Single Publication

Ore Fire Update
Sunday, July 21, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.

Size: 534 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Personnel: 173

(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 534 is an estimate due to the unavailability of infrared flight. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

In order to minimize risk to firefighting personnel in hazardous terrain, fire managers are implementing containment strategies, such as utilizing existing roads and natural barriers to create containment lines. Firefighters are engaging in activities that will result in a higher probability of success in suppressing the fire while protecting values at risk, such as communities, infrastructure, and forest and cultural resources. The control objectives for this fire include several miles of forest fuel reduction along roads and trails using crews and mechanized equipment. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority on the Ore Fire.

Yesterday, firefighters removed hazardous trees along the FS 15 road and the fire’s edge. Aerial resources were active, supporting ground crews by monitoring fire progression and assisting with water drops. Heavy machinery, such as masticators and feller bunchers, removed and chipped large trees and vegetation into more manageable material along the FS roads 15, 1509, and 1503. Firefighting efforts were successful in holding the fire north of the FS 15 Road. In addition, crews continued to scout divisions and identify possible control lines utilizing natural barriers and access features.

Today, crews and equipment will build on progress made by continuing work on FS roads 15 and 1509 by thinning and removing fuel from these containment lines.  Air operation resources are available and will be utilized to assist personnel as needed and monitor fire progression. Firefighters are also working closely with Resource Advisors to minimize damage to the landscape and cultural resources.
 

Weather: Near-normal temperatures will move into the area today through the beginning of the week, with highs in the 80s. Relative humidity will increase, and winds will remain terrain-driven over the fire area. A Red Flag Warning is currently in effect until 8 PM for lightning on critically dry areas. The potential for gusty outflow winds in thunderstorm areas could allow for new and existing fires to grow rapidly.

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. 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 in 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.