Single Publication

Shoe Fly Fire remains active overnight, challenging weather conditions expected today

MITCHELL, Ore. – The Shoe Fly Fire continued to burn actively overnight, extending into the Peggy Butte area on the western flank of the fire. Firefighters worked to establish dozer line, multiple blades wide in this area, to stop fire growth. Strategic firing operations were used near Flock Mountain to create black line in front of the fire perimeter, removing fuel in the fire’s path.

On the eastern side of the fire near Baldy Mountain, crews worked to build fireline around spotfires. Fire in this area did not grow significantly overnight, but did burn fuel and vegetation that had not burned cleanly within the interior of the control line.

Two task forces of structural firefighters from the Oregon State Fire Marshal, working under the Wheeler County Fire Defense Board Chief will be working today to mop up and improve fireline near homes impacted by the Shoe Fly Fire yesterday.

Today on the Shoe Fly Fire, firefighters will be working with local landowners to keep the fire within the existing perimeter, widening firelines where necessary and cleaning up fuels adjacent to these lines to limit potential spotting across firelines. Aircraft will be used to cool hot spots, supporting ground fire resources, as well as providing fire behavior information.

The Shoe Fly Fire may be visible from Mitchell and Highway 26 throughout the day.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Friday afternoon for hot, dry and unstable conditions across the fire area. Firefighters are expecting active fire behavior throughout the day.

Late Thursday the Wheeler County Sheriff changed evacuation levels around the fire to provide for public safety. Evacuation notices for residents around the fire 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

Overnight on the Two Cabin Fire firefighters continued to strengthen the fireline and mop up within the perimeter. The fire has held within containment lines, and this work will continue today.

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.