Owens Creek Fire holding as crews shift efforts to contain Monkey Creek and Snake Fires growth
By Dan Thesman on Monday, July 22nd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UKIAH – [News release from Oregon Department of Forestry] Sunday, firefighters focused on protecting structures and scouting ahead of the path of the Monkey Creek and Snake Fires to look for potential locations to build direct and contingency lines in difficult terrain and along canyon rims.
Firefighters were able to hold and construct line completely around the 3,887-acre North Fork Owens Fire, which currently stands at 10% containment. Crews will continue to establish hose lays for mop up and patrol the perimeter. Today (Monday), officials plan to shift some resources to the more active Snake and Monkey Creek fires.
On the 7,499-acre Snake Fire, crews were able to hold the fire to the west of Highway 395 while focusing on protecting structures and heading off the southeast corner of the fire, towards the town of Dale.
Winds out of the north and northwest are pushing the 18,586-acre Monkey Creek Fire south towards Ritter. Firefighters caught a win Sunday by keeping the fire north of the John Day Middle Fork River.
Red Flag Warnings will persist Monday, as firefighters continue to face difficult terrain with limited resources. Difficult terrain is a major factor in where firefighters can place direct line as they attempt to safely maneuver steep, craggy hillsides and loose rocks. Firefighters are especially cautious of rolling debris and loose rocks. Officials have Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) Teams along the fire as an extra precaution for firefighter safety.
The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team 3 is managing these fires as the Battle Mountain Complex. The fires started in the late afternoon and evening of July 17, 2024.
Closures: A road closure remains in effect for Highway 395, between mile posts 50 through 90, beginning 35 miles South of Pilot Rock.
Evacuations: Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in effect. For updated information, visit www.facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff, or sign up for the Umatilla County Emergency Alert System at https://member.everbridge.net/index/2590041373147145.
For current area fire info, go to http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ or ODF NEO Facebook: www.facebook.com/oregondeptofforestryNEO/. To report a fire, call Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch at (541) 963-7171 or dial 9-1-1.
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Total Estimated Size: 29,972 acres
Monkey Creek: 18,586
North Fork Owens: 3,887 acres
Snake: 7,499 acres
Containment: 2%
Cause: Under Investigation
Estimated Cost: $1,400,000
All Resources
Hand Crews: 16
Engines: 30
Water Tenders: 5
Dozers: 11
Helicopters: 8
Total Personnel: 586
