Single Publication

Roads begin to reopen and evacuation levels reduced again

Total Complex Estimated Acres: 182,870  
Location: Ukiah, Oregon 
Cause: Under Investigation 
Personnel: 1017
Containment: 87% 
Estimated Cost: $66 million 
Resources: 22 crews | 36 engines | 3 helicopters | 25 water tenders | 18 dozers

Highlights: Crews removed nearly 35,000 feet of hose from the southwest side of the Battle Mountain Complex.

Operations: While containment has steadily increased, over 1,000 personnel work each day to mop up the remaining hotspots, remove unneeded equipment and repair any damage caused during the height of the suppression effort. 434 miles of fire line was constructed to contain the Battle Mountain Complex. Repairing this fireline is expected to take a while, but crews are focusing on the highest priority repairs.

Firefighters and equipment operators are repairing fences, firelines, stream crossings, and landings according to the standards provided by local government agencies. As the work is completed, it is inspected by local resource advisors for approval. Once it is approved, they move on to the next priority repair. 

County officials continue to reassess evacuations and public lands are reopening in many areas. The Bureau of Land Management rescinded their closure order in the John Day River corridor from Service Creek to Kimberly and Kimberly to Monument. However, vegetation is still extremely dry and there are still fire restrictions. The potential for new fire starts is high and anyone recreating on public lands should stay informed about local fire restrictions. 

The public can expect to see more firefighters and equipment parked along roadways. With heavy equipment coming off the fire there may be increased traffic. Please pass with caution and be alert for large trucks on blind corners.   

Weather: Today will be mostly sunny and hazy with highs in the 80s and 90s. Partly to mostly cloudy skies arrive on Thursday with a 60 percent chance of rain and a 40 percent chance of lightning. However, not much measurable precipitation is expected. Cooler temperatures are expected tomorrow night as a cold front moves into the region.  

Smoke: Smoke has moderated but is expected to persist from regional fires in the area. Residents can expect to continue to see smoke from interior pockets of unburned fuel. To see a detailed smoke outlook visit: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

Public Land Closures: Both the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service have either rescinded or reduced closure orders for public lands. Visit https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024 for more information.

Road closures and fire restrictions: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024 

Grant, Morrow and Umatilla County Evacuations: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024