Single Publication

Ore Fire Update
Saturday, July 20, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.
Size: 500 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Personnel: 115

(Springfield, Ore.) – Fire suppression efforts continue on the Ore Fire, which is burning in steep, rugged terrain 7 miles northeast of Blue River, Oregon. The current acreage of 500 is an estimate due to the unavailability of an updated infrared flight. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 10 (NWT10) took command of the fire at 7:00 p.m. yesterday. Members of the incoming team spent the day shadowing the local forest unit gathering information, assessing and surveying the fire area to ensure a smooth transition. Resources continue to arrive, with more expected in the coming days.

Yesterday, fire activity increased in the afternoon, prompting the withdrawal of resources along the fire line due to safety concerns. The rugged terrain poses significant challenges and hazards to firefighters, inhibiting their efforts to attack the fire directly. Firefighter and public safety are the highest priority on the Ore Fire.

Given the hazardous terrain, fire managers are implementing indirect containment strategies, such as utilizing existing roads to create containment lines instead of deploying firefighters directly on the fire's edge. This approach prioritizes the safety of the firefighting personnel while still effectively managing the fire. The control objectives for this fire include several miles of forest fuel reduction along roads and trails using crews and mechanized equipment.

Today, crews and machinery will work to prepare FS Road 15 and 1509 by thinning vegetation, removing fuel and improving these features as containment/contingency lines.  Air operation resources are available and will be utilized to assist personnel and monitor fire progression.

Weather:  Hot and dry conditions will continue through the weekend. This afternoon, unstable air conditions and a chance of thunderstorms in the area are possible, which may lead to increased fire activity. Cooler temperatures in the 80s are expected early next week.

Safety: Fire personnel will be working with heavy equipment along FS Road 15 and 1509. Fire managers ask the public to drive defensively while crews diligently work to complete suppression efforts along the road. With fire danger remaining high, fire restrictions are in place within the Willamette National Forest. Current fire restriction information can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire. 

Smoke: Smoke from numerous wildfires burning throughout the state will affect air quality in many areas over the coming days. For information on air quality in your area go to: www.airnow.gov 

Forest Closures: Established closures on the Willamette National Forest are in place around fire-impacted areas. These closures include the following sites: Buck Mountain Trail, Tidbits South and West Trail, Gold Hill Trail, Mona Campground, Lookout Campground, and Saddle Dam Boat Launch. For a complete list of recreation and roads in the Ore Fire closure order, visit  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices.