News releases articles

This will be the final evening news release unless conditions significantly change. 541-612-0744 imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – Firefighters on the Battle Mountain Complex continued to make progress on mop-up operations across both Zones I and II, taking advantage of cool morning conditions and cloud cover throughout the day. Temperatures only reached the low 80s, which naturally limited fire behavior as well. In Zone I of the incident, evacuation Levels were lowered by the Grant County...

541-612-0744 imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – After battling days of critical weather conditions and historically dry fuels, rain and increased humidity were a welcome sight for firefighters on the Battle Mountain Complex. On Zone I, an estimated quarter inch of rain fell on the northern end of the fire near Turner Mountain and Tupper Butte. The southwestern end of the fire near Cupper Canyon, an area of repeatedly high fire activity, saw less rain but still received precipitation and...

Microwave Fire Facebook InciWeb 541-903-2069, daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 2024microwave@firenet.gov The Central Cascades Interagency Management Team assumed command of the Microwave Tower Fire on Monday, July 29, 2024. Yesterday, crews made excellent progress in building and securing lines. On the western edge of the fire, crews mopped up hotspots to improve and further secure the fire line. On the northeastern edge, firefighters were able to build direct line to Interstate 84. Aircraft provided water to support suppression efforts. Crews continued to patrol and...

541-612-0744 imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Courtrock Fire Facebook MONUMENT, Ore. – Firefighting efforts through last night’s shift attained a fully lined perimeter around the fire. Mop up efforts from ODF Team 1 and OSFM task forces will continue today to secure homes and increase overall containment. Mop up is the process of cooling the perimeter of the fire and ensuring that all hot spots, smoldering embers and other potential sources of re-ignition are extinguished within a certain distance from the interior of the line. Last night’s light rain and today’s cool...

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

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....

541-612-0744 imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – Firefighters on the Battle Mountain Complex Zone I expanded containment across multiple flanks overnight as control lines held and increased humidity in the air reduced fire activity. The northern flank near Tupper Butte, the northwestern flank near Turner Mountain and the southern flank near Steet Mountain all held while crews conducted mop-up operations to remove any residual heat left near control lines. The southwestern flank, near Thorn...

Microwave Fire Facebook InciWeb 541-903-2069, daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 2024microwave@firenet.gov The Central Cascades Interagency Management Team, led by Incident Commander Jeremy Goers, assumed command of the Microwave Fire today. Yesterday, helicopters, scoopers, dozers, engines and crews worked on the north side of the fire to stop the fire’s growth to the east and west below the historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. On both the northeastern and northwestern sides of the fire, aircraft was utilized for water drops to help cool the fire as crews worked to...

541-612-0744 imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Boneyard/Courtrock Fire Facebook  MONUMENT, Ore. – Building off yesterday’s hard work, overnight firefighters worked to strengthen the fireline around the Courtrock Fire. The fire is now nearly lined with a mix of handline, roads, and bulldozer line. Today, firefighters will work to finish approximately one mile of line in light fuels and continue to strengthen existing line, bringing the fire’s edge to the line in any areas where it is indirect. On the northern edge of the fire, northwest of Hamilton Mountain, mop up will continue as...

541-612-0744 imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – Engagement across the Battle Mountain Complex remains strong as firefighters in both Zones I and II continued to make progress across the majority of the incident today. West winds shifted to northwest in the afternoon, which fueled fire behavior in some areas. Approaching cooler weather overnight and on Monday may provide opportunities for firefighters to make strides, however wind could continue to be a challenge across the incident. The Battle...

541-612-0744 imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Boneyard/Courtrock Fire Facebook MONUMENT, Ore. – Lines were tested overnight and during the day on the Courtrock Fire. Oregon Department of Forestry Team 1, Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) structural task forces along with local landowner resources, held and improved lines where they could, responding to spot fires primarily on the southeast head of the fire. Active fire behavior over complex terrain and an anticipated change in winds from northwest to west caused spot fires crossing Cottonwood Creek. The change in winds...

Microwave Fire Facebook InciWeb 541-903-2069, daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 2024microwave@firenet.gov Yesterday’s westerly winds helped pull smoke and heat back into the fire area during the strategic burning operations, enabling aircraft to support ground firefighters with water drops. Crews also made significant progress, mopping up approximately 150 feet along the eastern, southern, and western containment lines. This effort focused on identifying and extinguishing hot spots to prevent further spread. Due to the steep terrain, rolling debris and gusty, westerly winds...

