Crockets Knob Fire - Sept. 13, 2022

HIGH DESERT TYPE 3 TEAM 

Incident Commander: Ron Simpson 

September 13, 2022 

Weather: Today will have increased chance of thunderstorms. Gusty and erratic winds are likely near developing storm cells. Temperatures will be in the upper-70s, and the minimal relative humidity will be near 30 percent. Winds will be light, except near storm cells. Widespread smoke haze will be visible throughout the area.  

Operations: Yesterday crews continued suppression repairs along FSR 45, including chipping and spreading bales of straw. The straw will help reduce erosion by covering bare ground and slowing water run-off. Several hand crews worked closely with resource advisors scattering fuels and constructing water bars along containment lines. Today several excavators will begin suppression repairs along FSR 4555 and near Indian Rock Lookout. The excavators will be used to help spread heavy fuels, construct water bars and smooth out mounds of debris and dirt. 

Closures and Evacuations:  There are no county evacuation alerts, and County Road 20 (Middle Fork Road) is open to all motorists.  

The Malheur and Umatilla National Forests’ fire area closure remains in effect for areas east of FSR 45. For complete closure information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/notices/?cid=STELPRD3845529   

Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com 

The Malheur National Forest’s Public Use Restriction is Phase C on the Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts. No campfires or personal chainsaw use is allowed. The Umatilla National Forest remains in at Phase B, which allows campfires only in designated campgrounds and recreation sites. For more information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/fire, and  

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices. 

Fire Danger remains Extreme for the surrounding area. The vegetation is still very dry, and one spark or ember could start a significant fire. The public can help us by making good decisions when they recreate on public lands and by following local fire restrictions.

Quick Facts: 

• SIZE:    4,331 Acres 
• CONTAINMENT: 75% 
• CAUSE: Lightning 
• PERSONNEL: 171 
• LOCATION: 19 miles north of Prairie City 

FIRE INFORMATION:  

541-625-0892 

2022.crocketsknob@firenet.gov  

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CrocketsKnobFire  

INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/  

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION 

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Crockets Knob Fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone - if you fly, we can’t.