Courtrock Fire remains active overnight but containment increases

July 27, 2024

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

MONUMENT, Ore. – The Courtrock Fire stayed active during night operations as topography and record-dry fuels in the area prompted fire to spread to the southeast. The western perimeter also remained active but did not make any significant runs.

Fire crews made progress on containment lines (an increase to 14% from 9%) and will continue expanding lines along the west and east flanks with the goal of meeting in the southeast corner of the fire around the Malheur National Forest and privately-owned land near Fox Valley.

Handcrews and bulldozers have been critical to control line construction around the Courtrock Fire, and aircraft resources will be available on Saturday to assist firefighters on the ground. This includes Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters capable of dropping hundreds of gallons of water in a single load. Aircraft will be used as long as smoke doesn’t impair visibility.

Landowners operating bulldozers along the south and southeast perimeters in conjunction with Team 1’s operations section continue to serve as a major asset to firefighters working to stop fire spread.

ODF Team 1 Incident Commander Joe Hessel said, “The landowners are part of Oregon’s complete and coordinated system, and we look forward working with them in a collaborative effort.”

The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Green Team is unified with ODF Team 1 on the Courtrock Fire, and additional OSFM resources have been ordered to the incident. OSFM task forces specialized in structural defense are working to protect homes threatened by the Courtrock Fire while ODF Team 1 resources are engaged with fighting the fire itself.

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:   12,959 acres

Containment:           14%

Cause:            Lightning

Estimated Cost:      $ 524,857

Evacuations

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423

Road Closures

https://www.tripcheck.com Top Road (Morrow and Grant

counties), Cupper Creek Road and Wall Creek Road.

Fire Restrictions

https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html

All Resources

Total Personnel: 272
Hand Crews: 6
Engines: 42
Water Tenders: 13
Dozers: 16
Helicopters: 8

Incident Commander:

Joe Hessel

Oregon Department of Forestry

Incident Management Team 1

 

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