Thick smoke limits air support as 1,400 firefighters battle Salmon and Olive Butte Fires

BAKER and GRANT COUNTY — Thick smoke from neighboring blazes moderated fire activity but grounded aerial support Saturday as more than 1,400 personnel battled the lightning-sparked Salmon and Olive Butte fires in northeastern Oregon.

Northwest Team 12 officials reported Sunday that the twin blazes, which ignited July 8, have burned a combined 4,242 acres. Both remain 15 percent contained.

A heavy blanket of smoke capped intense fire activity but severely limited visibility, forcing helicopters to temporarily halt water drops late Saturday afternoon. To counter the visibility issues, crews deployed an unmanned drone equipped with infrared thermal imaging to scout out lingering hot spots.

The 1,495-acre Salmon Fire experienced a minor flare-up Saturday when breezy, warming conditions pushed a quarter-acre “slopover” past the fireline. Firefighters quickly contained the breach with help from helicopters before the aircraft were grounded. Hotshot crews are finishing a handline around the north perimeter before moving directly into the wilderness.

Meanwhile, the 2,747-acre Olive Butte Fire remains highly active on its northwestern flank. Overnight, officials used a drone to drop specialized ignition spheres, burning out small pockets of fuel to secure the perimeter. Firefighters also extinguished several spot fires sparked by shifting winds.

Structure protection remains the top priority. As crews finalize safeguards around Greenhorn, resources are shifting north to protect homes in the Granite community and the historic Fremont Powerhouse. Evacuation orders issued by the Baker County Sheriff’s Office remain in place for both Granite and Greenhorn, and a temporary flight restriction is active over the area.

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Elkhorn Media Group