Crockets Knob Fire at 1,000 acres and 0% containment
By Logan Bagett on Friday, August 26th, 2022 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
GREENHORN, OR – UPDATE (8/26): (Press Release from the Malheur National Forest)
 Fire Information Line: (530) 394-8212 Fire Information Email: 2022.crocketsknob@firenet.gov Crockets Knob Fire Update – August 26, 2022 Location: 19 miles north of Prairie City, Oregon Start Date: August 22, 2022 Cause: Lightning Current Size: 1,000 acres Containment: 0% Current Situation: The Crockets Knob Fire experienced significant growth yesterday influenced by strong north and west winds. Some spotting occurred across Big Boulder Creek drainage and FSR 436. Two Large Air Tankers (LATs) dropped retardant along the southern flank to slow progression into the nearby Badger Creek drainage. A cold front is expected to move through the fire area late Friday afternoon into Saturday, which has the potential to produce strong winds. Firefighters and heavy equipment have continued prepping and removing brush along FSR 45 and FSR 537 to connect indirect lines along the western and northern fire edges. Hotshot crews are making good progress on handline construction, while also utilizing existing trail systems, to complete indirect containment lines along the east side of the fire. Fire personnel continue to evaluate options for containments lines in anticipation of the incoming weather system. Evacuations: There are no evacuations in place. Closures: Road, trail, campground, and area closures are in effect. This includes portions of Forest Service Road (FSR) 45 from County Road 20 north to Indian Rock Trailhead, as well as portions of FSR 4550 from FSR 4555 west to the intersection of FSR 45. The Princess Trail is closed from the trailhead to Forest Service Trail (FST) #251, as well as the Big Boulder Trail from the trailhead north to Head O’Boulder camp. Additionally, Indian Rock Trail is closed from Head O’Boulder camp north to Sharp Ridge/Squaw Rock trailhead. Head O’Boulder camp is also closed. An area closure is also in effect from FSR 45, south to FSR 4550, east to FSR 749, north to FSR 436, north to FST #251, northwest to FSR 537, then west back to the junction of FSR 45. For full area closure information and map, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur. Smoke: Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com. Public Safety: The closure order is in place to provide for public and firefighter safety during an active and developing wildfire incident. Prospective hunters should plan around the closure area when scouting camp locations and hunting grounds. Forest visitors should be aware of changing fire conditions and plan alternate travel routes if additional road closures are put in place. Fire danger on the Malheur National Forest remains HIGH. Please visit the Forest webpage for current public use restrictions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur. |
PREVIOUSLY POSTED: (8/26) Today’s official update has not yet been released regarding the Crockets Knob Fire burning near Greenhorn. Wildcad.net this morning has the blaze estimated at 1000 acres. Area closures are in place, and maps can be found on the incident webpage within InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/.
Also find more information at fs.usda.gov/malheur.
(Press Release from the Malheur National Forest)
UPDATE (8/25):
Location: 19 miles north of Prairie City, Oregon
Start Date: August 22, 2022
Cause: Lightning
Current Size: 225 acres
Containment: 0%
Current Situation: The Crockets Knob Fire was reported the morning of August 22 after abundant lightning moved through the Malheur National Forest. The fire is predominantly moving south/southeast, burning through timber and brush within the 1996 Summit Fire scar, but active fire behavior is observed along all flanks. Due to the rugged terrain and level of fire activity, there is limited access for fire crews to safely engage the fire directly. Firefighters and heavy equipment are making good progress along the 45 and 537 Roads, removing brush and timber to create a fuel break, with the intent to establish indirect containment lines. There are currently 140 personnel working on the incident including two Interagency Hotshot Crews, fire engines, heavy equipment, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. There are no structures immediately threatened.
Evacuations: There are no evacuations in place.
Closures: Road, trail, campground, and area closures are in effect. This includes portions of Forest Service Road (FSR) 45 from County Road 20 north to Indian Rock Trailhead, as well as portions of FSR 4550 from FSR 4555 west to the intersection of FSR 45. The Princess Trail is closed from the trailhead to Forest Service Trail (FST) #251, as well as the Big Boulder Trail from the trailhead north to Head O’Boulder camp. Additionally, Indian Rock Trail is closed from Head O’Boulder camp north to Sharp Ridge/Squaw Rock trailhead. Head O’Boulder camp is also closed. An area closure is also in effect from FSR 45, south to FSR 4550, east to FSR 749, north to FSR 436, north to FST #251, northwest to FSR 537, then west back to the junction of FSR 45. For full area closure information and map, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com.
