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Firefighters continue to hold and strengthen Courtrock Fire lines

MONUMENT, Ore. – Line on the Courtrock Fire continues to be built by firefighters with the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1, local landowner resources, and Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) structural task forces. The fire continues to push forward to the southeast, where terrain significantly limits access by vehicles. Bulldozers and other equipment are playing a heavy role in building line on this incident, and aircraft has been an added asset over the past couple of days. West winds expected today may bring even more visibility, allowing for continued use of helicopters. 

Three OSFM task forces are assigned to work on the incident today, the majority stationed in the Fox Valley area. Structure protection continues to be a focus, with a collaborative effort on the ground between OSFM, landowners and the ODF John Day unit. Both engines and bulldozers are being used to protect homes. 

Despite challenges in the past few days, the south and northeast lines of the Courtrock Fire are holding well, and firefighters are working to strengthen lines, which is contributing to an increase in containment. 

While temperatures have been slightly cooler, vegetation remains extremely dry and primed to burn; firefighters have continuously seen increased fire activity in the afternoon, and will be monitoring conditions as the day progresses. West winds are expected to pick up around 10-15 miles per hour. Due to these conditions, fire growth may naturally occur moving east. A potential for rain is in the forecast for Monday evening, and incident meteorologists will continue to monitor this incoming system. 

Due to fire activity in the area, the U.S. Forest Service has issued closures for the Malheur. Up to date information on Malheur National Forest closures can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/malheur/news-events

Information for Zone I of the Battle Mountain Complex, including the western portion of the Monkey Creek Fire (formerly Boneyard Fire) can now be found at: www.facebook.com/battlemountaincomplex2024 

Evacuations: Level 1 (Get Ready), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in effect. For updated evacuation information:

• Grant County Emergency Management Office’s Facebook page, or sign up for the Grant County Emergency Alert System at https://member.everbridge.net/825462649520134/login. Morrow County Evacuation information can be found at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/de78333b0d2544f7a320142174aa20ae

Shelters: An evacuation center has been set up at Grant Union High School (911 S Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845).

Clean air and cooling centers are located in the following locations in Grant County:

• Grant County Library- cooling & clean air, Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• John Day Senior Center- cooling & clean air, Monday & Thursday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday 12 – 4 p.m.
• Prairie City Public Works - clean air center, Monday -  Friday 12 – 7 p.m. 
• Dayville Community Hall- cooling & clean air, 24/7