Lone Rock Fire containment reaches 83% amid cooler conditions and continued efforts
By Joe Hathaway on Sunday, August 4th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Eastern/Southeast Oregon News
| Acres: 137,222acres | Start Date: July 13, 2024 |
| Cause: Under Investigation | Fuels: Timber, Understory, Grass |
| Containment: 83% | Resources: 278 |
Lone Rock Fire Update: Sunday, August 4th, 2024
Overview: Yesterday, the cloud cover and elevated humidity levels resulted in decreased fire activity in areas still holding heat. This decrease in activity, though beneficial, did make it more difficult for firefighters to locate isolated pockets of smoldering fuels. It is likely that these interior pockets will continue to hold heat and produce smoke until a significant weather change (one bringing cooler temperatures and wetting rains) occurs in the area.
Excavators were used to break up and extinguish piles of mixed conifer debris on the west side of the fire. Crews continued work on the west side of the fire locating scattered areas of heat. Chipping work was also completed on the west side of the fire around FSR 21.
Operational objectives will remain the same today, with an emphasis on backhauling out tools and equipment that are no longer needed so they can be reallocated to other area fires.
Weather: Widespread haze forecast for today, with areas of smoke after 11am. Mostly sunny, with temperatures ranging from the upper 80s-105 degrees. Light and variable winds becoming northwest 5-8 mph in the morning, with gusts between 15-25 mph. There is a 15% chance for isolated thunderstorms this afternoon. The potential for dry lightning igniting new fires is the primary fire weather risk for today.
Evacuations: There are no Level 3 evacuations in place for the Lone Rock Fire.
- For Gilliam County evacuation information, visit Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
- For Wheeler County evacuation information, visit Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
- For Morrow County evacuation information, visit Morrow County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Closures:
- Umatilla National Forest Order Number 06-14-02-24-02 includes prohibitions within the Heppner Ranger District on the Umatilla National Forest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Prineville District Office issued an Emergency Public Land Closure on BLM-managed lands along the main stem John Day River and along the North Fork John Day River from Kimberly, Ore. to Dale, Ore.
Fire Information: 541-208-4369 from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. – 2024.0404rvlonerock@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/inciden…/orprd-lone-rock-fire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoneRockFireInformation
