Huckleberry Ridge Fire

Final Daily Update
September 15, 2024
Reported: September 4th at 3:45 p.m. | Size: 300 | Cause: Under investigation
Total Personnel: 223| Engines/Tenders:11 | Hand Crews: 5

The Western Washington Incident Management Team expresses gratitude to the Community, and it was absolutely honor to serve you during our visit. 

The Huckleberry Ridge Fire is going to continue to have some areas that continue to smolder.  Some smoke may be observed for a while, but local resources will continue to work the fire and monitor the situation. 

Update:  Containment is shown at 100%.  Removal of excess equipment is going well including several helicopter sling loads of equipment from some areas.  Repair work is nearly complete.  The Western Washington Incident Management Team is transitioning command to a local Type 4 Incident Management Team Monday at 0600 and continuing to coordinate the demobilization of base camp equipment over the next couple of days. 

Safety: Firefighters will continue to be working in the area over the next several days. Use cation and stay vigilant. For anyone hunting, please stay out of the fire area for your safety and the safety of firefighters.

Evacuations/Closures: Please check with the landowners if you need to know if the road closures are still in effect.  Currently, the roads continue to be closed immediately adjacent to the burned area. 

Weather: Drier conditions are expected to move forward as a weak ridging aloft takes hold Sunday into early next week. After light winds tonight, northerly winds increase on Sunday around midday peaking in the afternoon although gusts around 14 mph will only be confined to the ridgetops. Overnight RH recoveries remain excellent. 

Air Space Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) area is in place over the fire. This remains in place while Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS/” Drones”) continue to use infrared mapping in inaccessible areas of the fire.  If you fly, We can’t.

Red Rock Fire:

Today’s fire area estimate is at 3033 acres, with 0% containment.

Yesterday, crews continued with a full suppression strategy on the northern perimeter of the Red Rock Fire, constructing handlines to directly attack the fire from both the east and west sides. The crews’ efforts on the ground were supported by helicopter bucket drops throughout the area. Additionally, heavy machinery was used to repair and improve area roads, which will make it easier to get crews closer to the fire line. A large portable tank, called a Heliwell was set up on Panther Creek Road giving helicopters an additional source for refilling their water buckets. 

Today, yesterday’s efforts continue on the north, east, and west side of the fire, with the arrival of new hand crews, fire engines, and heavy equipment. On the southern perimeter of the fire, incident management will continue to monitor the fire’s behavior and look for opportunities to go direct attack.  Structure protection groups will continue to develop their plan on the east side of Panther Creek Road.

Black Eagle Fire:

Today’s fire area estimate is at 6433 acres, with 0% containment.

Yesterday, incident management utilized helicopter bucket drops to extinguish hot spots southeast of the fire perimeter near Black Eagle Creek.

Today, a hand crew working in conjunction with the helicopters will work to address the remaining spot fires in the area.  Additionally, firefighting forces will keep working on their structure protection plan, ensuring they are prepared to use the tools and measures already set up to safeguard local campgrounds and communities.

Weather:

Today is expected to be another warm day.  Temperatures are predicted to reach the lower to mid 60’s, with 15 mph winds coming out of the south, and gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon.  Cooler temperatures are expected to move in later this afternoon, with precipitation returning to the area as early as 7pm.  Heavier rain and lower temperatures are expected by Tuesday of next week.

Fire Behavior:

A slight uptick in fire behavior is expected as warmer weather, lower humidity, and persistent winds continue to dry out and threaten the lighter, finer fuels in the area.  The arrival of increased cloud cover, however, will help counter these conditions.  Therefore, there is a low probability of significant fire spread, and fire behavior will continue to be conducive to direct attack.

Forest Closures and Evacuation Orders:

No new forest closures or evacuation orders have been issued.

Evacuation Zone 1 is in “Go Status,” and Evacuation Zones 2, 3, and 4 are in “Ready Status.”  National Forest Closure Orders 04-13-24-017 and 04-13-24-019 remain in place.

Special Notes:

Due to challenging weather conditions over the past few days, air resources had been unable to provide incident management with updated fire acreage information.  Therefore, although fire acreage numbers have increased since yesterday’s update, it is likely that most of this fire growth took place prior to Thursday’s rains.

