Prineville, Ore., August 29, 2024— The Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland, in coordination with the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Central Oregon Type 3 Interagency Incident Management Team (IMT), and the Crook and Wheeler County Sheriff’s Departments, have jointly made the decision to reduce the Crazy Creek Fire Area Closure.
This decision comes after careful evaluation of current fire conditions, containment progress, and safety assessments conducted by fire management teams and local authorities. The Crazy Creek Fire, which has impacted the area for several weeks, is now 93% contained, covering approximately 86,963 acres.
Key Changes to the Closure:
- Reduced Closure Boundaries: The closure area has been adjusted to allow for safer public access to some previously restricted zones. A detailed map of the updated closure area is available on the Ochoco National Forest website and BLM website.
- Continued Safety Precautions: Although the closure has been reduced, significant hazards remain, including fire-weakened trees and hotspots. The public is urged to exercise caution and respect all remaining closures and safety signs.
Ongoing Efforts and Safety Reminders:
The Central Oregon Type 3 Interagency IMT, in collaboration with local authorities, continues to closely monitor the fire area. Firefighters remain on the ground to ensure safety and to address any emerging risks. The public should be aware that the interior of the fire will continue to produce smoke, and occasional flare-ups may still occur. These flare-ups are expected as part of the fire’s natural progression and are being carefully monitored by firefighting personnel.
The safety of the public and our firefighting personnel remains our top priority. We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we work together to manage and mitigate the impacts of the Crazy Creek Fire.
Crook and Wheeler County Evacuation Updates:
Both the Crook and Wheeler County Sheriff’s Departments have reduced evacuation statuses in some areas. However, a Level 3 “Go” evacuation order remains in effect for areas within the closure boundaries, while areas approximately 1/2 mile around the perimeter of the closure are in Level 2 “Be Set” status. For the most current evacuation information, please visit the Crook County Sheriff Facebook and webpage and the Wheeler County Facebook page.
For information on the Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland please visit our website, https://www.fs.usda.gov/ochoco and our Facebook Page.