541-612-0744 imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – Firefighters with Oregon Department of Forestry Teams 1 and 3 continue to make strides across the Battle Mountain Complex fires, with more lines being built, connected and strengthened on both Zones I and II. Slight changes in weather today may test some control lines, however it will also offer opportunities for firefighters to secure areas that have been challenging. Wind direction is the biggest change; winds from the west will be present...

541-612-0744 imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Boneyard/Courtrock Fire Facebook MONUMENT, Ore. – Line on the Courtrock Fire continues to be built by firefighters with the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1, local landowner resources, and Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) structural task forces. The fire continues to push forward to the southeast, where terrain significantly limits access by vehicles. Bulldozers and other equipment are playing a heavy role in building line on this incident, and aircraft has been an added asset over the past couple of...

541-612-0744 imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Boneyard/Courtrock Fire Facebook MONUMENT, Ore. – Wind, heat, record dry vegetation and topography continue to drive growth on the Courtrock Fire. With less smoke and more visibility, multiple helicopters, including from the Oregon National Guard, were able to deliver water drops today on the southwest and southeast portions of the fire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Incident Management Team is in unified command with ODF Team 1 on the Courtrock Fire. OSFM task forces protected homes and structures with wildland...

541-612-0744 imt3.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – Another day of high heat, record-low fuel moisture and northwest winds challenged firefighters on both zones of the Battle Mountain Complex. Fortunately, with clearer skies, aircraft were able to reach more areas of the fire. ODF Teams 1 and 3 worked to hold and improve fire lines, while Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) structural task forces protected homes and structures. Wind, heat, dry fuels and topography drove active fire behavior in the...

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...

Microwave Fire Facebook InciWeb 541-903-2069, daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 2024microwave@firenet.gov Increased humidity levels played a crucial role in helping firefighters successfully complete yesterday's firing operation. The operation, which began around 11:00 a.m. and continued into the evening, starting on the east side, focused on the north perimeter of the fire, advancing towards the west. As a result, smoke was visible from Interstate 84. Firefighters made significant progress along the northern edge by utilizing the dozer line, the Columbia River Highway...

541-612-0744 imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – Firefighters assigned to the Battle Mountain Complex continue to push forward on progress across both zones of the incident. As of this morning, Oregon State Fire Marshal Green Team is unified with ODF in the protection of structures across the incident as ODF Teams 1 and 3 work in cooperation on the fire line. Resources from both agencies continue to arrive, and today, 1,628 personnel are staffed by the ODF Teams and 12 structural task forces...

541-612-0744 imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – Firefighters working northwest of Monument along the Battle Mountain Complex Zone I continued to make progress on containment lines spanning from Top Road and Wall Creek Road. Additionally, aircraft resources, including a Type 1 and Type 2 helicopter, were able to assist firefighters on the ground with bucket drops in areas of high fire activity. Aircraft have been grounded for several days due to heavy smoke in the area; using these resources...

541-612-0744 imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Follow updates for Battle Mountain Complex on Facebook or InciWeb. UKIAH, Ore. – In Zone I, Firefighters on night shift were able to increase containment lines around the southeastern portions of the Battle Mountain Complex Zone I (formerly the Boneyard Fire) overnight, wrapping the southern edge of the fire from Top Road to Wall Creek Road. This work contributes to an overall increase in containment on the incident and will continue to be a focus for resources working on Zone I of the fire today. Despite cooler temperatures...

541-612-0744 imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Boneyard/Courtrock Fire Facebook MONUMENT, Ore. – A public meeting was held Thursday night in Long Creek to provide fire information for the communities surrounding the Courtrock Fire and the western portion of the Monkey Creek Fire in the Battle Mountain Complex. The video from the meeting can be accessed at https://youtu.be/rvudySyUGok Firefighters will work today to complete line on the southern area of the fire where it has continued to be active. Line construction using bulldozers and handline is planned, along with using...

Microwave Fire Facebook InciWeb 541-903-2069, daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 2024microwave@firenet.gov Firefighters have made significant progress, with most of the southern fireline now contained. Crews will be mopping up this area by extinguishing any remaining hot spots, turning over smoldering debris and stirring with water. On the northeast side, last night's successful firing operations in the grass are helping secure fire lines. Due to inaccessible areas and steep terrain, firing operations remain the safest and most effective strategy to remove fuels and prevent...

541-612-0744 imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov Boneyard Fire Facebook MONUMENT, Ore. – On Thursday evening, Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Teams 1 and 3 held a joint community meeting in Long Creek to address the current status of the fires affecting Grant and Morrow counties, the merging of Monkey Creek and Boneyard fires and the changes in names for these incidents. Beginning today, the fires are now called the Battle Mountain Complex Zone I (formerly Boneyard) and Zone II (formerly Monkey Creek). This will be the last separate press release, and...