News releases articles

Ember showers start spot fires across ORE 19 overnight on the Fossil Complex

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fossilcomplexfire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or95s-fossil-complex Fire information: 541-903-5311 Email: 2024.fossilcomplex.info@gmail.com SPRAY, Ore. – High temperatures and dry fuel conditions led to aggressive fire behavior yesterday which challenged firefighters. Ground fuels burning and trees torching inside the fireline created ember showers which shifting winds carried across ORE 19. A spot fire started in the vicinity of Pioneer Park and crews worked through the night lining, plumbing and...

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Firefighters continue mop up, focus on completing fireline on Shoe Fly Fire

Fire Information Links: https://linktr.ee/odfteam1 Phone: 541-362-4119 Email: imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov MITCHELL, Ore. – Overnight firefighters worked to tie together portions of fireline on the southwest corner of the fire near Peggy Butte. Nearly 300 firefighters worked on the fire last night, taking advantage of reduced fire behavior to increase the depth of cold black on the perimeter and improve fireline. The fire grew slightly to 26,475 acres with increased containment of 26%. Firefighters continue mop up around the fire perimeter, extinguishing hot spots....

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Shifting winds fan the Service Fire in the Fossil Complex

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fossilcomplexfire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or95s-fossil-complex Fire information: 541-903-5311 Email: 2024.fossilcomplex.info@gmail.com SPRAY, Ore. – Gusty outflow winds from passing thunderstorms continued to push the Service Fire northward into the evening. The Spence Fire is burning parallel to the highway, on the east side. Spot fires started across ORE 19, which is now closed near Bear Hollow Park. Crews continue to secure line around the spot fires, which are now fully lined. With the...

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Firefighters hold and secure fire, transition to mop up on Shoe Fly Fire

Fire Information Links: https://linktr.ee/odfteam1 Phone: 541-362-4119 Email: imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov MITCHELL, Ore. – The Shoe Fly Fire challenged firefighters throughout the day on Saturday, however overnight they were able to hold the fireline and keep the fire within the existing footprint. They were also able to improve the fireline in some areas, working to build it directly adjacent to the fire and widening existing lines. Including Saturday’s fire growth, the fire is now 26,409 acres, with increased containment of 19%. On the western side of the fire,...

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Firefighters catch spot fires, prepare for more challenging weather on Shoe Fly and Two Cabin fires

Fire Information Links: https://linktr.ee/odfteam1 Phone: 541-362-4119 Email: imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov MITCHELL, Ore. – Overnight, firefighters on the Shoe Fly Fire were able to establish fireline on two spotfires and hold the line across the rest of the fire. Two areas on the southwest and northeast borders continue to be the focus for many of the resources on the fire. “Much of the fireline is holding and we are necking down these trouble spots,” stated Incident Commander Joe Hessel this morning at briefing. “Today we will focus on pinching these trouble areas...

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Red flag warning over Fossil Complex as Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2 assumes command

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fossilcomplexfire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or95s-fossil-complex Fire information: 541-903-5311 Email: 2024.fossilcomplex.info@gmail.com SPRAY, Ore. – The Fossil Complex includes 5-widely dispersed fires east of Fossil, north of Spray and Monument, and south of Heppner which are burning in tall grass, brush, and timber across about 752 acres. The Fossil Complex is comprised of the Two Cabin Fire, which began on September 3 along with the Canyon, Holmes, Kinzua Fires, which began on September 5. The...

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Shoe Fly Fire remains active overnight, challenging weather conditions expected today, Two Cabin Fire firefighters continued to strengthen the fireline and mop up

Fire Information Links: https://linktr.ee/odfteam1 Phone: 541-362-4119 Email: imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov MITCHELL, Ore. – The Shoe Fly Fire continued to burn actively overnight, extending into the Peggy Butte area on the western flank of the fire. Firefighters worked to establish dozer line, multiple blades wide in this area, to stop fire growth. Strategic firing operations were used near Flock Mountain to create black line in front of the fire perimeter, removing fuel in the fire’s path. On the eastern side of the fire near Baldy Mountain, crews worked to build...

