Single Publication

Ore Fire Update

Monday, July 22, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.

Size: 645 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Personnel: 186 | Cause: Under Investigation

An Ore Fire Community Meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the McKenzie High School Gymnasium.

(Springfield, Ore.) – Fire suppression efforts continue on the Ore Fire, which is burning 7 miles northeast of Blue River, Oregon. Challenges include steep and rugged terrain, falling rocks and rolling debris, fire-weakened trees, and extreme weather conditions. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority on the incident. Fire managers are focusing on activities with a high probability of success while minimizing risk to firefighters and protecting values such as communities, infrastructure and forest, recreation and cultural resources.

Yesterday, a specialized felling module worked to clear hazardous trees to create a safer work environment for crews along FS 15 Road. With the help of aviation resources dropping water to moderate fire behavior, the fire slowly backed down the hillside above the prepared FS 15 Road, where it was met and held by firefighters on the ground. Crews and heavy equipment continued strengthening additional control features by widening roads and removing vegetation along the FS 15, 1509, and 1513 Roads.  

Today, crews are scouting additional sites where they can safely build control lines to stop the fire from spreading or threatening protected values. Firefighters are working with subject matter experts called Resource Advisors to identify and protect natural and cultural resources such as road integrity and old-growth timber. On the southwest edge where fire behavior is most active, hose lays are being installed near Ore Creek and along the FS 15 Road. Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire perimeter overnight.

Weather: Conditions will remain dry with near-normal temperatures in the 80s and higher relative humidity throughout the week. Light terrain-driven winds will be prevalent over the fire area.

Safety: Fire danger continues to increase. The public plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire. Use caution with all ignition sources. Fire restrictions are in place within the Willamette National Forest. More information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area.

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: Closures in the Willamette National Forest have been established 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.