Single Publication

Badland Complex Fire Update  
Aug. 4, 2024 
 
Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two 
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander 
 

Current Situation:  

• The Badland Complex remains at 54,563 acres with 80% contained and 258 personnel assigned. One type 3 and two type 1 helicopters continue to be available out of Baker City for water bucket work and reconnaissance work as needed. 
• The fires of the Badland Complex were tested by gusty outflow winds yesterday, as thunderstorm activity passed through the area, with no active fire behavior that threatened fire perimeters. There is potential for additional thunderstorm activity today. While substantial rain fell over Baker City last night, rain over the fire area was less significant. Expect to see smoke from interior pockets of unburned fuel, as well as significant drift smoke from other fires in the region. 
• To respond to any potential new starts, an initial attack group consisting of engines, heavy equipment, skidgines, and water tenders is assigned in Division E, adjacent to the Powder Fire. The group is also improving degraded roads to facilitate access for initial attack and possibly to aid in future fire containment.  
• The Thompson Fire is holding at 31,557 acres and containment has increased to 65%. A type 2 hand crew, along with two engines, two skidgines, and two water tenders are patrolling to the west in Division A, securing the fire’s edge and mopping up any residual heat near the perimeter. The Gila Hotshots and a type 2 hand crew are securing handlines, supported by engines, skidgines, and water tenders to the south in Division W. Crews will continue to diligently check for heat in heavy fuels, extinguishing it in their efforts to extend containment.  
• Also on the Thompson Fire, in Division R to the east, three engines are staffed to patrol, identify, and suppress any fire activity that may threaten containment lines in that area. 
• The Coyote, Powder, Chalk, Sheep Mountain, Daly, and Crandall Fires are all 100% contained and remain in patrol status. 

Weather: Morning thunderstorms are expected to clear out by mid-day, with another round possible in late afternoon. Overall, less storm coverage is expected than yesterday, and more sunshine. Winds will be generally light, with stronger gusts in the vicinity of storms. Temperatures and humidity will remain moderated.  

Smoke Information: Air quality is expected to be worse tomorrow as smoke from local and regional fires increase and as the wind patterns become favorable for impacts from the Park Fire in California.  For current Oregon air quality conditions, please visit https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map.  

Evacuations: Evacuations have remained unchanged since 7/30/2024. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064434892363. Sign up for Baker County emergency alerts at https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/publicUser.aspx?regionid=1357  

Closures: Check for highway closures at https://www.tripcheck.com/DynamicReports/Report/RoadConditions. All BLM Vale District Recreation Sites along the Snake River between Oxbow and Huntington and on Lookout Mountain are closed. This includes Spring Recreation Site, Swedes Landing, and Bassar Diggins Campground.  

Fire Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in effect. Get details at https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-val-071024.pdf. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been updated. View a map of the TFR and details at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_7614.html. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems or drones. If you fly, we can’t! Learn more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly. 

Fire Info Phone: 541-362-1507  Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Email: 2024.badlandcomplex@firenet.gov  . 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadlandComplex/ Media Line: 541-249-5894 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orvad-badland-complex-2024