Containment on Black Butte Fire increased to 49%
By Logan Bagett on Friday, August 20th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
PRAIRIE CITY – Acreage burned has been increasing daily as the Black Butte Fire continues to consume fuel southeast of Prairie City. Thankfully, containment is increasing as well. Find the latest update from fire officials below:
(Press Release from NW Incident Management Team 6)
Acres: 22,169 Number of Personnel: 491
Percent Containment: 49% Cause: Lightning
Date/Time Detected: August 3, 2021, 10:00 a.m. Origin/Location: South ofUnity, OR
Patrol and mop up operations are happening on all divisions of the Black Butte Fire as it continues to smolder and creep on the terrain. Due to remnant heat surrounded by viable fuels, surface fire is possible within the perimeter this weekend.
Near Station Creek to just beyond Slate Gulch hose lay along the perimeter is being backhauled (removed from the fire line). Internal islands of fuel around Skagway Creek are being checked on. Mop up operations there are strengthening the fire’s edge. The most active part of the fire is between Crane Creek and Cougar Creek. Crews may still do some burning operations in this area today. Air resources are performing reconnaissance flights over the fire and are available for air attack.
Seasonal temperatures in the 70s are forecasted for today. Relative humidity will remain 22-36%. An upper level trough of low pressure may bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday night into Saturday.
As hunters ready for bow season and recreation seekers head to the forest this weekend it’s important to remember to remain alert and aware of your surroundings. Know before you go if there are fire restrictions in effect. Report wildfires by calling 9-1-1.
Closures:
Recreation Sites within the closure boundary: North Fork Malheur River Trailheads both north and south, North Fork Malheur Campground, Crane Crossing Trailheads both east and west, Short Creek Guard Station, Elk Creek Campground, Sunshine Flat Trailhead and Trail, Horseshoe Trailhead and Trail, Sheep Creek Trail and Trailhead, Little Crane Campground.
Currently the Trout Farm and Crescent Campgrounds are still open to the public.
For updated Forest closure information, please visit the Forest webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/malheur or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MalheurNationalForest.
