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Milder weather allows for gains, much work left across Battle Mountain Complex

Structures prioritized as containment and mop-up operations expand ahead of expected wind gusts 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.

Rain showers and milder weather provide brief respite for fighters on the Battle Mountain ComplexUKIAH, 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.

Fire behavior increases along Cupper Creek in Zone I while firefighters hold majority of lines

Firefighters continue to hold and secure more line with milder temperatures in the forecast.

Firefighters continue constructing line on Battle Mountain Complex despite fire activityUKIAH, 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.

Firefighters strengthen and connect key lines  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 were brought in by OSFM.

Firefighters hold more line with help from clear skies and milder weather

ODF Teams 1 & 3 coordinate on Battle Mountain Complex Zones I & II, strides made overnightUKIAH, 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.

Weather gives slight reprieve, much work to be doneUKIAH, Ore. – Zone 2, the eastern half of the Battle Mountain Complex, now comprised of the 140,879 -acre Monkey Creek Fire and the 4,484 North Fork Owens Fire, continues to test fire lines.