Single Publication

Falls Fire Update for July 19, 2024  

Quick Facts: 

Size: 114,236 Start Date: July 10, 2024 Location: 13 Miles NW of Burns, Oregon 

Containment: 10% Total Personnel: 1,588 Cause: Human-caused, under investigation 

Structures Triaged: Residences: 228; Commercial: 37; Outbuildings: 349 

Resources Assigned: 48 hand crews, 61 engines, 27 bulldozers, and 25 water tenders 

Aerial resources available to the fire: two helicopters, and four single-engine air tankers (SEATs).

Fire growth on the Falls Fire was moderated by a persistent heavy smoke layer keeping wind and temperatures lower over the fire area. Night shift and day shift operations have been working in tandem to establish control lines and minimize fire growth. The fire is burning approximately 13 miles north of Burns, 11 miles southwest of Seneca, 7.5 miles south of Izee, and 3 miles west of Highway (Hwy) 395.

Yesterday, firefighters on night and day shift took advantage of moderated fire behavior to make headway on new line construction and continue mop-up operations. In the northwest area of the fire, resources were able to construct direct line with hand crews over to Burnt Mountain. Other direct dozer line work occurred along FSR 68 to secure small spot fires. A tree felling module worked along FSR 68 in preparation for planned tactical burnout operations intended to reinforce control lines by removing unburned fuel between the fire edge and control lines.  Fire crews and equipment continued to establish control line along the northern flank of the fire where conditions allowed for safe operations. In the northeast corner, the two spot fires that started yesterday on the east side of FSR 31, just south of Myrtle Park Meadows, resulted in about a 200 acre slop-over. Crews and dozers worked to build line to tie it back into FSR 31. Mop-up operations have begun on the slop-over. At the southeastern corner of the fire, dozer line construction is nearly complete and holding and mop-up operations are underway.  Control lines along much of the south and west portions of the fire, along FSR 43, continue to hold firm as mop-up operations continue.  Throughout the northern and eastern edges of the fire OSFM task forces continued structural prep and tactical patrols, and building upon progress made during day shift.

In conjunction with wildland resources, Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) crews are providing structural protection around the clock to the communities of Izee, Silvies Ranch, Seneca, Lone Pine, and the surrounding areas. These crews are utilizing a combination of tactics to minimize the risk to structures. Structure crews support wildland operations during construction of dozer line, strategic firing operations. They perform structural triage, and surface prep. Surface prep includes mitigation tactics such as clearing away receptive fuels and relocating flammable items to areas outside the preparation perimeter.  Additional structure crews are conducting point protection of homes, tactical patrols along the edge of the fire and expanding scouted areas.

Today, in the northwest corner of the fire, operations will continue constructing and securing direct dozer line along FSR 4785, as well as an alternative contingency line on FSR 4781 Road out to Snow Mountain. Dozer work will also continue along FSR 68. Along the eastern portion of the northern flank of the fire, dozer and handline will be constructed with the objective of tying in line around Burnt Mountain. Crews will continue to hold, improve, and mop-up control lines along the westerly and southern areas of the fire. On the northeastern portion of the fire, just south of Myrtle Park Meadows, work will continue on the two-day old 200 acre slop-over. In the southeast corner of the fire, work will continue on securing dozer line and mopping-up hotspots in the Red Hill area.

This morning, two California Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) strike teams joined OSFM task forces continued structural prep and tactical patrols throughout the northern and eastern edges of the fire, building upon progress made during day shift.

Today, fire weather is predicted to be similar to yesterday – warm but less windy, being influence by a persistent heavy smoke layer.  These conditions may moderate fire behavior and help firefighters to make progress on containing the fire. Temperature highs may reach 97 degrees and humidity will be low.  A Heat Advisory is predicted for the area starting Saturday and extending into Monday with temperatures possibly over 100 degrees.

Evacuation notices remain in effect in Grant and Harney Counties. For the most accurate evacuation information, please visit the Harney County Sheriff’s evacuation map here: https://tinyurl.com/3zst4sjy, or the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423.

The Malheur National Forest issued a fire area closure. A detailed map and additional information about the fire area closure are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1189259. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire area.

U.S. Forest Service fire investigators are seeking the public’s assistance with any tips or information pertinent to the start of the Falls Fire on the Malheur National Forest. Please submit any information that could assist fire investigation efforts to SM.FS.R6TipHotLine@usda.gov  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Falls-Fire-2024-61562126623985/ 

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-falls-fire 

Fire Information Line: 541-208-4370, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Email: 2024.Falls@firenet.gov 

Harney County non-emergency evacuation questions: 541-589-5579 

Air quality questions: 541-573-2271