Single Publication

Fire Size:   10,817 acres

Initial Start: 8/18/2023 at 1600 pm

Location: Approximately 4 miles northeast of Elk, WA.

Cause: Under Investigation

Containment: 85%

Resources Committed: 29 Engines, 6 Crews, 1 Bulldozer, 5 Water Tenders, 1 Skidgen

Personnel: 309

Damage Assessment: 126 primary homes and 258 outbuildings destroyed.

Road Closures:  None

Elk, WA, - Current Situation: The Type 3 Northeast WA Incident Management Team (IMT) 3 is in command of the Oregon Fire. The fire continues to remain within the current footprint with no further growth. The current strategy remains full suppression. The current strategy is close to being met and is moving into repair of fire lines. Firefighters are expected to continue working on the fire for the next two weeks.

Today’s activities: A handheld IR camera team will be out today walking the perimeter of the fire. This team’s mission is to ensure there are no sources of heat on the perimeter of the fire, that could appear when warmer weather returns. Although the fire area has seen cooler wetter weather for the past 48 hours, the thick duff layers can still smolder unnoticed. Utilizing infrared equipment on cooler days makes the IR camera even more effective, as any hidden sources of heat are more detectable as there will be greater temperature swings when a heat signature is identified. Elsewhere on the fire, crews and equipment will continue with mop-up and continued progression into rehab operations where needed.

Disaster assistance: The Disaster Assistance Center located at the Spokane Falls Community College, Building 9, 3305 W. Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA  99224 - phone: (509) 998-2750, has been providing information and resources to people impacted by the Gray Road and Oregon Road wildfires since August 25, 2023, closes today September 1, 2023 at 6pm. With the Disaster Assistance Center closing, people affected by the wildfires can contact the represented organizations directly. Please visit Spokane County Emergency Management website for the contact information for the agencies and organizations.

Evacuations: All evacuations throughout the entire fire area have been rescinded. An evacuation center for those in need remains open through the Red Cross until there is no further need at Riverside High School 4120 E. Deer Park Milan Rd, Chattaroy, WA 99003.

Weather: Gusty winds will be likely again today. The strongest winds can be expected between 11:00 and 18:00 hours of 8-10mph with gusts up to 15mph.

For fire information contact the Public Information Officer at 509-508-3323 or email 2023.oregon@firenet.gov