Single Publication

Oregon Fire Update 9-10-2023

Fire Size:   10,817 acres

Initial Start: 8/18/2023 at 1600 pm

Location: Approximately 4 miles northeast of Elk, WA.

Cause: Human- Still under investigation

Containment: 95%

Resources Committed: 9 Engines, 5 Crews, 1 Bulldozer, 5 Water Tenders, 2 Skidgens, 3 Excavators

Personnel: 163

Road Closures:  None

Elk, WA, - Current Situation: Northeast WA Incident Management Team 3 is in command of the Oregon and Gray fires. The Oregon Fire continues to remain within the current footprint with no further growth, the strategy remains full suppression and work is progressing as expected. Northeast WA Incident Management Team 3 will continue their efforts through the 11th before turning the fire back to local resources next week.  

Today’s activities: Crews will continue to patrol the area, both on road and by foot, to find and mop-up any of those isolated heat sources. Those residing in and around the fire area will also start to see salvage logging and post fire clean up, by landowners, within in the fire perimeter. These activities will likely cause clouds of dust and ash that resemble smoke. While crews will continue to be working to the area and able to verify any new report of smoke, we are asking the public to be certain of a new fire before calling local dispatch centers or 911. As the team prepares to hand to the fire back to local resources in the near future, unverified reports put strain on local resources and their ability to respond to emergencies.

Weather: Today looks to be the warmest day since the high pressure system has been in place over the area. Winds will begin to slowly increase as a cold front moves into the area by Wednesday. Temperatures will moderate with the arrival of this cold front and as of now, there is no critical fire weather forecasted.  

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