Public Safety: The closure order is in place to provide for public and firefighter safety during an active and developing wildfire incident. Please review all current closures before heading out to recreate in the area. With archery season opening Saturday, August 27th, hunters should plan around the closure area when scouting potential camp locations and hunting grounds. Additionally, the public are encouraged to be aware of the HIGH fire danger on the Malheur National Forest. Current fire conditions and public use restrictions can be found on the Forest webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur.
Fire Information:Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalheurNationalForestTwitter: https://twitter.com/MalheurNF
(Photo by Sarah Bush)
The Malheur and Umatilla National Forests have temporarily implemented a trail and area closure surrounding the Crockets Knob Fire, which includes a portion of Forest Service Roads (FSR) 45 and FSR 4550. In addition, portions of several trails are closed within proximity of the fire, including the Princess Trail #251, the Big Boulder Trail #242, the Indian Rock Trail #3039 and the Head O’Boulder Forest Camp.
Crockets Knob Fire Closure Area
Road, trail, campground, and area closures are in effect.
This includes portions of Forest Service Road (FSR) 45 from County Road 20 north to Indian Rock Trailhead, as well as portions of FSR 4550 from FSR 4555 west to the intersection of FSR 45.
The Princess Trail is closed from the trailhead to Forest Service Trail (FST) #251.The Big Boulder Trail from the trailhead north to Head O’Boulder camp.
The Indian Rock Trail is closed from Head O’Boulder camp north to Sharp Ridge/Squaw Rock trailhead. Head O’Boulder camp is also closed.
An area closure is also in effect from FSR 45, south to FSR 4550, east to FSR 749, north to FSR 436, north to FST #251, northwest to FSR 537, then west back to the junction of FSR 45. For full area closure information and map, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur Closure signs will be posted on the ground and detailed maps of the closure information will be available on the Forest website and at any Forest office.
Forest officials advise the public to use caution when traveling on the Forest, as roads and trails could be impacted by hazards such as trees, rocks or boulders. There will also be an increase in fire vehicles and fire traffic. Forest conditions can be dynamic this time of year and likely to change throughout the day and week.
Visitors should plan ahead and contact their local ranger district prior to starting their trip. Many places in the Blue Mountains have limited or no cell phone coverage. Forest visitors should always be prepared to spend the night in the forest with warm clothing, food, personal hygiene items and plenty of water. The public is encouraged to monitor the Malheur National Forest Facebook page for updates on forest conditions and the current fire activity.
The public are encouraged to be aware of the elevated fire danger on the Malheur National Forest. Current fire conditions and public use restrictions can be found on the Forest webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur. For continued fire updates, please visit: Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8301Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalheurNationalForestTwitter: https://twitter.com/MalheurNF
PREVIOUSLY POSTED:
Location: 19 miles north of Prairie City, Oregon
Start Date: August 22, 2022
Cause: Lightning
Current Size: Approximately 150 acres
Containment: 0%
Current Situation: The Crockets Knob Fire was reported the morning of August 22 after significant lightning occurred across the Malheur National Forest. The fire is actively burning in all directions and is predominately moving to the west through grass, shrubs, and timber in the 1996 Summit Fire scar. Due to the steep and rugged terrain, access to the fire is limited. Fire crews are evaluating options for containment lines and continue to prepare the 45 Road and 537 Road. There are currently 140 personnel working on the incident including fire engines, hand crews, heavy equipment, helicopters, and Single Engine Air Tankers. Falling teams have been ordered to assist in mitigating hazard trees in the area. There are no structures immediately threatened.
Evacuations: There are no evacuations in place.
Closures: A fire area closure is expected today, August 24, 2022. Please visit the Fire Information links listed below for current closure information.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com.
Public Safety: Please be aware of the closure area noted above. There will be increased fire traffic on in the fire area; please be extra cautious while driving in the vicinity. The public are encouraged to be aware of the HIGH fire danger on the Malheur National Forest. Current fire conditions and public use restrictions can be found on the Forest webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur.
Fire Information: Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalheurNationalForest Twitter: https://twitter.com/MalheurNF
(Aerial photo by Jeremy Cowie)
PREVIOUSLY POSTED:
The Crockets Knob Fire was reported on the morning of August 22, after significant lightning occurred across the Malheur National Forest. The fire is burning in the 1996 Summit Fire scar in very steep and rugged terrain. It was last estimated at 25 acres. There is limited access to the fire, however, fire crews are working to establish containment lines. There are currently 140 personnel working on the incident including fire engines, hand crews, heavy equipment, helicopters, and Single Engine Air Tankers. Felling Teams have been ordered to mitigate the snag hazards in the area. There are no structures immediately threatened and no current evacuations.
The fire is now listed on InciWeb at: Crockets Knob Fire Information – InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)
