Cow Valley Fire now burning more than 133,000 acres, 16% contained. Evacuation notices still in place
By Joe Hathaway on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Northeastern Oregon News
Vale — Due to the reduced threat to structures and the hard work of firefighters, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Red Team is demobilizing its incident management team and remaining structural task forces this morning. Several hundred wildland firefighters remain to work on the fire and will have resources assigned to structural protection.
“It’s been an honor to serve in Malheur County, working closely with our wildland partners and local fire protection agencies to keep this community safe,” said Incident Commander Ian Yocum. “We are leaving the Cow Valley Fire in the capable hands of NW Team 6, they will continue to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.”
The Cow Valley Fire is 16% contained. The containment is located along the northern edge of the fire and will be shown as a bold black line on the map. Fire containment is based on a high probability that the fire will not move across the fireline under the predicted weather conditions. Firelines are strengthened by digging down to mineral soil, removing flammable debris, and reducing heat near the edge with water and tools. Areas of containment will be monitored periodically.
Yesterday, fire growth was minimal. The Cow Valley Fire is now 133,408 acres. Crews on all shifts had success strengthening primary firelines. Aviation worked to support ground resources with water and fire-retardant drops as weather allowed. Firefighters walked the entire northern edge checking for heat. The Unstaffed Aerial System (UAS) was equipped with an infrared (IR) camera to detect lingering heat signatures on the line, none were found.
Today, resources on the western edge of the fire are looking for more opportunities to go direct. The eastern and southern edges continue to hold, and crews will work to improve the line. A structure group is in place, ready to defend critical infrastructure.
A community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Vale Senior Center (100 Longfellow St. S, Vale, OR). The meeting is open to the public. Come to hear about fire updates and connect with resources who can help you recover from fire impacts. The meeting will be recorded and posted to Facebook.
BONITA FIRE: The Bonita Fire is 2,727 acres and 80% contained. Firefighters reduced heat around the entirety of the fire’s edge by mixing the hot ashes with soil and water to cool them. This tactic is known as ‘mop up’. No smoke is visible. The area will be monitored for additional fire activity.
WEATHER AND SMOKE: Today, temperatures will increase with a forecasted high of 101oF and lower humidity levels. Extreme fire behavior is still possible based on fuel and weather conditions. Winds will be moving east at 3-8 mph, with gusts up to 14 mph. There is a 20% chance of thunderstorms tonight through tomorrow morning, which could bring stronger wind gusts from the west.
Winds will move southeast in the morning and northwest in the afternoon, which could lead to higher concentrations of smoke in the area. 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
None at this time.
• 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.)
