Cow Valley Fire update for Wednesday, July 17
By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Northeastern Oregon News
UPDATE – 10:30AM: (From the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office)
After daily briefings with our Fire Crews that are working the Cow Valley Fire, we have determined that we can LIFT all Evacuation Readiness Conditions for ALL areas. Conditions have improved to the point that we are confident that homes are no longer at risk. Fire crews continue to work in these areas, evaluating and rehabilitating the burned ground.
For those interested, we have a Community Fire Briefing this evening at 6:30 p.m. MST at the Vale Senior Center, located at 100 Longfellow Street in Vale, Oregon.
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MALHUER COUNTY – Significant progress has been made along the fire perimeter located north of Highway 26; no heat or smoke has been detected in the last 48 hours. The western flank from Highway 26 southward approximately 6 miles is also showing no signs of heat or smoke. As a result of successful fire suppression, night shift operations have concluded.
Yesterday, the fire did not increase in acreage. Crews were successful in connecting the primary fireline between Swede Flats and Buckbrush Creek Road through the Dry Creek drainage. In the unburned area along East Prong Dry Creek, no smoke has been detected.
Today, resources will work to improve existing firelines on the western edge in the vicinity of Pole Creek and South Fork Pole Creek and on the east side near Black Creek and South Fork Black Creek. Along the entire perimeter, ground crews, assisted by UAS (unstaffed aerial systems) will continue to patrol for smoke and hot spots and suppress any that are located. Crews will also improve mapping of both dozer and hand lines for impending suppression repair.
BONITA FIRE: The Bonita Fire is 2,727 acres and 85% contained. Minimal fire behavior has been observed due to suppression efforts, containment features and fuel consumption.
WEATHER AND SMOKE: Today, there is a slight chance of showers over the fire, mainly in the morning hours. Winds will be variable today, northwest in the morning shifting to the southeast in the afternoon, 3-5 mph gusting to 13 mph. In the afternoon there is a chance of thunderstorms that could produce higher winds. Temperatures will be 97-103oF, humidity 12-16%. Extreme fire behavior is still possible based on fuel and weather conditions.
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 15. 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, including all BLM lands. 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.)
