Acres: 5,176 acres | Start Date: August 4, 2024 | Cause: Lightning | Fuels: Timber, Brush, Tall Grass | Containment: 40% | Resources: 206
Highlight: Firefighters continue to hold fire within the existing footprint, and it remains 3.5 miles from Madras city limits. Weather forecasts are for hot and dry conditions through the weekend. However, given the current condition of the fire, Firefighters will continue to make progress on control and mop-up efforts. The fire is now 40% contained.
Overview: The Elk Lane Fire is approximately 5,176 acres in size (the reduction is due to more accurate mapping). It was started by a lightning strike on the evening of August 4th. The fire is being managed under unified command by a Central Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team (CO Type 3 Team) and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) Red Incident Management Team. Supporting OSFM are two structural task forces.
Fire Activity: Fire activity continued to moderate on Thursday. The approximate footprint of the burned area is east of the Deschutes River from Lake Simtustus to Belmont Lane, north of Belmont Lane to SW Elbe Drive and the Dry Canyon Area, south of Willow Creek, and west of NW Clackamas Drive. Suppression efforts today will continue to focus on securing existing lines and mopping-up. The great work of fire personnel has decreased threats to structures, resulting in the lowering of some evacuation levels and increased containment of the fire. As a result, today will be the last full operational period for OSFM. The CO Type 3 Team will continue to manage the fire with over 100 personnel.
Evacuations: Areas south of Belmont Lane continued to see reductions in evacuation levels yesterday. For the most up to date evacuation information in Jefferson County visit, https://tinyurl.com/mte4e75m or the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonCountyORSheriff/. The Madras High School is a temporary evacuation site, and the Red Cross is on scene. Evacuated animals can be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Weather: Hot temperatures (low 90s), low relative humidity, and light winds are forecasted to continue through the rest of the week and into the weekend. Cooler daytime temperatures (low-mid 80s) are forecasted early next week, which will help firefighters working to improve lines and complete mop-up operations.
Importance of Fire Prevention/Fire Restrictions: All public lands in Central Oregon, are in Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow fire prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources. The public’s cooperation in adhering to fire bans and restrictions is vital to prevent new fires from starting and to help our firefighters focus on containing the existing fires.
Fire Information: The public is encouraged to call (458) 206-1745, for updates or reports from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M
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.
*No updated map due to limited growth
