Cow Valley Fire now burning more than 132,000 acres, evacuations notices still in place

By on Monday, July 15th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Northeastern Oregon News

MALHEUR COUNTY – Firefighters are working around the clock to suppress the Cow Valley Fire. There is currently a day shift, swing shift, and night shift operating as fire conditions allow. The fire is 132,528 acres. Most of the fire growth was wind driven and occurred on the western edge towards East Prong Dry Creek. Yesterday, firefighters continued to create line around the fire on the northern, eastern, and southern edges. Aviation resources dropped water and fire retardant on the western edges of the fire, slowing the rate of fire growth. The current perimeter around the fire is 163 miles long. Fire edges remain south of the Malheur Reservoir, east of Brogan and Jamieson, and north of Bully Creek Reservoir.

Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces continued to work on structure protection efforts in the
communities along Highway 26 and in Westfall—in addition to assisting firefighting efforts on the southern edge of the fire. The threat to the local community has significantly decreased and the number of wildland firefighters on the incident have increased. For that reason, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has begun to right size resources on the Cow Valley Fire. One task force was demobilized yesterday. Today, two task forces will continue to support structure protection on the Cow Valley Fire and two will be sent to emerging fires across the state.

The fire burned throughout the night. Winds died down around 3:00 a.m. This, in addition to higher humidity levels and lower temperatures, allowed night crews to continue their progress. Today, firefighters will explore options on the southwestern edge to connect the leading edges together. Resources in other areas will strengthen and secure firelines around the perimeter using tactics known as cold trailing and mop up – where they use tools and water to extinguish heat. Firefighters will also work with aviation as weather allows.

An Unmanned Aerial System, also known as a UAS or drone, with infrared technology will be used during day and night shifts to monitor for hot spots that threaten the integrity of the fireline. The UAS could also be used for strategic firing operations if needed.

BONITA FIRE: No major growth was reported on the Bonita fire. Crews will continue to secure the fireline and search for hot spots.

WEATHER AND SMOKE: Today’s temperatures will be slightly cooler with a forecasted high of 96 degrees Fahrenheit and slightly higher humidity levels. Extreme fire behavior is still possible based on fuel and weather conditions. Winds will be moving east at 5-8 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. Smoke from neighboring fires will drift towards the area with the wind. For the current smoke information and the air quality index, visit airnow.gov.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES:
The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office issued updated evacuation orders on July 14. Check below for details or visit the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Level 1 – Be Ready – Green
Residents along Hwy 26 Corridor (Willowcreek, Jamieson, Brogan) and NW of Vale (Graham Blvd
and North, Alder Road and west).

  • Level 1, or “Get Ready”, evacuation means residents should prepare to evacuate and start
    packing essentials for themselves, pets, and livestock.
    Level 2 – Be Set – Yellow
    Residents in the Westfall area (including Bonita, Indian Valley, Clover Creek areas).
  • Level 2, or “Get Set”, evacuation means that there is high danger in the area and residents
    should prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. If you or your family require additional time to
    evacuate, now is the time to do so.
    Level 3 – GO NOW – Red
    None at this time.
  • Level 3, or “Go Now”, evacuation means that there is immediate danger. Leave without delay
    and do not return until officials announce that the area is safe.
    BURN BAN: A burn ban is currently in effect for all of Malheur County. For more information, visit
    https://www.malheurco.org/category/public-notices/.
    TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION: A temporary flight restriction is in place for the safety of the
    public and firefighting aviation resources. If you fly, we can’t; if a drone or other aircraft enters the air
    space, all firefighting aviation equipment will be grounded.

Cow Valley Fire Phone Number: 541-208-4371 (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

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