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Durkee Fire Map for 7/31/2024
An Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS; also known as drone) arrived at Durkee Fire’s Incident Command Post on July 25, 2024. A UAS is used for infrared data collection (which helps map the fire) and for reconnaissance critical to informing firefighting strategy and safety. They can often fly when other aircraft can’t due to weather, which means that especially on critical weather days, the UAS provides invaluable information to firefighters. Please remember that there is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire area. If a non-incident drone or other aircraft flies, we can’t!
Photo by Jessica Reed, NW Team 6
The Durkee Fire was started by lightning at approximately 9:30 a.m. on July 17, 2024. Recent very light rain reduced fire behavior. Crews are constructing direct fire line, conducting tactical firing operations in the north and northwestern portions of the fire and constructing additional primary and secondary control line. Aircraft are used to check fire progression when available and weather cooperates. The Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) assumed management of the fire under the leadership of Incident Commander Debbie Beard on July 28.
| Current as of | Wed, 07/31/2024 - 13:48 |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Lightning |
| Date of Origin | |
| Location | 1 mile west of Durkee, Oregon |
| Incident Commander | Incident Commander Debbie Beard, Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team Deputy Incident Commander Paul Varnedoe, Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team |
| Coordinates |
44° 32' 52'' Latitude
-117° 28' 38
'' Longitude
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| Total Personnel: | 481 |
|---|---|
| Size | 293,882 Acres |
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 52% |
| Estimated Containment Date | 08/08/2024 |
| Fuels Involved | Short Grass (1 foot) |
| Significant Events | Minimal Narrative: |
| Planned Actions |
Utilize Type 1 crews to construct direct fire line and conduct tactical firing operations in the north and northwestern portions of the fire. Mechanical equipment is being utilized to construct additional primary and secondary control line as well as assist with fire control. Use aviation assets to check fire progression when available and weather cooperates. Continuation of night shift to monitor fire progress and ensure values at risk are protected. |
|---|---|
| Projected Incident Activity |
12 hours: Fire activity is expected to moderate based on the increased moisture conditions. Active fire spread possible in and around Division Delta but due to conditions, direct line options are being explored in Division D. 24 hours: Increased temperatures expected. Relative humidity is expected to slightly increase as well. Fire is expected to remain manageable on the north end of the fire. Winds are once again 48 hours: Another hot day is forecast but winds are expected to moderate substantially and switch to a southeasterly direction. Fire will likely remain active on the north end of the fire. Fuels are expected to be very receptive to fire spread and depending upon operational success in direct containment line, a threat to escape could still remain on the north end. 72 hours: Hot and dry weather expected to continue. Temperatures are forecasted to approach 100 degrees, and relative humidities are expected to remain low. Little if any precipitation expected and fire danger will remain very high. Escape potential remains. Anticipated after 72 hours: Fire danger is expected to remain extremely high. ERC values will be trending up as very hot temperatures are forecast to return to the region. Little if any |
| Remarks |
Origin has been determined and ownership falls on private land in Baker County, Oregon. OSFM costs to date: $2,005,093 On July 20th, 2024, at 11:13, Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Durkee Fire. Immediate Response Task Forces were utilized. OSFM signed Delegations of Authority with Vale, Unity, Huntington, Ontario, and the counties of Baker and Malheur.
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| Weather Concerns | Areas over the central and northern part of the Durkee fire received Temperatures in the midweek period will be on the rise, aiming for |
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