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Shoe Fly and Two Cabin fires continued to make progress overnight

Fire Information Links: https://linktr.ee/odfteam1 Phone: 541-362-4119 Email: imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov MITCHELL, Ore. – Firefighting resources assigned to the Shoe Fly and Two Cabin fires continued to make progress overnight across the majority of the incidents. Firefighters completed line around portions of the Two Cabin Fire and focused on mopping up; this work will continue today. It’s currently 251 acres and 3% contained. The Shoe Fly Fire grew from yesterday, now at 21,623 acres. On the southwest side, fire continued to make a push past Flock Mountain and...

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ODF Team 1 assumes command of Two Cabin Fire, Shoe Fly Fire challenges firefighters

Fire Information Links: https://linktr.ee/odfteam1 Phone: 541-362-4119 Email: imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov MITCHELL, Ore. – Today, firefighters on the Shoe Fly Fire continued to work strengthening the existing fireline around the perimeter. On the west side of the fire near Flock Mountain, the fire moved outside the fireline; firefighters are working to re-establish control lines around this area. Helicopters are being used to moderate fire behavior there, as well as other parts of the fire, supporting firefighters on the ground. Tonight, efforts will continue to...

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Limited fire growth, hot dry weather expected on Shoe Fly Fire

Fire Information Links: https://linktr.ee/odfteam1 Phone: 541-362-4119 Email: imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov MITCHELL, Ore. – After rapid fire growth Monday on the Shoe Fly Fire, firefighters saw reduced fire behavior and minor fire spread Tuesday. Overnight, firefighters worked to build fireline around small spotfires on the northeast side of the fire adjacent to the fire perimeter. The fire grew to 20,699 acres with 1% containment. ODF Team 1 Incident Commander Joe Hessel thanked local landowners and partners at Wednesday morning’s briefing, stating, “A significant...

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Shoe Fly Fire grows overnight, ODF Team 1 takes command

Fire Information Links: https://linktr.ee/odfteam1 Phone: 541-362-4119 Email: imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov MITCHELL, Ore. – As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the Shoe Fly Fire. The fire was first reported early Monday morning, burning in grass, brush and timber north of Highway 26 near Girds Creek. Firefighters from ODF’s Central Oregon District, Wheeler County Fire and Rescue, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Twickenham Rangeland Fire Protection Association initially...

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Microwave Tower Fire area closure remains in effect

HOOD RIVER, Ore. (August 29, 2024) — The area closure associated with the Microwave Tower fire remains in effect on all National Forest System (NFS) lands within the fire perimeter on the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Although the fire perimeter is contained, active fire and suppression activities continue. The area closure is expected to remain in place until immediate hazards are mitigated. The objective of the closure is to proactively protect public and firefighter safety as the Scenic Area continues to extinguish smoldering hot spots within the...

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Containment reaches 43% as mop-up operations continue on Battle Mountain Complex

541-612-0744 imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – Containment on the Battle Mountain Complex grew to 43%, as firefighters expanded mop-up operations overnight and into today. Mop-up consists of firefighters working around the perimeter of the fire and into the burn to extinguish lingering hot spots to create a cooled buffer so that materials don’t reheat and cross control lines. Today, firefighters will take advantage of favorable north winds to conduct burnout operations around Ellis Creek,...

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Firefighters continue mop-up, containment at 39% on Battle Mountain Complex

541-612-0744 imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – Overnight, firefighters pushed containment to 39% as they continued to extinguish lingering hot spots and increasing mop- up depth. Today, crews will continue mop-up operations around the entire perimeter of the fire. Firefighters will pay special attention to the duff, the dense layer of pine needles that accumulates in the understory, under Juniper trees and limb them up to ensure that no fire smolders and climbs branches later in the summer....

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Smoke is present, no perimeter growth has been observed on Microwave Tower Fire

Microwave Fire Facebook InciWeb 541-208-1744, daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 2024microwave@firenet.gov Within the fire’s perimeter, a few pockets of unburnt fuel, stump holes, and debris continue to burn, producing visible smoke along Interstate 84. Although smoke is present, no perimeter growth has been observed. Some closures have been established around the fire’s perimeter for the safety of the public and fire crews. When members of the public enter a closed area, crews may be forced to stop suppression activities and violators may be fined. For questions or concerns...

