Single Publication

Firefighters continue constructing line on Battle Mountain Complex despite fire activity

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 southwest portion of Battle Mountain Zone I near Cupper Creek Road. Firefighting efforts continued, but extreme conditions caused incremental growth to the fire perimeter in that portion of the fire.

Oregon State Fire Marshal structural task forces patrolled and protected structures throughout both zones focusing on homes along Cupper Creek Road to Highway 402. With these resources protecting homes, wildland firefighters from ODF Teams 1 and 3 focused on the fire front, while minimizing fire growth.

Favorable conditions allowed for water drops from helicopters, including from the Oregon National Guard, on priority areas. Firefighters patrolled and held fireline on the north portion of Zone I, held and improved line on the portion of Zone I east of Monument, as well as held and improved containment lines outside the town of Monument. Tomorrow’s anticipated change in wind direction will challenge those lines in all areas of the fire, however firefighters will be prepared for these potential conditions and increased fire activity.

In Zone II, the eastern half of the complex, crews concentrated on connecting lines and looking for opportunities to bring the line closer to the fire to conserve acreage, especially along the northeast and southeast. Along the north, crews were beginning to place line across the Potamus drainage, in hopes to connect both sides of the fire. 

Along the southern head of the fire, crews held large portions of line and quickly caught three acres that burned after the fire crossed the line. Firefighters hope to begin burning vegetation in front of the head of the fire to stop its progress. 

Today, the Oregon Department of Transportation reopened Highway 395 at a reduced speed of 35 miles per hour. Drivers should exercise caution with smoky conditions and heavy equipment in the area. 

On the North Fork Owen­­­s Fire, crews pushed containment to 90%. Tonight, crews will use handheld infrared cameras to locate hidden hotspots.

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 www.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: 159,454 acres
Monkey Creek Fire: 154,970
North Fork Owens:  4,484 acres
Total Containment:  7%
Cause:   Under Investigation              
Estimated Cost:   $18,200,000

All Resources 
Hand Crews: 52          
Engines:  99    
Water Tenders:  41     
Dozers:  20
Helicopters:  8
Total Personnel: 1,712