Containment increases on Courtrock Fire, progress made in cooler, damp conditions

July 29, 2024

This will be the final evening release unless conditions significantly change.

541-612-0744
imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov
Courtrock Fire Facebook

MONUMENT, Ore. – Firefighters on the Courtrock Fire took advantage of the cool temperatures and scattered showers today, pushing forward on strengthening existing line around the majority of the incident and constructing new line on the southeast portion. Due to this work, containment has increased to 31%, up from 24% this morning. The rain also helped to clear out smoke, which allowed aircraft to fly once again today.

Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces remain engaged in the Fox Valley area, where engines have been positioned to protect homes that have been impacted by the fire or are located near it, particularly along the 3950 road. Task forces will remain in the area overnight, continuing this work.

On the north, east and west lines, firefighters have been mopping up, which is further securing the line and creating a greater distance between the perimeter and the interior of the fire.

Conditions overnight are expected to remain cool with high relative humidity, allowing for this work to continue.

More showers are in the forecast tonight, with a very slight potential for thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to slowly heat up the remainder of the week. Firefighters will be taking advantage of the cooler conditions in the next day to continue to make progress on connecting and strengthening line before Thursday, when temperatures will be the high 90s once again, drying out vegetation and naturally increasing fire activity.

Due to fire activity in the area, the U.S. Forest Service has issued closures for the Malheur. 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: https://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:

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:

  • Grant County Library- cooling & clean air, Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • John Day Senior Center- cooling & clean air, Monday & Thursday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday 12 – 4 p.m.
  • Prairie City Public Works – clean air center, Monday –  Friday 12 – 7 p.m.
  • Dayville Community Hall- cooling & clean air, 24/7

FIRE AT A GLANCE
Courtrock Est. Size: 17,066 acres
Containment: 31%
Cause: Lightning
Estimated Cost: $ 735,000

Evacuations
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423
Road Closures
https://www.tripcheck.com
Vaughn Rd., Short Beech Creek Rd. Short Corner Rd., Grant County Rd #9, Keeny Fork Rd. to Four Corners, and Middle Fork Rd.
Fire Restrictions
https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html

All Resources
Total Personnel: 356
Hand Crews: 10
Engines: 34
Water Tenders: 13
Dozers: 15
Helicopters: 8
Incident Commander:
Joe Hessel Oregon Department of Forestry
Incident Management Team 1
Rob Root
Oregon State Fire Marshal
Incident Management Team Green

 

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