National Forest. Up to date information on Malheur National Forest closures can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/malheur/news-events
Information for Zone I of the Battle Mountain Complex, including the western portion of the Monkey Creek Fire (formerly Boneyard Fire) can now be found at: www.facebook.com/battlemountaincomplex2024
Evacuations: Level 1 (Get Ready), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in effect. For updated evacuation information:
• Grant County Emergency Management Office’s Facebook page, or sign up for the Grant County Emergency Alert System at https://member.everbridge.net/825462649520134/login. Morrow County Evacuation information can be found at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/de78333b0d2544f7a3 20142174aa20ae
Shelters: An evacuation center has been set up at Grant Union High School (911 S Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845).
Clean air and cooling centers are located in the following locations in Grant County:
- John Day Senior Center- cooling & clean air, Monday & Thursday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday 12 – 4
p.m. - Grant County Library- cooling & clean air, Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Prairie City Public Works – clean air center, Monday – Friday 12 – 7 p.m.
- Dayville Community Hall- cooling & clean air, 24/7
