Wednesday’s weather will lead to extreme fire behavior and growth on the Durkee Fire in Baker County. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms and will be followed by a Flash Flood Watch. Thunderstorm wind gusts may reach 75 mph and are expected to directly impact the Durkee Fire footprint. Burned areas are more susceptible to landslides, mudslides, flash floods, and debris flow. The amount of rainfall is unknown, but 15/100 of an inch of precipitation in 15 minutes could be enough to cause debris flows.
QUICK FACTS
Start date: July 17, 2024
Location: 5 miles southwest of Durkee, OR
Personnel: 526
OSFM Task Forces: 4
Fire size: 244,858 acres
Cause: Lightning
Containment: 0%
The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office have issued evacuations for multiple areas. People in level 3 evacuations, “GO NOW”, should leave immediately and not return to their property until evacuation levels are removed. Officials are asking people to carry enough supplies to support you and your family for multiple days. A real-time map of fire evacuations can be found on the State of Oregon Fire Dashboard.
Weather and fire behavior could impact transportation, power transmission, cell service, and other utilities. Monitor these resources for additional information.
The Durkee Fire is located west of Interstate 84 (I-84). The Thompson Fire, a convergence of lightning fires that started near Thompson Creek on July 22, is located east of I-84. Both have grown rapidly with the persistent high temperatures, strong winds, and extremely dry fuels.
Firefighters worked overnight to maintain primary and secondary fire lines and to support structure protection. No strategic firing operations were initiated. Wildland firefighters are anticipating the extreme weather event. They will remain strategically placed around the fire area for when the extreme weather arrives and engage when it’s safe. Protecting the public and firefighters is the highest priority of the incident.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces will work to support communities around the fire perimeter.
Tuesday, air resources were limited due to poor visibility.