Central Oregon — Following yesterday’s lightning activity, firefighters in Central Oregon have responded to over 25 new reported fire starts today. Firefighters had great success keeping most fires under an acre. A few fires quickly grew under continued hot and dry conditions.
The Durgan Fire, which started on private lands adjacent to the Ochoco National Forest approximately six miles northeast of Paulina quickly grew to an estimated 3,000 acres with active fire behavior. Responding firefighters included Post-Paulina Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) and federal resources. Firefighters on the ground were supported by aerial resources including airtankers and smokejumpers. Federal resources are currently in unified command with the Crook County Emergency Management. The fire is lightning caused and 0% contained.
At 8 p.m. the Crook County Sheriff’s Office shared the following update: “According to incident command at the scene of the fire, the evacuation levels have changed. South of the forest boundary on Beaver Creek Road is now at a level 2 evacuation status. Everything east of Big Summit Prairie to the county line and south to the forest boundary will remain at level 3 evacuation. The roadblock at Ochoco Ranger Station will be removed soon. The roadblock at Beaver Creek Road and Paulina Highway will be moved to the forest boundary.” For additional updates from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office visit facebook.com/CrookCountySheriff.
The Crazy Creek Fire, burning on the Ochoco National Forest five miles east of Big Summit Prairie near Crazy Creek, is estimated at 500 acres, lightning caused and is 0% contained. This afternoon firefighters on the ground were supported by air resources including a helicopter. Firefighters are currently using a scabland, or area dominated by rock outcroppings and minimal vegetation to hold the fire on the west flank and working on constructing line.
The Pulley Creek Fire, burning on the Ochoco National Forest, approximately 1 mile southwest of Big Summit Prairie, is currently estimated at 11 acres and 0% contained. Firefighters have completed dozer line around the perimeter of the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Firefighters held the Cherry Creek Fire, located south of the John Day River and 16 miles northwest of Mitchell, at 50 acres. The fire is now 100% contained and was more accurately mapped from 120 acres to 50 acres. The fire was caused by lightning.
Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire.
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