Single Publication

Oregon Fire Update 9-9-2023

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: 94%

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: With the dry weather taking hold over the fire area after the recent moisture, there is the possibility for isolated sources of heat to pop up. 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. With crews in the area for the foreseeable future, they will be able to verify if any reports are false alarms or cause for response.

Evacuations: All evacuations throughout the entire fire area have been rescinded.  

Weather: There is a slight chance for lightning activity today as a front moves into the Oregon Fire area. After that front passes, continued dry air will reside over the area with relative humidity at or below 25% through the weekend.

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