MITCHELL, Ore. – Today, firefighters on the Shoe Fly Fire continued to work strengthening the existing fireline around the perimeter. On the west side of the fire near Flock Mountain, the fire moved outside the fireline; firefighters are working to re-establish control lines around this area. Helicopters are being used to moderate fire behavior there, as well as other parts of the fire, supporting firefighters on the ground. Tonight, efforts will continue to focus on building fireline in the Flock Mountain area and use strategic firing operations to remove fuel between the fire perimeter and constructed firelines across the fire.
ODF’s Central Oregon District transferred command of the Two Cabin Fire to ODF Team 1 tonight at 6 p.m. The fire, estimated to be 200 acres, is burning northeast of Monument. A dozer line has been established on approximately half of the fire. Firefighters will staff a night shift tonight, working to mop-up and hold the fire within the existing footprint. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
As a precautionary measure to provide for firefighter safety or due to wildfire damage to infrastructure, powerlines servicing a communications site in the Flock Mountain area may be de-energized, causing a disruption of service in the local area.
Landowners, rangeland protection association members, contractors, and local fire districts are integral to the suppression efforts on both fires. Today, the Shoe Fly Fire was staffed with nearly 400 firefighters, working with these partners. Additional resources continue to arrive, bolstering both day and night shifts.
Hot, dry weather is expected to continue, with low overnight humidity recovery. Record dry fuel conditions have the potential for rapid fire growth from any spotting outside the fireline. Winds are expected to come from the northeast, transitioning to east throughout the day into the evening.
Oregon State Fire Marshal structural taskforces are working for the Wheeler County Fire Defense Board, providing structure protection for homes near the fire. Evacuation notices for residents around the fire continue to be evaluated by the Wheeler County Sheriff, Wheeler County Fire Defense Board Chief, and Team 1 Operations personnel. More information on current evacuations is available at https://tinyurl.com/RAPTOR-Evacuation-Info
