Updated Area Closure & Evacuations for Falls Fire near Burns. Fire now burning an estimated 28,000 acres.
By Garrett Christensen on Saturday, July 13th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BURNS — (UPDATED EVACUATION ALERT 8:10PM)
The Harney County Sheriff’s Office has updated the evacuation levels for the Falls Fire. The town of Burns is now under Level 1 (Be Ready). The Sheriff’s Office says “We did this out of an abundance of caution due to how fast the fire was moving. We just want the community to be prepared in the event that there is a drastic change in the fire like there was earlier today.”
The latest reports indicate that the fire is now burning 28,000 acres.
(UPDATED EVACUATION ALERT 6:00PM)
This is an emergency evacuation notice from Harney County .
Level 3 evacuation for in place for certain areas near Falls Fire – Go Now!
Su área está en Nivel 3: ¡FUERA!
Due to fire conditions, the following area is at Level 3: South of USFS 37 & 3750 & 31 Rds. West of 31 & 3120 Rds; Hay Cr & Silvies River; USFS 43 Rd & 47 Rds. .
Debido a los incendios, la siguiente área está en Nivel 3: South of 37 & 3750 & 31 Rds. West of 31 & 3120 Rds; Hay Cr & Silvies River; USFS 43 Rd & 47 Rd. .
Level 3 means GO NOW- Leave Immediately!
There is extreme danger, and you should evacuate now. If you choose to ignore this alert, know that public safety personnel may not be available to help you.
Do not stop to gather your belongings or to protect your home.
Leave as fast as possible.
Drive carefully. Turn on your headlights. Follow traffic safety warnings.
Do not return to the area until public safety officials announce that it is safe.
If you are experiencing an immediate life safety issue call 911.
After you evacuate, continue to monitor local social media, TV, radio, your telephone devices, Fire information line is 541-208-4370
LEVEL 2: BE SET (YELLOW)
Stinger Creek, Skull Creek, all yellow
LEVEL 1: BE READY
East of Skull Creek to Burns, including Burns Paiute Tribe, and green area near Hwy 395 N
(Update 5:15 p.m. from the Harney County Sheriff‘s Office) If you have cattle in these areas, please evacuate NOW:
Haycreek, Yellow Jacket, and anywhere on the 47 road.
Law enforcement and fire officials have made in-person notifications to those in the area.
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(Update 4:55 p.m. from Falls Fire Organization) The Falls Fire has substantially grown this afternoon and has moved across Forest Road 47. The increase in fire activity is due to the predicted westerly winds, high temperatures and low relative humidity. Firefighters and aerial resources are actively engaged in protecting values at risk while continuing to hold existing containment lines and scouting direct and indirect holding features.
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(Update 3:05 p.m. from the U.S. Forest Service.)
The Malheur National Forest has issued an area closure for the Falls Fire on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. To protect public health and safety, fire managers have closed the area around the fire due to fire activity and fire suppression operations. This updated closure will be effective July 13, 2024, through December 31, 2024, unless rescinded sooner.
Campground Closures:
· Emigrant Creek Campground
· Falls Campground
· Yellowjacket Campground
· Delintment Lake Campground
Road Closures:
· Forest Service Road 43 – From the junction of FS Road-47 west to the National Forest Boundary.
· Forest Service Road 4310 – From the junction of FS Road -43 north to the National Forest Boundary.
· Forest Service Road 47 -From the junction of FS Road 43 – northeast to the National Forest Boundary.
· Forest Service Road 4770 – From the junction of FS Road 47 – north to the National Forest Boundary.
A detailed map of the closure is available on the Malheur National Forest website and offices.
For additional information about the Malheur National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/malheur
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Previous
(Release from the Falls Fire government organization) The Falls Fire grew to an estimated 4,500 acres yesterday due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. The fire remains 0% contained. The fire started July 10, 2024, and is burning 25 miles northwest of Burns, Oregon, on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. The fire was human-caused and remains under investigation.
Firefighters worked yesterday to establish an anchor point on the southwestern and southern flanks of the fire. Crews, bulldozers, and aircraft continued to use FSR 43 and constructed line on the western side of the fire, working their way to the north. The fire activity increased yesterday afternoon on the northern and eastern flanks, causing crews to withdraw from direct line construction efforts along the fire’s edge. Firefighters worked through the night and successfully contained several spot fires across FSR 4310 on the fire’s eastern edge. Aircraft will continue to support suppression efforts today.
There are 182 personnel assigned to the incident, including seven hand crews, ten fire engines, two bulldozers, and one helicopter. Two additional helicopters worked on the fire Friday and remain available to the incident as needed. Four single-engine air tankers (SEATs) and two very large air tankers (VLATs) supported firefighters and heavy equipment as they worked to secure portions of the fire’s north flank on Friday. Additional firefighting resources have been ordered.
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect over the fire area and a heat advisory is in place for the region. Today’s weather will be hot and dry, with temperatures in the upper 90’s. Relative humidity is low with winds from the west and southwest from 9-14 mph with gusts to 25 mph. There is a chance of afternoon thunderstorms producing gusty outflow winds with little to no precipitation predicted.
The Malheur National Forest has issued a fire area closure. Emigrant Creek Campground, Falls Campground, and several Forest Service Roads are closed for public and firefighter safety.
A detailed map and additional information about the fire area closure are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1188914. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is also in place over the fire area.
Know Before You Go! Fire restrictions are in place on public and private lands across Oregon. Nine out of 10 wildfires nationally are started by a human. Tow chains dragging, parking, and driving over dry grass, barbeques, campfires, smoking, and target shooting are all common accidental human starts. Please do your part and remember, it only takes one spark. Prepare yourself for hot and dry conditions, carry a shovel, water, and fire extinguisher when recreating in the outdoors. As soon as a up-to-date map is available, we will email it out.
