Firefighters are making progress in slowing the Rail Ridge Fire in Grant, Crook, and Wheeler counties. An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 157,759 acres. Fire managers say the fire is 11 percent contained.
Fire behavior was moderate on Monday, giving crews a chance to improve previous fire line work. Overnight, favorable winds helped slow the fire as it approached Dayville. Tuesday morning’s fire map shows the flames about 1.5 miles from town, moving slowly into containment lines. While fire activity increased along the ridgetops near Dayville later in the afternoon, there were no high-intensity flare-ups, and containment held
On Monday, Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces were stationed in Dayville, Fields Creek, and Suplee to protect structures. Crews also completed damage assessments in areas hit by the fire earlier in the week with no change in the number of destroyed structures. The Oregon State Fire Marshal teams will continue reinforcing structural protection in the Dayville, Suplee, Fields Creek, Battle Creek, and Morgan Mountain areas, maintaining 24-hour coverage.
In the South Fork area, erratic winds and difficult terrain have made fire containment challenging. Crews are working to halt the fire’s progress toward the Morgan Ranch area. Meanwhile, the fire along the Paulina/Suplee Road is backing into containment lines without issue, and the western edge of the fire has seen little movement over the past few days.
Closures and Evacuations
Partial closures are in place by the Ochoco National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). For the latest information and maps on closures, please visit the Ochoco National Forest, Malheur National Forest, and BLM websites.
Evacuation Information
- Crook County: Updates are available on the Crook County Emergency Management website and the Crook County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
- Wheeler County: Visit the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for real-time updates.
- Grant County: For the latest information, check the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page.
Evacuation Shelters
- People: The Mt. Vernon Community Hall, located at 640 S. Ingle Street, Mt. Vernon, is available for evacuees.
- Large Animals: The Grant County Fairgrounds at 411 NW Bridge St, John Day, OR 97845, is open for large animals.
Weather
Cooler, wetter conditions are expected today, which should aid with containment efforts. However, drier weather is forecast for Friday, though temperatures are expected to remain cool.