Crews on Battle Mountain Complex hold lines and build containment, Red Flag Conditions persist

By Joe Hathaway on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Eastern/Southeast Oregon News

UKIAH – Red Flag Conditions continue to increase fire behavior around the Monkey Creek Fire within the Battle Mountain Complex, which created more active fire conditions, several smaller spot fires and more visible smoke from hot spots within the interior.

Yesterday, firefighters held lines around the fire’s perimeter and quickly corralled several small spot fires that crossed containment. Crews will remain vigilant as Red Flag Conditions are expected to persist through the weekend with lightning predicted.

Today, firefighters will continue gaining mop-up depth and cooling materials deeper from the perimeter around the entire fire. As temperatures rise, mop up helps ensure that any reheated or ignited materials can’t escape the fire perimeter.

On the western half of the fire, crews will continue strengthening lines along the southeast corner, just west of Monument, and continue to mop up and build depth.

Along the north, crews secured the area around Ditch Creek. Firefighters continue to focus on the area between Ditch Creek and the Potamus drainage as they look for control features that they can bring the fire to and stop its advance.

Elsewhere along the perimeter, firefighters will continue mopping up and cooling materials deeper into the fire. Residents should continue to expect to see smoke in the interior and the unburnt island within the fire perimeter as unburnt vegetation burns well within the fire’s footprint. Crews will continue to patrol the fire’s perimeter, including portions considered contained. Helicopter resources will patrol the fire and provide bucket-drop support where visibility allows.
Evacuations: Learn more about current evacuation levels for each county at:

For Umatilla County, follow www.facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff or sign up for Umatilla County Emergency Alert System at https://member.everbridge.net/index/2590041373147145.
For Grant County, visit the RAPTOR arcgis site or sign up for alerts at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/825462649520134.
For Morrow County, visit https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/de78333b0d2544f7a320142174aa20ae

Public Land Closures:

The Bureau of Land Management has closed public lands along the John Day River from Kimberly to Dale, and from Kimberly to Service Creek. More information here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

The Umatilla National Forest has implemented a closure for public lands within the Heppner Ranger District and the North Fork John Day Ranger District. More information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1194462 and https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5286768.

FIRE AT A GLANCE

Total Estimated Complex Size: 179,669 acres

Monkey Creek Fire: 175,185

North Fork Owens: 4,484 acres

Total Containment 27%

Cause: Under Investigation

Estimated Cost: $40,547,155

All Resources

Hand Crews: 60

Engines: 78

Water Tenders: 38

Dozers: 26

Helicopters: 10
Total Personnel: 1,911