Single Publication

Ore Fire Update
Saturday, July 27, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.

Size: 1307 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Cause: Under Investigation | Containment: 4%
Total Assigned Personnel: 304 | 8 engines | 5 hand crews | 3 dozers | 20 water tenders | 4 masticators | 4 feller bunchers

An Ore Fire Community Meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the McKenzie High School Gymnasium. A recording will be posted to the Ore Fire Facebook Page following the meeting.

(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, rolling rocks and 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. Progress is ongoing as firefighters implement carefully planned strategic actions and quickly adapt as conditions change. 

Yesterday, firefighters concentrated on extending hose lays and sprinklers adjacent to the fire’s edge along the FS 15 and FS 1509 Roads. With the use of heavy equipment, crews continued to remove vegetation from along the roadways. Chipping operations were ongoing, removing woody debris bordering the control lines. Fire activity increased again in the afternoon and wind carried embers across the FS 15 Road, starting a small spot fire between the Blue River and FS 143 Road. Resources were promptly redirected, and aviation support assisted with containment. Crews working late into the night successfully stopped the spread. Firefighters will focus on mopping up this area today.

Today, crews will focus on holding the fire along the FS 15 and FS 1509 Roads. Heavy equipment operations and plumbing (sprinklers and hose lays) continue. Efforts are ongoing to minimize the fire's spread to the north. Fire managers are assessing existing spur roads and other control features to gauge the feasibility of safely connecting them using a combination of handlines and dozer lines. 

Strategic actions are another element of the Incident Strategic Alignment Process (ISAP). During an evolving incident, fire managers and agency administrators work together to ensure everyone understands the strategies and rationale behind the decisions. One step of the process involves carefully developing potential strategies, utilizing the best scientific knowledge, observations, past experiences, and collaborative planning. It is essential to understand the proposed actions, locations, resources required, and how long it will take to complete the actions when evaluating strategic options. Visit the incident’s Facebook page to learn more about ISAP at https://www.facebook.com/OreFireInformation2024.

Weather: Seasonal weather conditions continue along the Cascades and Ore Fire area. A passing cold front Monday evening into Tuesday could bring a splash of rain into the area. A warming and drying trend will return later next week.

Safety: Forest closures are in place for the safety of everyone. The public is asked to remain clear of the fire area and allow firefighters to safely complete their work. Fire restrictions are in effect. For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS or drones) are prohibited within the TFR. If you fly, we can’t.

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. 

Forest Closures: Closures on the Willamette National Forest have been established around fire-impacted areas, including 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.