Single Publication

Warner Peak Fire Update

Daily Update August 13, 2024

Acres:  59,170                                                                         

Start Date: 08/05/24

Location: Lake County, OR                                                   

Personnel: 453

Containment: 4%

Highlights: Crews are working around the clock on all divisions of the Warner Peak Fire. Containment lines that have been established on the northeast corner and the eastern edge of the fire have continued to hold. Lower temperatures and higher relative humidities today are expected to help moderate fire behavior. 

Fire Activity: Air and ground resources are being used to reinforce fire lines around the perimeter of the fire. Weather conducive to fire growth and dry fuels has been persistent in the area, leading to active fire behavior even throughout the night. Challenges remain on the southwest portion of the fire, where hotshot crews are working in rough and hard-to-access terrain, improving existing road systems as containment line. Resources held and secured the northeast perimeter along containment lines. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS/drones) and infrared technology will be used within the fire area to identify heat signatures. 

Work will continue in areas as cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity aid these efforts today. Crews will prioritize building and strengthening line in the southwest area and engage in direct attack where possible. Heavy equipment will be used along the western edge to protect pristine sage habitat ahead of aerial firing operations to secure these lines. Firefighters will seek to gain as much ground as possible before an anticipated shift in weather brings an increase in gusty winds. As more containment is achieved, crews will shift their focus to locating areas of heat in the interior of the fire and patrolling containment lines. 

Closures: The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is closed for public and firefighter safety. In coordination with the Southwest Area Incident Management Team, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation orders for the Hart Mountain area in support of firefighting efforts on the Warner Peak Fire. For detailed information visit www.lakecountyor.org.

Weather: Temperatures will slightly decrease to the low 80’s with humidities estimated to be at 14%. West to northwest gusts are expected to be between 20-25 mph. These conditions are projected to continue over the next several days. 

Smoke: Wildfire smoke from the Warner Peak Fire may impact the community of Plush. Go to fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. 

More Information:

Information Phone Line: 541.208.1770 

Email: 2024.warnerpeak@firenet.gov  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warnerpeakfire 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orshr-warner-peak