Fire Information Phone: 530-685-0536 (8 a.m.-8 p.m.)
Email: 2024.wileyflat@firenet.gov
 

Acres: Wiley Flat – 19,935; 5% contained Hawley Ridge – 793; 70% contained
Location: Wiley Creek: about 10 miles southeast of Post, Oregon off Highway 380.
Start Date: September 2, 2024 Personnel: 214
 

Resources: 7 crews |10 engines | 11 dozers | 6 water tenders | 1 skid steers
 

Highlights: California Team 1 took command of the Wiley Flat and Hawley Ridge fires at 0600 on 9/6/2024. The Hawley Ridge fire remains at 197 acres and is in patrol status.
The Wiley Flat fire pushed northwest crossing the 1690 road into private land near the vicinity of Shotgun Creek increasing the size of the fire by 1,935 acres. Crews continue working on structure protection. Work is continuing to the east to improve fire lines and crews are utilizing the Camp Creek fire scar to their advantage. Aircraft will be utilized when conditions allow. Dozer line at the heel of western edge is remaining secure and crews are working on mop up.
Fire operations will occur this morning in the southeast if test burn is successful. This will help decrease firefighter risk. Otherwise crews will go direct with continued air support.
There is a Red Flag warning for Saturday bringing hot and dry conditions to the fire. Thunderstorms will be moving in the area this evening pushing into the Blue Mountains. There is a possibility for extreme fire activity and new ignitions.
There will be a public meeting at the Post General Store on Monday September 9, 2024 at 6 p.m.
 

Weather: Temperatures will remain in the 90s with poor RH recovery. Outflow winds may reach up to 40 mph. Forecasted easterly winds expected over fire area will challenge containment lines.
 

Evacuations: The Crook County Sheriff’s Office has lowered the evacuation level from Level 3 (recommended evacuation) to Level 2 (set for evacuation) from Highway 380 north to SE Puett Road. The area north of SE Puett Road around the perimeter of the fire remains at a Level 3. The area south of Highway 380 has been lowered to Level 1 (prepare for possible evacuation). An evacuation map is available online through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.
Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon, including the Ochoco National Forest, are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources.
 

Fire Restrictions and Closures: The Ochoco National Forest has implemented a forest closure for the eastern portion of the Paulina Ranger District. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for portions of public lands in Crook and Grant Counties.
 

More Information:
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-wiley-flat
Facebook: Facebook.com/Wiley Flat Fire
Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/

Fire Information Phone: 530-685-0536 (8 a.m.- 8 p.m.)
Email: 2024.wileyflat@firenet.gov
 

Acres: Wiley Flat – 28,396; 13% contained Hawley Ridge – 793; 80% contained
Location: Wiley Creek: about 10 miles southeast of Post, Oregon off Highway 380.
Start Date: September 2, 2024 Personnel: 459
Resources: 14 crews |13 engines | 7 dozers | 11 water tenders | 2 skid steers | 2 mast
 

Highlights: Community meeting tonight at the Post General store at 6 p.m.
The Hawley Ridge fire remains at 793 acres and is in patrol status.
Due to poor relative humidity recovery overnight the Wiley Flat fire remained very active overnight on the western portion of the fire. The fire slopped over the 17 road on the western flank in a couple locations. Crews will be working today to pick up the slop overs and tie it back into the 17 road keeping the fire east of the Hammer Creek drainage. They are continuing with direct and indirect fire lines around the entire fire while utilizing aircraft as conditions allow. Fire lines on the southeast portion of the fire are continuing to hold.
Fuels are very dry and receptive to burning. We are expecting continued growth with moderate fire behavior today with active flanking and possible quarter mile spotting. Heavy fuels in timbered portions of the fire continue to smolder and consume in place. Several structures remain threatened, private property, federal land and other valuable infrastructure. The dozer line on the southern portion of the fire is holding well. Crews continue to reinforce, and conduct mop up in this area.
 

Weather: Weather today will be clear with winds from the southwest between 4-8 miles an hour. Relative humidity will be between 15% -20% with temperatures in the 80s.
 

