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

UKIAH, 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.

Despite cooler temperatures and decreases in wind speed, fire behavior remained active along Zone I’s western perimeter. A spot fire approximately four acres in size was located near Ant Hill, but firefighters were able to quickly line and stop the spot fire’s progress before it could spread any further.

In Zone II, the eastern half of the Battle Mountain Complex, firefighters are taking advantage of the somewhat lower temperatures. With less smoke in the air, more assets are available to more portions of the fire.

“This slight break in the weather is really giving us the time and space we needed to dig in and get some work done” said Deputy Incident Commander, ODF Team 3, Bryce Thomas. “We’re holding more line and tying in key pieces of line to minimize acres. There’s a lot of work left, but we’re cautiously optimistic. I can’t say enough about all the hard work our firefighters and support functions put into this.”

On the southeast portion of the fire, firefighters largely held firelines with minimal growth. Crews constructed dozer line, completed some burn operation to tie together two divisions and began preparations for additional burning. Lines are holding along Highway 395 but many hazard trees and rolling debris remain along the roadway.

Along the southern head of the fire, firefighters continue to scout steep and bluffy terrain to tie together lines. Crews were seeing more success holding lines within the drainages, but the terrain continues to challenge suppression efforts. 

Along the north, firefighters continue to construct direct, tight line on the fire’s edge and hope to connect dozer lines today. Structural firefighters, under the command of the Oregon State Fire Mashal, continue to provide protection for residents along the perimeter. 

The 4,484-acre North Fork Owens Fire is now 70% contained (the complex stands at 5% containment).

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 Couty, 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: 151,013 acres
North Fork Owens: 4,484 acres
Containment: 5%
Cause: Under Investigation  
Estimated Cost: $7,500,000

All Resources 
Hand Crews: 45          
Engines: 75
Water Tenders: 34
Dozers: 30
Helicopters: 8
Total Personnel: 1,466