Firefighters battling the Town Gulch Fire in Baker County have made significant strides in containing the blaze, which is 18,500 acres. Despite the fire’s growth, crews have successfully secured several areas, including the southern perimeter near New Bridge and the west side along Sparta Road.
Efforts to control the fire were boosted by favorable weather conditions on Thursday, with light to moderate winds helping to reduce fire behavior around the perimeter. This allowed firefighters to make headway in suppression and containment, particularly in the fire’s northwest side, where crews conducted successful firing operations to hold the line in Town Gulch.
QUICK FACTS
Size: 18,500 acres (500-acre increase)
Containment: 0 percent
Total Personnel: 222
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: August 5, 2024
Structures Damaged or Destroyed: 2
The Oregon State Fire Marshal was joined by the Southern Area Blue Complex Incident Management Team and is in unified command of the fire. Over 80 people gathered to hear updates during a community meeting held Thursday night.
Looking ahead, hot and dry conditions are expected to persist on Friday, with isolated thunderstorms potentially bringing lightning and gusty outflow winds. These conditions could lead to increased fire activity, particularly on the northern and northeastern flanks, and are likely to result in more visible smoke from nearby communities.
In response to the growing fire, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has temporarily closed lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Town Gulch Fire under Forest Order No. 06-16-01-24-05. Fire restrictions are also in place under Forest Order No. 06-16-00-24-03. Detailed maps and information about these closures can be accessed on the Forest’s website.
Evacuations are currently in effect for areas around the fire, with the Baker County Sheriff’s Office issuing Level 1, 2, and 3 warnings. Residents are urged to stay informed through the sheriff’s office Facebook page and to sign up for emergency notifications via Baker County ALERT.
For those displaced by the fire, the American Red Cross of Idaho and East Oregon has opened an evacuation shelter at the Lions Club in Halfway, Oregon. Companion animals are welcome at the shelter, while large animals can be accommodated at the Haines Rodeo grounds.
As the fire continues to evolve, local, state, and federal resources remain committed to protecting private property and natural resources while working diligently to contain the fire.
For the latest updates, visit the Town Gulch Fire’s Facebook page.