Single Publication

Durkee, Cow Valley, and Bonita Fires Update for Thursday, July 25, 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: 514 | OSFM Task Forces: 4 | Fire size: 268,492 acres | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%

Today, moderate fire behavior is expected. 

Moderate post-frontal weather conditions are forecasted (including a slight drop in temperature, higher humidity, calmer winds and a low probability of thunderstorms). Firefighters will seize the opportunity to employ direct strategy with handline, heavy equipment and other means to continue their full suppression efforts.

Today’s fire operation priorities include containment in the Bridgeport, Shirttail Creek Road and Rye Valley areas. Where firefighters were successful holding the fire edge in the I-84 corridor, mop up around structures is also a focus.

Yesterday, gusty and erratic winds, lightning and flash flood warnings were present. At higher elevations, red flag outflow winds brought on by back-to-back thunderstorms initially formed a southeast front with 45 mph gusts. Observed near Unity, winds increased to 66 mph. 55 mph gusts were seen throughout the night.  

Although yesterday’s weather conditions caused spot fires (also known as a slop-over) in many areas, firefighters saw a lot of successes catching them. During the height of extreme fire behavior conditions and heavy gusts, one report noted a 30-acre slop-over across HWY 30 at 3:30pm. The Oregon State Fire Marshal and NW Team 6 operations acted in partnership with railroad operations to contain fire that threatened three structures.

Aerial resources will be coordinated and prioritized between the Badlands Complex, Durkee Fire and Vale BLM going forward due to state-wide fires and resource availability. 

Areas in the Durkee fire footprint experienced up to ½ an inch of precipitation and reports of debris flows are expected. However, the north end of the Durkee fire only saw 2/10 of an inch of rain and fire behavior is still expected to be active in days to come, across the Durkee fire footprint. 

Be aware, hazardous air warnings are in place across the Durkee Fire footprint. For current smoke information, visit airnow.gov

The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office have issued evacuations for multiple areas. Residents in Level 3 Evacuations “GO NOW”, should leave immediately. Residents should not return to their property until evacuation levels have been removed. Carry enough supplies to support you and your family for multiple days. A real time map of fire evacuations can be found at the State of Oregon Fire Dashboard.

Weather and fire behavior could impact transportation, power transmission, cell service and other utilities. Monitor these resources for additional information.

• Oregon Department of Transportation - TripCheck.com
• Idaho Power - IdahoPower.com
• American Red Cross of Eastern Oregon and Idaho - https://www.redcross.org/local/idaho.html

The Durkee Fire is located west of Interstate 84 (I-84). The Thompson Fire, a convergence of lightning fires that started near Thompson Creek on July 22, is located east of I-84. Both have grown rapidly with the persistent high temperatures, strong winds, and extremely dry fuels. Although moderate fire behavior and weather conditions are expected today, be aware of the possibility of fire growth.

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! If a drone or other aircraft enters the air space, all firefighting aviation equipment will be grounded.

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COW VALLEY FIRE: Start date: July 11, 2024 | Location: 9 miles east of Ironside, OR | Personnel: 0 | Fire size: 133,490 acres | Cause: Human caused |Containment: 91%

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%

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