Single Publication

Durkee, Cow Valley, and Bonita Fires Update for Sunday, July 21, 2024

541-208-4371, staffed 7AM to 7PM PDT

2024.durkee@firenet.gov 

DURKEE FIRE: Start date: July 17, 2024 | Location: 5 miles southwest of Durkee, OR | Personnel: 434 | Fire size: 116,431 acres | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%

Yesterday, was an extremely active fire day. The Durkee Fire spread most to the southeast, with some growth in the north and west. About 24 aviation resources engaged in aerial firefighting operations over Durkee Fire yesterday, one of the largest aerial responses in the country! There was an intrusion into the restricted air space from a privately-owned drone. Thanks to the quick actions of fire personnel, aircraft did not have to be grounded and firefighting efforts were able to continue both on the ground and in the air.

Firefighters were able to conduct strategic firing operations on the southern tip of the fire up Dry Creek Road.  This helped create a fire break to slow fire spread. Firefighters have been able hold the fire from Brogan south. The Durkee Fire did spread to Malheur Reservoir last night.

Today, extreme fire behavior is anticipated again. Fire fighters in partnership with local RFPAs (Rangeland Fire Protection Associations) will engage and make progress around the fire perimeter where safe to do so. They are working on building fireline from Malheur Reservoir to Amelia Butte. Firefighters are also working to slow fire spread where the fire crossed Burnt River. A weather shift is expected today. 

COW VALLEY FIRE:  Start date: July 11, 2024 | Location: 9 miles east of Ironside, OR | Personnel: 13 | Fire size: 133,490 acres | Cause: Human caused |Containment: 78%

Firefighters working on the Cow Valley are patrolling to find any pockets of heat to extinguish. No fire spread is expected, and fire behavior is characterized as smoldering. 

BONITA FIRE: Start date: July 11, 2024 | Location: 9 miles south east of Ironside, OR | Personnel: 0 | Fire size: 2,727 acres | Cause: Human caused |Containment: 90%

Minimal fire behavior has been observed due to suppression efforts, containment features and fuel consumption. 

INVESTIGATION: Reward offered for information relating to wildfires in Malheur Reservoir area

VALE, Ore. – Fire investigators and law enforcement officials are requesting the public’s assistance in the investigation of the Cow Valley, Bonita and other small wildfires in the Malheur Reservoir area.

These fires all began in the early morning hours of July 11, between approximately 1 and 5 a.m. They are believed to be human caused and of a suspicious nature. A monetary reward is being offered for information leading to the identification of individual(s) responsible. Anyone with information about any of these incidents should call We Tip Anonymous at 1-800-47-ARSON, online at wetip.com

WEATHER AND SMOKE: There is a Red Flag warning for lightning today. Thunder is expected outside the fire area to the south. The thunderstorms will bring outflow winds tonight and could cause gusts up to 60 mph from any direction. For current smoke information, visit airfire.org 

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES: The Malheur County Sheriff’s has issued evacuations for the area around Durkee Fire. check for updates on the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuations for the area around Durkee Fire. Visit the Baker County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for more information. Baker County Sheriff's Office has closed Burnt River Canyon Road to non-local, non-emergency traffic due to the Durkee Fire.

BURN BAN: A burn ban is currently in effect for all of Malheur County, including all BLM lands.  For more information, visit https://www.malheurco.org/category/public-notices/. 

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION: There is a temporary flight restriction over the Durkee Fire, please remember, if you fly we can’t!

Cow Valley and Durkee Fire Facebook