Single Publication

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

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 Mountain Complex Zone I continues to challenge firefighters in the Cupper Creek area, northwest of Monument. This afternoon, winds from the northwest prompted fire to spread down into the drainages where it was carried by a mix of wind and terrain. Wildland firefighters were already engaged in the area, as well as aircraft. Oregon State Fire Marshal Taskforces were also engaged near homes in the area and collaborated closely with wildland crews to prepare for and manage the increase in fire activity. Highway 402 has been closed at milepost 8.5 by the Oregon Department of Transportation while firefighters work in the area. Both wildland and structural firefighters will remain engaged and coordinated overnight.

Resources were able to hold the line across the rest of Zone I today and continued to mop up in areas northwest of Monument along the fireline. Line continues to be established, connected and strengthened by firefighters, creating a better barrier between homes and the fire. This work will continue tonight. 

In Zone II, the east half of the complex, firefighters focused suppression efforts on the Potamus drainage. Helicopters made water drops to slow the fire’s advance as they continued their efforts to connect lines across the drainage. 

Along the southeastern edge of the fire, crews conducted a successful burnout operation to remove unburnt vegetation to keep the fire from advancing towards the line. 

Along other portions of the fire, crews focused on connecting dozer lines and tightening lines closer to the fire’s edge to prevent additional acres from burning. 

Firefighters are expanding mop-up operations along more portions of the eastern half of the fire. Along existing containment, including the majority of the North Fork Owens Fire perimeter, crews continue to patrol around containment lines to ensure the fire doesn’t reignite and or create spot fires.  

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: 172,334 acres
Monkey Creek Fire: 167,850
North Fork Owens:  4,484 acres
Total Containment:  8%
Cause: Under Investigation 
Estimated Cost: $27,300,000

All Resources 

Hand Crews: 53      
Engines: 104 
Water Tenders: 42  
Dozers: 21
Helicopters: 5
Total Personnel: 1,745