541-612-0744
imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov
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UKIAH, Ore. – Mop-up and suppression operations continue to go well for firefighters across the Battle Mountain Complex. In Zone I, crews secured fire perimeters in the south near Steet Mountain, in the west near Turner Mountain and in the north near Tupper Butte and show minimal fire activity.
While the majority of Zone I entered a heavy mop-up phase, firefighters working on the southwest perimeter, near Cupper Canyon, responded to several spot fires inside a pocket of unburned vegetation within the main body of the fire. Firefighters used strategic firing operations to secure the rest of this area overnight and mitigate any future risk of the fire flaring up in this area as officials expect temperatures to rise to 100-110 degree this weekend. By completing this work overnight, firefighters were able to conduct the operations safely when low wind speeds, increased humidity, and milder temperatures prevented spot fires and increases in fire activity.
Officials expect critical weather to return over the next few days with a heat advisory in effect from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. today and a fire weather watch arriving Friday. The change in weather will also bring unstable conditions with the possibility of thunderstorms Saturday through Tuesday. The saving grace may be the addition of precipitation with the forecasted storm event.
Today, resources across Zone I and II will continue mopping up, monitoring and patrolling areas of line that are already out and are no longer holding heat, especially around structures.
The focus in Zone II remains the Potamus Drainage as dozer and hand line start to come together on both sides of the creek within the canyon. Crews and heavy equipment worked in unison with helicopter air support to stay ahead of any flareups and spot fires. Crews will continue to strengthen lines in the area with helicopter support as needed.
Evacuations: Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in effect. For updated information, visit:
- For Umatilla County, follow facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff or sign up for Umatilla County Emergency Alert System at https://member.everbridge.net/index/2590041373147145.
- For Grant County, visit the RAPTOR arcgis site or sign up for alerts at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/825462649520134.
- For Morrow County, visit https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/de78333b0d2544f7a320142174aa20ae
Public Land Closures:
The Bureau of Land Management has closed public lands along the John Day River from Kimberly to Dale, and from Kimberly to Service Creek. More information here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
The Umatilla National Forest has implemented a closure for public lands within the Heppner Ranger District and the North Fork John Day Ranger District. More information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1194462 and https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5286768.
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Total Estimated Complex Size: 178,171 acres
Monkey Creek Fire: 173,687
North Fork Owens: 4,484 acres
Total Containment 19%
Cause: Under Investigation
Estimated Cost: $33,325,411
County Evacuations
Umatilla: Alerts Facebook
Grant: Alerts
Morrow: RAPTOR GIS
Road Closures
For road closures, visit:
https://www.tripcheck.com
Public Land Closures
See above for closures.
Fire Restrictions
www.bmidc.org
All Resources
Hand Crews: 66
Engines: 87
Water Tenders: 39
Dozers: 28
Helicopters: 4 Total Personnel: 2,009
ODF Incident Commanders:
Joe Hessel Incident Management Team 1 Battle Mountain Complex Zone I
Tyler McCarty Incident Management Team 3 Battle Mountain Complex Zone II