Sunday was another extremely active day on the Durkee Fire in Baker County. Winds from nearby thunderstorms picked up around 6 p.m. causing 50-mile-per-hour outflow winds on the eastern section of the fire.
The fire pushed east between Rye Valley and Lockett Road toward I-84 causing more evacuations. A link to current information road closure information is below. Firefighters completed strategic firing operations from Bridgeport to Malheur Reservoir in partnership with resources from Rangeland Fire Protection Associations, Vale Bureau of Land Management, Rural Valley, the Oregon State Fire Marshal, and the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Today, firefighters are working to connect fire lines into Deer Creek in the north. The Durkee Fire has burned into two past fire scars which will support personnel in their work by slowing fire spread and giving firefighters more time to connect fire lines and conduct firing operations from. Aviation will continue to be an asset to crews by dropping water and retardant. Critical burn environments continue across the Pacific Northwest causing an extreme potential for continued ignition.
WEATHER AND SMOKE
There is a Red Flag Warning for lightning again today. The thunderstorms will bring outflow winds starting late afternoon and could cause gusts up to 55 mph from any direction. For current smoke information, visit www.airfire.org
EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES
The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuations for the area around Durkee Fire. Check for updates on the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. 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. For I-84 and other highways, visit 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: https://www.malheurco.org/category/public-notices/
TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION
There is a temporary flight restriction over the Durkee Fire. Please remember: if you fly, we can’t!
Cow Valley Fire Incident Website
Durkee Fire Incident Website
Cow Valley and Durkee Fire Facebook