Single Publication

Rail Ridge Fire Update

Friday, October 25, 2024

Central Oregon Wildfire Information: centraloregonfire.org

Email: 2024.railridge@firenet.gov  ~  Phone: 541-208-7111

Social Media, Evacuation and Closure Information: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire
Acres: 176,619  ~  Containment: 92%  ~  Start Date: 09/02/24  ~  Cause: Lightning  ~  Personnel: 293

**The next Rail Ridge Fire update will be posted Sunday, October 27.**

Hunting and Fire Closure Areas:  Closures will remain in effect on the Rail Ridge Fire due to hazardous conditions. Hazards include ground instability, difficult to recognize dangerous hotspots that may be underground, and unstable trees that may fall unexpectedly. Rail Ridge Fire managers encourage forest users to make sure intended camping and hunting areas are not closed due to wildfire activity. Closures of areas of the Rail Ridge Fire have impacted hunting grounds on the Ochoco and Malheur National Forests, BLM lands, and areas managed by ODFW. 

Forest access roads are still being utilized by fire crews and equipment completing repair work. Fire Area Closures remain in place for both firefighter and public safety, and public cooperation is appreciated as fire personnel continue project efforts. For more information on closures as well as Wheeler County and Grant County evacuation information, visit https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.
 

Private Landowners: Are you a private landowner or contractor with projects within the fire perimeter or Malheur National Forest Rail Ridge #2 Fire Closure (06-04-01-24-30)? Contact our fire information line at 541-208-7111, or email us at: 2024.railridge.liaison@firenet.gov with questions about land access, fire suppression activities, or suppression repair efforts in your area. 
 

Operations: Today’s objectives are to continue repairs to Forest Road (FR) 24 and FR 070. Fire personnel are hauling logs from the shaded fuel break off of FR 3850. Grading operations are ongoing on FR 5840 and FR Battle Creek. Yesterday Rager Spike Camp was dismantled and resources from the camp were reassigned to the incident command post near Dayville or released from the fire. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: Today, temperatures will be in the mid 50s to lower 60s, with the lows being in the mid 30s. Winds may gust up to 25 MPH from the south. On Saturday we are expecting warmer, dryer conditions with temperatures possibly reaching the 70s. Rain showers and mountain snow will return to the area on Sunday.
 

USFS & BLM Closures / Evacuation Information / Fire Restrictions / Social Media for the Rail Ridge Fire area can be found at: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.