Single Publication

News Release August 21, 2023

***Drone usage is prohibited around a wildfire***

Flying of Drones around a wildfire will prevent helicopters and fixed wing aircraft from flying and assisting in suppressing the wildfire.

Chattaroy, WA - The Oregon Fire is located approximately 4 miles northeast of Elk, WA. This fire was reported at about 4:00pm on Friday August 18th, 2023 and has burned approximately 10,137 acres of Forest and cropland.

Evacuations: Level 3 which means Go – Leave Immediately:

     A large area east and southeast of Elk is under level 3 evacuation. See attached map.

For updated maps visit: www.facebook.com/GEGEmergencyMgt

If homeowners feel threaten by fire they should evacuate immediately, there may be no formal notice that you need to evacuate. As the weather changes today fire behavior will rapidly change.

Evacuation center is at Riverside High School 4120 E. Deer Park Milan Rd, Chattaroy, WA 99003.

Roads within evacuation area are closed to the public.

Quick Facts - Oregon Fire
Incident Start: August 18, 2023

Incident Approximate Size: Approx. 10,137 acres
Fire Containment: 0% Contained
Assigned Resources on the Incident
    Hand Crews: 13
    Engines: 38
    Dozers : 8
    Skid Engine: 2
    Water Tenders: 8
Total Personnel on Incident: 463
Fire Cause: Under Investigation

Evacuation Orders: Level 3, see map. www.facebook.com/GEGEmergencyMgt

Road closures are in effect in Evacuation area.

Sunday:

Over 300 fire fighters were on the line in the morning and the number increased to over 400 by
early afternoon.

Firefighting engaged in structure protection and containment line construction. Fire Fighters conducted activities including removing flammable vegetation/materials near structures and constructing containment line around structures.

Bulldozers continue to construct containment lines around the east and south side of the fire.

During the afternoon, spot fires crossed the containment lines in the southwest corner of the fire. The fire spread toward Antler road area. Bulldozers, fire engines and hand crews worked on reestablishing containment lines around this area during the evening and into the night. The fire continued spreading to the east where containment lines are currently being constructed.

Air resources were able to engage the fire on a limited basis due to low visibility.

Sunday Night:

Fire crews focused on structure protection and securing containment lines around structures. Fire activity continued in the southwest portion of the fire.

Today:

Fire fighters will continue to focus on protecting structures. Fire fighters will also work on securing
existing containment lines along the west and north sides of the fire. Bulldozers and hand crews will continue constructing containment lines along the southwest, south and east side of the fire. Active fire behavior is expected throughout the day.

The Fire will transition from NE Type 3, Team 3, to Pacific Northwest (PNW) Team 3 at 0600 on 8/22/23.