Evacuations: The following evacuations are still in effect:
LEVEL 3: SE Pine Creek Road west to SE Newsome Creek Road from Highway 380 south into the forest boundary.
LEVEL 2: SE Newsome Creek Road west to SE Conant Basin Road area south of Highway 380.
An evacuation map is available online through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.
Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon, including the Ochoco National Forest, are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources.
 

Fire Restrictions and Closures: The Ochoco National Forest has implemented temporary closures for the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for portions of public lands in Crook and Grant Counties.
 

More Information:
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-wiley-flat
Facebook: Facebook.com/Wiley Flat Fire
Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/

Fire Information Phone: 530-685-0536 (8 a.m.- 8 p.m.)
Email: 2024.wileyflat@firenet.gov
Acres: Wiley Flat – 28,396; 41% contained Hawley Ridge – 793; 100% contained
Location: Wiley Creek: about 10 miles southeast of Post, Oregon off Highway 380.
Start Date: September 2, 2024,
 

Personnel: 502 Resources: 15 crews |14 engines | 9 dozers | 15 water tenders | 4 skid steers | 2 mast | 1 ambulance
 

Highlights: The Hawley Ridge fire, now 793 acres, is fully contained and in patrol status.
The Wiley Flat Fire containment has increased along both the northern and southern boundaries of the perimeter.
The direct suppression tactics have been effective, with crews working in coordination with heavy equipment and aircraft, they have made significant progress on the northern perimeter, allowing for increased containment along that portion of the fire line. The southeastern side of the fire perimeter is holding steadily.
Fuel conditions remain dry and highly receptive to burning. A cold front, expected on Wednesday, will bring temperatures approximately 20°F cooler.
Weather: Weather today will be clear with calm winds from the west with gusts up to 12 miles per hour possible. Relative humidity will be in the teens with temperatures in the mid to upper 70s.
 

Evacuations: The following evacuations are still in effect:
LEVEL 3: SE Pine Creek Road west to SE Newsome Creek Road from Highway 380 south into the forest boundary.
LEVEL 2: SE Newsome Creek Road west to SE Conant Basin Road area south of Highway 380.
An evacuation map is available online through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.
The Red Cross evacuation shelter is in the Carey Foster Hall at Crook County Fair Grounds SE Lynn Blvd. Prineville, OR 97754. Information number: 1-800-RED-CROSS
 

Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources. These areas are closed to all uses, including recreational activities, for public and firefighter safety.
 

Fire Restrictions and Closures: The Ochoco National Forest has implemented temporary closures for the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for portions of public lands in Crook and Grant Counties.
More Information:
 

Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/929bfe8f
 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-wiley-flat
Facebook: Facebook.com/2024Wiley Flat Fire
Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/

Fire Information Phone: 530-685-0536 (8 a.m.- 8 p.m.)
Email: 2024.wileyflat@firenet.gov
Acres: Wiley Flat – 29,423; 44% contained Hawley Ridge – 793; 100% contained
Location: Wiley Creek: about 10 miles southeast of Post, Oregon off Highway 380.
Start Date: September 2, 2024,
Personnel: 545 Resources: 16 crews |20 engines | 11 dozers | 13 water tenders | 3 mast | 5 skid steers | 1 ambulance
 

Highlights: The Ochoco has expanded the Wiley Flat Closure area to the West.
Crews and heavy equipment are making significant progress along the northern and western perimeters of the fire. Current operations involve finalizing the direct dozer and hand lines. On the rest of the fire, they continued conducting mop-up activities. Despite all these advancements there is heat and smoke within the fire’s perimeter.
 

Fuel Conditions: Dry and highly receptive to burning until moisture levels increase.
Weather:
• Today: A storm system is moving in from the Washington and Oregon coast, bringing stronger winds (7-14 mph, gusting up to 20 mph). Expect mid and lower clouds with 0.1 to 0.2 inches of precipitation. Temperatures will remain in the upper 60s.
• Thursday: Winds from the northwest (10-15 mph, gusts up to 25 mph). Cloud cover will continue, with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Active fire behavior is anticipated before the rain arrives, with potential outflow winds intensifying.
 

