Single Publication

Rain provides relief over much of the fire area

Total Complex Estimated Acres:  183,026 
Location: Ukiah, Oregon 
Cause: Under Investigation 
Personnel: 750
Containment: 94% 
Estimated Cost: $72 million 
Resources: 10 crews | 15 engines | 1 helicopter | 21 water tenders | 13 dozers

Operations: County officials lifted all remaining evacuation statuses associated with the Battle Mountain Complex yesterday. However, firefighters still have objectives remaining including repair of any impacts from the suppression activities. Their goal is still to leave areas fully repaired and follow through with the back-up firelines started during the height of suppression around Penland Lake. 

Rain received across the northern half of the fire on Thursday took much of the heat out of the challenging areas of Swale, Ditch, Ellis and Potamus drainages. However, heat may remain in larger fuels that will continue to smolder as conditions dry and the wind increases today. Firefighters will monitor this fire activity and take any actions needed.

Today firefighters and equipment operators will continue the repair work they have been doing over the past several days. Removal and processing of trees will continue around Penland Lake. Winds and dry conditions will cause any new starts to spread rapidly. Crews are ready to respond if needed.

Less firefighters and equipment are required to complete the remaining work. This means the support services they need are also reducing. The Incident Management Team will begin downsizing the fire camps in Long Creek and Ukiah in an orderly fashion. Residents may see increased traffic over the next several days as equipment and trailers are packing up camps.  

The public can expect to see increased fire vehicles on the road. Use caution when driving especially on blind curves where lowboy trailers may be traveling.

Weather: Today is expected to be mostly sunny with little chance of rain or thunderstorms. Winds will be from the southwest at five to eight miles per hour. They will increase in the afternoon up to 18 miles per hour. A few clouds may develop on Monday. Highs around 80 to mid-90s.

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