Firefighters are working night and day to extinguish the Durkee Fire and six new lightning starts on the east side of Interstate. The Durkee, Cow Valley, and Bonita Road Fires are now being managed under Unified Command by Northwest Team 6 and the Oregon State Fire Marshall Green Team. The Complex Incident Management Teams will work in unison to protect structures, defend critical infrastructure, and coordinate fire suppression efforts.
The Bureau of Land Management Vale District led the initial attack response to Monday’s lightning starts east of I-84, with Durkee firefighting resources. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office issue additional evacuation orders in association with the largest new fire — the Thompson Fire, which started near Thompson Creek and was estimated to be 10,000 acres this morning.
QUICK FACTS
Start date: July 17, 2024
Location: 5 miles southwest of Durkee, OR
Fire size: 239,255 acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 635
OSFM Task Forces: 4
Cause: Lightning
The Durkee Fire is now 239,255 acres based on an infrared flight at 1:11am on July 23. The fire has grown 65,496 acres since an infrared flight measured it to be 173,759 acres at 7:25pm on July 21. This growth was due to record setting high temperatures, extremely and unseasonably dry fuels, and erratic high winds. The majority of fire growth occurred on the eastern edge.
Low visibility caused by smoke delayed aerial operations temporarily yesterday morning, but clearer skies in the afternoon allowed consecutive water and fire-retardant drops during initial attack and other fire suppression efforts.
The Durkee Fire was held in place on the northern flank, staying southwest of Durkee, Oregon, and I-84. The objective is to hold the fire south of Burnt River. The eastern flank of the fire continues to be active, creating large plumes of smoke. It has not crossed I-84. Firefighters focused on structure protection in the Durbin Creek area. They are also working to reduce fuels on the fire line between Lockett Road and Benson Road with fire where necessary. On the western flank, crews completed strategic burning operations west of Bridgeport and worked on structure protection in the community. Fire activity has decreased on the southern flank, north of the communities on Highway 26. Resources continue to patrol and monitor the area for smoke.
According to the National Incident Management Situation Report, the Durkee Fire is the number one priority fire in the nation. National resources are limited due to commitments on other large fires and emerging incidents. A Type 3 team has been ordered to work on the new fire starts east of I-84.
Weather and Smoke
Monday, the northwestern edge received light precipitation, temporarily moderating fire behavior. The fire remained active on all other flanks. Tuesday will be hot and dry with strong northwest winds. Temperatures are expected to reach 106oF. Wind gusts could be up to 55 mph. For current smoke information, visit airfire.org. A Red Flag warning is in effect for Wednesday with the possibility for thunderstorms.
Evacuations and Closures
The Malheur County Sheriff’s has issued evacuations for the area around Durkee Fire. check for updates on the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069245917855
The Baker County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuations for the area around Durkee Fire. Visit the Baker County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for more information. Baker County Sheriff’s Office has closed Burnt River Canyon Road to non-local, non-emergency traffic due to the Durkee Fire. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064434892363
I-84 and other Highways: Please go to tripcheck.com for current road closures as the situation is dynamic and subject to change.
Burn Ban
A burn ban is currently in effect for all of Malheur County, including all BLM lands. For more information, visit https://www.malheurco.org/category/public-notices/.
Temporary Flight Restrictions
There is a temporary flight restriction over the Durkee Fire, please remember, if you fly we can’t! If a drone or other aircraft enters the air space, all firefighting aviation equipment will be grounded.
Cow Valley Fire Incident Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incide…/orvad-cow-valley-fire
Durkee Fire Incident Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orvad-durkee-fire
Fire Information Phone Number: 541-208-4371, staffed 7AM to 7PM PDT
Fire Information Email: 2024.durkee@firenet.gov