July 24, 2024, Morning Update: Thunderstorms and wind gusts increase fire behavior.

UKIAH, Ore. – Firefighters faced another day of challenging weather with high temperatures and gusty, changing winds from thunderstorms in the area. The wind-driven increase in fire behavior created spot fires as far as a half mile away – one of which was roughly 200 acres.

“The vegetation is so receptive that just one ember can take off,” said Field Operations Section Chief Eric Perkins. “We’re seeing late-summer, mid-August conditions out here.”

Along the northern section, crews quickly suppressed and lined spot fires and will continue to prepare the line for burning operations.

Along Highway 395, crews performed firing operations to remove unburnt vegetation, so it doesn’t reignite and spot across the highway. The Oregon Department of Transportation removed hazardous, standing dead trees. Tree removal will continue over the coming days with heavy equipment using the roadway.

Crews also faced active fire behavior along the south end of the fire where fire crossed the lines as firefighters attempted to connect roughly seven miles of dozer line. Crews were able to hold the southeast corner of the fire with the help of helicopter bucket drops late in the afternoon.

ODF’s Team 1 and Team 3 are coordinating with each other to align objectives to manage operations as the Monkey Creek and Boneyard fires are expected to merge in the coming days.

Crews will continue mop-up operations and patrolling on the 4,485-acre North Fork Owens Fire, which stands at 40% containment (the complex stands at 5% containment). Crews saw some spot fires today with wind gusts, but firefighters quickly quelled the new starts.

Evacuations: Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in effect. For updated information, visit:

• For Umatilla County, follow facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff or sign up for Umatilla County Emergency Alert System at https://member.everbridge.net/index/2590041373147145.

• For Grant County, visit the RAPTOR arcgis site or sign up for alerts at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/825462649520134.

• For Morrow Couty, visit https://experience.arcgis.com/.../de78333b0d2544f7a320142...