Single Publication

Ore Fire Update
Thursday, July 25, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.

Size: 1050 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Cause: Under Investigation | Containment: 2%
Total Assigned Personnel: 285 | 8 engines | 4 hand crews | 3 dozers | 18 water tenders | 4 masticators | 4 feller bunchers

(Blue River, 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, rolling debris and fire-weakened trees. 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. Due to increased fire activity, smoke is having a greater impact on surrounding communities. Monitors are being set up to assess air quality. 

Complex Incident Management Northwest Team 10 is utilizing the Incident Strategic Alignment Process (ISAP) in coordination with the local unit to make informed, risk-based decisions during the ongoing Ore Fire. This process establishes a shared understanding and alignment on prioritizing work and protected values while managing risk.

Yesterday, crews secured and monitored slopovers (the fire’s edges that crossed over the control line) on the FS 1509 Road which continue to hold. Fire activity increased in the afternoon and aviation support helped to cool hot spots. The FS 1509 Road was plumbed with hose lines and sprinklers to wet the green side of the control line and make the fuels less receptive to fire. Graders improved road conditions north from the FS 15 Road up the FS 1513 Road. Firefighters working the night shift monitored active fire behavior well into the evening hours. 

Today, firefighters will place hose lines and sprinklers along the FS 15 Road. Rolling debris and falling trees continue to threaten the line as firefighters monitor and patrol the FS 1509 Road, where the fire is slowly backing down the hillside. Increased fire activity is expected in the afternoon. 

Weather: Mostly cloudy skies associated with the marine layer are expected to move out of the area by the morning hours leaving sunny skies in the afternoon. Complete inversion breakup may be delayed until mid-afternoon, allowing smoke to linger. Slightly warmer and drier conditions are expected on Friday.

Safety: While the Ore Fire is not threatening homes, wildfire season is just beginning. Sign-up now to get critical alerts about wildfires and other emergencies at https://www.lanecounty.org/sign_up_for_notifications. Fire restrictions are in place within the Willamette National Forest. For more information visit 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 region will affect air quality in many areas over the coming days. A daily smoke outlook can be found at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net.  Being prepared for smoke is important to everyone’s health. For more information, go to: www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready.org/ 

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