Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces released from Town Gulch Fire due to continued progress
By Joe Hathaway on Monday, August 12th, 2024 in Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY – The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s task forces have been released from duty on the Town Gulch Fire as containment efforts continue to progress. The fire, which started on August 5 due to lightning, has burned more than 18,000 acres and is currently 37% contained as of August 12.
Baker County Commission Chair Shane Alderson signed the release order, telling Elkhorn Media Group he’s grateful for the assistance provided by the Oregon State Fire Marshal and her team. “I want to thank Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple, and her team for all of their hard work on both the Durkee and Town Gulch fires,” Alderson said. “Today, I released the OSFM from the Town Gulch Fire. After meeting yesterday with our local Fire Chiefs, Emergency Management, and the Sheriff, I am confident that local jurisdiction can handle structure protection at this time.”
Alderson says the task forces had been instrumental in completing structure protection measures, leading to a reduction in evacuation levels. With their departure, local fire crews and the Southern Area Blue Team remain focused on maintaining containment and protecting communities.
While the west and south sides of the fire are secure, the north and northeastern sides continue to experience high fire activity. Four structures have been damaged or destroyed.
Weather conditions are becoming more favorable, with temperatures dropping into the high 70s and low 80s throughout the week. However, smoke from unburned fuels within the fire perimeter continues to impact local air quality, particularly in Halfway, where conditions have been measured as unhealthy.
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest lands around the fire remain temporarily closed, and fire restrictions are in effect. Evacuation levels issued by the Baker County Sheriff’s Office are still in place for areas near the fire.
Photo: Baker County Chair Shane Alderson (left) with Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple (right) at the incident command center for the Town Gulch Fire.