Evacuations: The following evacuations are still in effect:
LEVEL 3: SE Pine Creek Road west to SE Newsome Creek Road from Highway 380 south into the forest boundary.
LEVEL 2: SE Newsome Creek Road west to SE Conant Basin Road area south of Highway 380.
An evacuation map is available online through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.
The Red Cross evacuation shelter is in the Carey Foster Hall at Crook County Fair Grounds SE Lynn Blvd. Prineville, OR 97754. Information number: 1-800-RED-CROSS
 

Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources. These areas are closed to all uses, including recreational activities, for public and firefighter safety.
Fire Restrictions and Closures: The Ochoco National Forest has implemented temporary closures for the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for portions of public lands in Crook and Grant Counties.
More Information:
 

Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/929bfe8f
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-wiley-flat
Facebook: Facebook.com/2024Wiley Flat Fire
Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/

Good Progress and Effective Night Work on the Service Fire

SPRAY, Ore. – Overnight crews were able to continue good work around the fire perimeter. Tactical burning operations during the late afternoon removed small pockets of fuel near indirect lines. Firefighters also capitalized on reduced fire behavior overnight to secure lines.

Today, chipping operations will continue along ORE 19 and the northern edge of the fire, with mop up progressing deeper into the fire’s northeast edge. Lines are being reinforced along the eastern and southern edges of the fire, and once hose lays and water systems are in place, mop up will be enhanced.

Stumps, snags and roots continue to burn, and crews will use caution around the fire footprint because trees and debris may be unstable.

Mostly cloudy weather is expected today with sprinkles in the morning and scattered showers in the afternoon. Temperatures will range from 53-63 degrees, with humidity being higher around 47-52%. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast in the region and outflow winds could impact the fire area despite the storms being seventy miles away.

Videos: Recordings of the Daily Operations Updates and other stories are available at: https://www.youtube.com/@FossilComplex.

Evacuation: Level 3 evacuations remain inside the perimeter of the Service Fire. For the most recent evacuation levels please go to: https://www.facebook.com/WheelerCountySheriffsOffice/

The Two Cabin, Holmes, Kinzua and Canyon Fires are all in patrol status.

Fire Information Phone: 541-208-7108 (8 a.m.- 8 p.m.)
Email: 2024.wileyflat@firenet.gov
Acres: Wiley Flat – 30,061; 64% contained Hawley Ridge – 793; 100% contained
Location: Wiley Creek: about 10 miles southeast of Post, Oregon off Highway 380.
Start Date: September 2, 2024,
Personnel: 653
 

Resources: 20 crews |21 engines | 17 dozers | 14 water tenders | 4 masticators | 5 skidgens | 2 ambulances |3 excavator | 2 helicopters
 

Highlights: Firefighter have completed control lines around the western and southwestern edges of the fire, which means lines are established around the entire fire area. These lines will not be considered contained until they are fully secured and mopped up, which crews will begin working on today. Firefighters also conducted suppression repairs yesterday on the Hawley Ridge Fire, along eastern and northern control lines, and along indirect lines that were not needed for containment. Firefighters will continue suppression repairs on both fires today.
 

Weather:
• Today: Today will have increasing cloud cover. High temperature will reach near 70 and minimum relative humidity will drop to 25 to 30 percent. Winds will be west to northwest 2- 5 mph. Fire activity will be moderate to low today.
 

Evacuations: The following evacuations are in effect:
LEVEL 3: SE Maury Road west to SE Newsome Creek Road from Crooked River south to the Forest boundary.
LEVEL 2: SE Newsome Creek Road west to SE Conant Basin Road area south of Crooked River. SE Maury Road east to SE Camp Creek Road from Hwy 380 south to Forest Boundary.
An evacuation map is available online through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.
The Red Cross evacuation shelter is in the Carey Foster Hall at Crook County Fairgrounds SE Lynn Blvd. Prineville, OR 97754. Information number: 1-800-RED-CROSS
Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources.
 

Fire Restrictions and Closures: These areas are closed to all uses, including recreational activities, for public and firefighter safety. The Ochoco National Forest has implemented temporary closures for the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for portions of public lands in Crook and Grant Counties.
 

More Information:
Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/929bfe8f
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-wiley-flat
Facebook: Facebook.com/2024Wiley Flat Fire
Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/

Fire Information Phone: 541-208-7108 (8 a.m.- 8 p.m.)
Email: 2024.wileyflat@firenet.gov
Acres: Wiley Flat – 30,061; 64% contained Hawley Ridge – 793; 100% contained
Location: Wiley Creek: about 10 miles southeast of Post, Oregon off Highway 380.
Start Date: September 2, 2024,
 

Personnel: 653
Resources: 20 crews |21 engines | 17 dozers | 14 water tenders | 4 masticators | 5 skidgens | 2 ambulances |3 excavator | 2 helicopters
 

Highlights: Firefighter have completed control lines around the western and southwestern edges of the fire, which means lines are established around the entire fire area. These lines will not be considered contained until they are fully secured and mopped up, which crews will begin working on today. Firefighters also conducted suppression repairs yesterday on the Hawley Ridge Fire, along eastern and northern control lines, and along indirect lines that were not needed for containment. Firefighters will continue suppression repairs on both fires today.
 

Weather:
• Today: Today will have increasing cloud cover. High temperature will reach near 70 and minimum relative humidity will drop to 25 to 30 percent. Winds will be west to northwest 2- 5 mph. Fire activity will be moderate to low today.
 

Evacuations: The following evacuations are in effect:
LEVEL 3: SE Maury Road west to SE Newsome Creek Road from Crooked River south to the Forest boundary.
LEVEL 2: SE Newsome Creek Road west to SE Conant Basin Road area south of Crooked River. SE Maury Road east to SE Camp Creek Road from Hwy 380 south to Forest Boundary.
An evacuation map is available online through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.
The Red Cross evacuation shelter is in the Carey Foster Hall at Crook County Fairgrounds SE Lynn Blvd. Prineville, OR 97754. Information number: 1-800-RED-CROSS
 

Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources.
 

Fire Restrictions and Closures: These areas are closed to all uses, including recreational activities, for public and firefighter safety. The Ochoco National Forest has implemented temporary closures for the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for portions of public lands in Crook and Grant Counties.
 

More Information:
Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/929bfe8f
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-wiley-flat
Facebook: Facebook.com/2024Wiley Flat Fire
Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/

Fire Information Phone: 541-208-7108 (8 a.m.- 8 p.m.)
Email: 2024.wileyflat@firenet.gov
Acres: Wiley Flat – 30,154 acres; 69% contained; Hawley Ridge – 793; 100% contained
 

Location: Wiley Creek: about 10 miles southeast of Post, Oregon off Highway 380
Start Date: September 2, 2024
 

Personnel: 678
Resources: 20 crews |22 engines | 17 bulldozers | 14 water tenders | 5 masticators | 5 skidgens |3 excavator | 4 ambulances | 1 helicopters
 

Highlights: Firefighters made good progress securing and mopping up control lines along the west and southwestern sides of Wiley Flat Fire yesterday. They worked into the evening burning out small patches of interior unburned vegetation to further secure control lines on the southwest side of the fire. Crews and heavy equipment also focused on suppression repairs on the Hawley Ridge Fire and along the east side of Wiley Flats Fire. They will continue suppression repairs on the Hawley Ridge Fire and along the Wiley Flat Fire’s eastern and northern direct lines and all indirect lines.
 

Weather:
• Today: A low pressure system will move into the area increasing the chance of rain this afternoon and evening. Skies will remain cloudy with highs near 60, and minimum humidity will reach 60 percent. Winds will be from north to northwest at 5 to 10 mph with 15 mph gust.
 

Evacuations: The following evacuations are in effect:
LEVEL 3: SE Maury Road west to SE Newsome Creek Road from Crooked River south to the Forest boundary.
LEVEL 2: SE Newsome Creek Road west to SE Conant Basin Road area south of Crooked River. SE Maury Road east to SE Camp Creek Road from Hwy 380 south to Forest Boundary.
An evacuation map is available online through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.
The Red Cross evacuation shelter is in the Carey Foster Hall at Crook County Fairgrounds SE Lynn Blvd. Prineville, OR 97754. Information number: 1-800-RED-CROSS
 

Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources.
 

Fire Restrictions and Closures: These areas are closed to all uses, including recreational activities, for public and firefighter safety. The Ochoco National Forest has implemented temporary closures for the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for portions of public lands in Crook and Grant Counties.
 

More Information:
Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/929bfe8f
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-wiley-flat
Facebook: Facebook.com/2024Wiley Flat Fire
Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/