541-612-0744
imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov
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UKIAH, Ore. – Rain showers across northeastern Oregon brought cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity to the Battle Mountain Complex, which helped firefighters push forward on progress. While rainfall totals only reached 1/100 of an inch, the cloud cover and moisture created a natural decrease in fire behavior, and resources were able to take advantage of a calmer day on the line.
On Zone I, firefighters with Oregon Department of Forestry Team 1 and Oregon State Fire Marshal taskforces focused on the Cupper Creek area, northwest of Monument. Fire was particularly active in the drainage north of Highway 402 over the past couple of days, which prompted an eight-mile closure of the highway west of Monument last night. Cupper Creek Road also remains closed to the public. Structural firefighters will remain engaged in this area tonight, conducting mop- up and point-protection operations around structures that were threatened by wildfire. Conditions today and tonight have significantly reduced this risk, however more work is necessary before this area will be considered contained. Wildland firefighters and other resources will remain engaged on the fire tonight, building new containment line and taking advantage of the conditions to mop up where possible.
Across the rest of Zone I, containment lines on the majority of the zone are continuing to hold, and firefighters spent the cooler day strengthening lines and mopping up, creating a larger barrier between the interior of the fire and its perimeter. Tonight, that work will continue across Zone I. These efforts contribute to overall containment on the incident, and as progress continues, that number will increase.
In Zone II, crews also took advantage of the increased humidity and reduced fire activity, allowing firefighters to gain direct access to the fire line and build upon mop up progress. This is important as an increase in hot critical weather is expected later this week.
On the southeast edge of the fire, lines held throughout the day after crews worked to tighten and connect lines. Along Hwy 395, firefighters made progress by locating and mopping up burning material near control lines, up to 100 feet inside the perimeter.
Structural taskforces continue their focus on creating defensible space around homes and other structures in the Potamus drainage system that will increase the chances of survivability.
Firefighters continue to patrol and mop up on the North Fork Owens Fire, which remains at 90% containment (the complex stands at 10% containment).
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 10%
Cause: Under Investigation
Estimated Cost: $30,544,160
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: 65
Engines: 88
Water Tenders: 37
Dozers: 29
Helicopters: 4 Total Personnel: 1,990
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
OSFM Incident Commander:
Rob Root
OSFM Incident Management Team
Battle Mountain Complex Zone I