Single Publication

Cougar Creek Fire Update for Tuesday July 23, 2024

KEY MESSAGE:

Protection of values to the southwest and northeast edge of the fire continue to be the highest priority for recent operations. Exceptionally dry and hot conditions along with steep terrain make it challenging for fire crews to directly engage the fire in some areas. Crews continue to engage the fire directly and shift to indirect line construction when direct tactics are not effective.

A community discussion will take place at Bartlett Lane-Union Park today at 5:00pm for residents of the Grouse Flat area.

CURRENT STATUS:

The fire continues to move to the southwest and east. Decommissioned roads are being explored to determine which ones will have the highest probability to work as fire breaks when direct line construction is ineffective. Those roads will be reopened and reinforced. In areas where it is currently unsafe to directly engage, such as the north-west corner, the fire is expected to continue to grow into the Umatilla National Forest. Fire managers are planning containment lines that take advantage of natural barriers and existing roads.

FIRE BEHAVIOR AND WEATHER:

Temperatures will cool a few degrees today, but the relative humidity will dip back into the mid-teens. Winds will continue out of the east-northeast at the ridge tops with terrain driven winds below that. Fuels are exceptionally dry and receptive to fire brands increasing potential for fire growth.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES:

In Washington, Garfield County has established level 2 evacuations levels. Please see evacuation notices on Garfield County Facebook page. All other evacuation levels in Washington remain the same, including the extent of Grande Ronde Rd. In Oregon, a level 2 evacuation is in effect for Wallowa County, including all of Grouse Flat from Bear Creek Rd north to the State boundary and the Garfield County lines to Grande Ronde River. Please see the evacuation notice from Asotin County Sheriff and Asotin County Emergency Management . Grande Ronde Road is closed from Troy, Oregon to Highway 129 junction.