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Microwave Tower Fire locates hot spots, no perimeter growth

Microwave Fire Facebook InciWeb 541-208-1744, daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 2024microwave@firenet.gov An afternoon flight was conducted utilizing Infrared, a heat detection system used to determine the extent of heat signatures on the fire. This information allows firefighters to find areas where hot spots are located, and additional mop up is needed. The observed fire behavior was minimal with no perimeter growth. Interior pockets of fuel continue to burn. During the day they will produce smoke, and at night can provide a visible glow, noticeable from across the river....

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Crews were successful with tactical firing of interior pockets yesterday on Microwave Tower Fire

Microwave Fire Facebook InciWeb 541-903-2069, daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 2024microwave@firenet.gov Crews were successful with tactical firing of interior pockets yesterday. This tactic was used to decrease the amount of unburned vegetation and will help decrease the amount of active fire and smoke within the perimeter. Firefighters continued mopping up along the fire line and were able to increase containment to 84%. Yesterday, crews monitored and patrolled the fire’s perimeter. Along the southern line, engine crews mopped up an interior hot spot burning in mixed...

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Progress continues on the Battle Mountain Complex, firefighters prepare for Red Flag Conditions

541-612-0744 imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – Firefighters continue to make strides holding lines and building containment on the Battle Mountain Complex as they prepare for rising temperatures and Red Flag Conditions today. Temperatures have been rising steadily and are expected to crest 100 degrees today. Fire officials also expect wind gusts up to 20 miles per hour in addition to limited visibility from smoke from other fires in the region. High temperatures are expected to persist...

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Crews continue building depth on fire lines in preparation for today’s fire weather watch on Courtrock Fire

541-612-0744 imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Courtrock Fire Facebook MONUMENT, Ore. – The Courtrock Fire is under an excessive heat warning today, with a red-flag warning and fire weather watch starting this afternoon. Firefighters on the Courtrock fire have prepared for this over the last several days with tenacious mop up. Mop up is the process of cooling the perimeter of the fire to reduce the chance of spot fires or heat from the perimeter igniting dry vegetation outside the fire line. Crews continue to work inward from the perimeter, especially on the south end,...

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Mircowave Tower Fire containment increases to 79%

Microwave Fire Facebook InciWeb 541-903-2069, daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 2024microwave@firenet.gov Firefighters were able to achieve containment along the west and east lines and along Interstate 84 increasing containment to 79%. The fire size remains at 1,311 acres. Hot and dry conditions are forecasted for today and residual pockets of vegetation will continue to burn producing visible flame and smoke. Today, crews may conduct a tactical burning operation on an interior island of green vegetation. Mosier and the surrounding communities will see a temporary increase...

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Firefighters expand mop-op operations ahead of rising temperatures and fire weather watch on Battle Mountain Complex

541-612-0744 imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. 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...

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Mop up continues across Zones I and II of the Battle Mountain Complex

541-612-0744 imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – Firefighters completed another night of good work on the Battle Mountain Complex, with progress on mop-up operations across both Zones I and II. Temperatures are predicted to begin heating up today, potentially reaching 90 once again, and into the 100s tomorrow. With this increase back into hotter weather patterns, a methodical mop-up process is extremely important to ensure the fire doesn’t flare up and cross firelines. In Zone I, the focus will...

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Drivers are asked to please use caution on Interstate 84 as firefighters and aircraft are still working on the Microwave Tower Fire

Microwave Fire Facebook InciWeb 541-903-2069, daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 2024microwave@firenet.gov The increase in fire size is due to more accurate mapping. The fire has not grown since yesterday. There are interior pockets of unburnt vegetation that continue to burn and produce smoke. These pockets of vegetation present no threat to the fire line. Fire behavior yesterday was minimal, and the lines are holding. Yesterday, firefighters continued mop-up to further secure the northwestern line. In other areas, crews monitored the line as rolling rocks presented a...

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Firefighters continue to hold and strengthen Courtrock Fire lines

Public meeting in Monument Tonight at 5 P.M. 541-612-0744 imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Courtrock Fire Facebook MONUMENT, Ore. – Today on the Courtrock Fire, firefighters will focus on mopping up areas adjacent to the fireline and moving deeper into the fire. As this work continues, they will be looking for larger, heavier fuels that retain heat and could ignite adjacent unburned fuels. Firefighters will use hand tools and water to douse burning material and cool the fire. Containment for the fire increased to 37% as firefighters have continued to work through areas...

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