Cow Valley and Bonita Fire evacuation levels updated. More firefighting resource incoming.
By Joe Hathaway on Sunday, July 14th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Northeastern Oregon News
MALHEUR COUNTY. SUNDAY 7/15 AT 6:20 P.M. (Update from the Malheur County Sherriff’s Office
In consultation with fire officials we are issuing the following updates:
Hwy 26 Corridor (Willow Creek, Jaimeson, Brogan) – Conditions have improved. This area’s preparedness condition is DOWN GRADED to “GET READY” or the lowest level of preparedness. Make plans of where you want to go. Have an overnight bag packed and waiting. If you need to plan for places for livestock, now is the time to work all of that out.
The City of Vale is not in danger at this time. Only those that live on the Wildland/Urban Interface, north west of Vale, need to follow these warnings.
NW of Vale (Graham Blvd and North, Alder road and west) – Also DOWN GRADED to “Get Ready”, or the lowest level of preparedness. Make plans of where you want to go. Have an overnight bag packed and waiting. If you need to plan for places for livestock, now is the time to work all of that out.
Westfall area (including Bonita, Indian Valley, Clover Creek areas) – This area has been UPGRADED to the “Get Set” or the next level of preparedness. Fire activity on the Cow Valley Fire has picked up on the southern side of the fire and preparations should be made in case weather conditions and fire behavior increase. You should have your travel supplies and companion animals ready to go within 10 minutes of notice to evacuate. Plans should be set. Don’t go anywhere yet unless you need extra time to get out and travel.
Evacuees are welcome at the Red Cross Evacuation Shelter in Ontario at the Malheur County Fairgrounds, located at 795 N.W. 9th St. The fairgrounds can accommodate companion animals, large animals and there is space for dry camping in RVs as well as showers, air conditioning and breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For the most up-to-date evacuation information, please visit the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office page on Facebook.
For additional information and updates on the Cow Valley Fire, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562017027302
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SUNDAY 7/14 AT 9:25 A.M. (Release from Cow Valley Fire Public Information) Starting at 6:00 a.m. this morning, the Cow Valley Fire and Bonita Fire are being managed under Unified Command by Oregon State Fire Marshall Red Team and NW Team 6, which are both Complex Incident Management Teams. The Oregon State Fire Marshall Red Team will lead structure protection efforts and defend critical infrastructure. NW Team 6, will focus on fire suppression and request and coordinate wildland firefighting resources including firefighters, engine crews, aviation, and heavy equipment. More resources are being ordered and should arrive over the next several days.
The Malheur County Sheiff’s Office has issued evacuation orders, check below for more information or visit the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
The Cow Valley Fire started on July 11 and the cause is under investigation. The fire grew rapidly in size through dry flashy fuels (grass and juniper) due to severe weather conditions conducive to fire including high temperatures, low humidity levels, high winds, and a lack of overnight recovery time. On July 12, 2024 Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act which mobilized Oregon State Fire Marshall task force units from Marion, Clatsop, Multnomah, Lane, Umatilla counties to Malheur County for the first time in over 30 years.
Yesterday, the Cow Valley Fire grew southeast towards Bully Creek Reservoir and Cottonwood Mountain Lookout Road. Firefighters completed some strategic firing operations from Bully Creek Road to prevent the advancement of the fire towards the geothermal power plant. The fire remains northwest and west of the community of Brogan and west of Hwy 26 near the communities of Jamieson and Vale.
Today, crews will be working to suppress the Cow Valley Fire using direct and indirect attack. Indirect attack will include the creation of fireline, also know as handline or dozer line, some distance away from the fire. Fireline is created by firefighters or heavy equipment when they dig down to the mineral soil to create a perimeter around the fire. Indirect attack also includes the use of water from fire engines and water and retardant drops from aviation. Direct attack tactics will include strategic firing operations to reduce consumable (green) fuels ahead of the fire and to create fireline next to active fire. Firing operations will be minimized the smallest extent possible.
BONITA FIRE: The Bonita Fire started on July 11 and the cause of it is under investigation. It is
currently 2,275 acres. Yesterday, the fire spotted over the fire perimeter, but crews were able to
extinguish the flames. Firefighters will continue to mop-up the fire perimeter by removing pockets of
heat using water, hand tools, and heavy equipment.
WEATHER AND SMOKE: A red flag warning is in effect until12:00am Sunday evening. A red flag
warning occurs when the weather conditions show high temperatures, low humidity levels, and strong
winds. This combination of weather conditions creates unstable conditions and could lead to extreme
fire behavior. Thunderstorms are expected to move into the area later this afternoon. Lightning could
create new fire starts and firefighters are prepared to address those. Temperatures could reach 104
degrees Fahrenheit today. Winds will be moving southeast at 3-14 mph, with gust up to 60 mph.
Yesterday, smoke from the fire drifted east with the wind during the day and shifted west during the
evening. For the current smoke information and the air quality index, visit airnow.gov.
EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES:
Level 1 – Be Ready – Green
The communities of Westfall and Vale.
- 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 along Highway 26 from Brogan to Willowcreek. This includes residents located north and
west of Range Road (also known as Reservoir Road). - 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
No locations are under this level of evacuation 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.
FIRE PREVENTION: A burn ban is currently in effect for all of Malheur County. For more information,
visit https://www.malheurco.org/category/public-notices/.
FIRE PREVENTION: A burn ban is currently in effect for all of Malheur County. For more information, visit https://www.malheurco.org/category/public-notices/.
Cow Valley Fire Incident Website
Cow Valley Fire Facebook
Cow Valley Fire Phone Number: 541-208-4371 (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
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(Information from the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office)
SATURDAY, JULY 13 AT 2:45PM – The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, in consultation with fire personnel, is updating the current evacuation levels for the Cow Valley Fire to ensure the safety of community members in Brogan, Willow Creek, Jamieson, Westfall, and Vale.
The following evacuation orders are in place:
Residents along Highway 26 from Brogan to Willow Creek, are now at a Level 2 evacuation. This includes residents located north and west of Range Road (also known as Reservoir Road).
The communities of Westfall and Vale are now at a Level 1 evacuation.
Level 2 evacuation means that there is high danger in the area and residents should prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. Residents are encouraged to stay alert, and ensure their vehicles are packed and preparations are in place to quickly move people and livestock if necessary. If you or your family require additional time to evacuate, now is the time to do so.
Level 1 evacuation means that residents should prepare to evacuate and stay informed on current evacuation. To ensure your safety and comfort during an evacuation, prepare an overnight bag and a change of clothes, as well as medications, phone chargers and pet supplies.
For the most up-to-date evacuation information, please visit the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office page on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069245917855
For additional information and updates on the Cow Valley Fire, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562017027302
Evacuees are welcome at the Red Cross Evacuation Shelter in Ontario at the Malheur County Fairgrounds, located at 795 N.W. 9th St. The fairgrounds can accommodate large animals and there is space for RVs as well as air conditioning. American Red Cross is also providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as showers.
