Single Publication

 Beech Creek Fire Update – August 9, 2022

 JOHN DAY, PRAIRIE CITY, and HINES, OR – (Tuesday, August 9, 2022) This will be the final posted update unless a significant change in fire behavior occurs. Steady progress continues on the Beech Creek Fire, which now sits at 71% containment and remains at 155 acres. Hot and dry conditions are anticipated through the rest of the week. There is potential for thunderstorms with strong outflow winds in the afternoon.

This evening at 6:00 p.m. the High Desert Type 3 IMT will transition command of the fire back to the Malheur National Forest, Blue Mountain Ranger District. Resources remaining on the fire will continue mop up efforts south of Hwy 395 with the intent to target heat within 100 feet interior of containment lines. The fire area north of the highway, with a secured perimeter of 300 feet interior, will continue to have frequent patrols.

The Oregon Department of Transportation will reopen Hwy 395 to normal traffic flow by 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 10th. To provide for firefighter safety, travelers should still exercise caution when driving through the fire area as crews will continue working along the roadways. Smoke may be visible for the next several weeks. For updated information on delays or road closures statewide please visit: https://www.tripcheck.com.

The public are encouraged to be aware of the elevated fire danger on the Malheur National Forest. Current fire conditions and public use restrictions can be found on the Forest webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur.

The High Desert Type 3 IMT would like to thank the communities of Mt. Vernon and John Day for their continued support during the duration of the Beech Creek Fire.

For continued fire updates, please visit:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8301
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalheurNationalForest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MalheurNF