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Fire activity increases on Shoe Fly Fire, firefighters remain relentlessly engaged 

MITCHELL, Ore. – Hot temperatures and low relative humidity prompted a more active day on the Shoe Fly Fire. Fire behavior naturally increased in these conditions, creating challenges for firefighters throughout the day. 

This is prompting new Level 1 and 2 evacuation notices on the north, east and west side of the fire, including the north side of Highway 26 in Mitchell, which is now in a Level 1, Be Ready zone. The majority of Mitchell, on the south side of Highway 26, is not currently in an evacuation zone. 

Evacuation notices for residents around the fire will continue to be evaluated by the Wheeler County Sheriff, Wheeler County Fire Defense Board Chief, and Team 1 Operations personnel. More information on current evacuations is available at https://tinyurl.com/RAPTOR-Evacuation-Info

On the southwest side of the fire, resources remained engaged in the Flock and Keyes Mountains area. With southeast and northeast winds, the fire activity pushed forward toward Peggy Butte. Resources responded aggressively and have been surging in this area. Tonight, cooler temperatures should help to moderate fire behavior, which many allow for opportunities for firefighters to build line directly against the fires edge in an effort to tie this section of the fire back into existing lines. 

On the east side, fire activity also increased today, with small pushes made near Waterman Road and on the northeast corner. Firefighters have been dedicated to these areas and are making good progress at building new containment lines.

Two task forces of structural firefighters from the Oregon State Fire Marshal, working under the Wheeler County Fire Defense Board Chief, remain in the area to provide structure protection.

While there are no current road closures due to the Shoe Fly or Two Cabin fires, other fires nearby may be impacting travel. Check https://tripcheck.com/ for current closures and potential delays.