Monkey Creek and Snake fires expected to merge

UKIAH, Ore. – Building off day-shift progress, night crews made big gains across the southern portions of the very-active Monkey Creek and Snake fires.

The Monkey Creek and Snake fires are both burning towards each other within the canyon rim of the North Fork John Day River within the steep terrain which is difficult for firefighters to access. In the river corridor, firefighters are focused on protecting homes and structures and building defensible space around them. 

To the south of those fires, crews were able to connect dozer lines from the Snake River all the way across to the southeast section of the Monkey Creek Fire. Today, they will improve and hold those lines as the fire pushes toward them.

Firefighters successfully burned-out areas along the southeast of the Snake Fire. Vegetation is often lit between the established containment line and the main fire to halt its progress. On the north end of the Snake Fire, crews were able to lay hose and plumb water out across the line.

The 3,887-acre North Fork Owens Fire currently stands at 10% containment (the complex stands at 2% containment). Crews will continue mop-up operations and patrolling the perimeter.

Firefighters still face critical fire weather in the region and heavy smoke is making it difficult for helicopters to access some portions of the fire. In addition to the smoke from this complex, the area is inundated with smoke from fires across the region.

Closures: A road closure remains in effect for Highway 395, between mile posts 50 through 90, beginning 35 miles South of Pilot Rock.

Evacuations: Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in effect. For updated information, visit www.facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff, or sign up for the Umatilla County Emergency Alert System at https://member.everbridge.net/index/2590041373147145.

For current area fire info, go to http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/  or ODF NEO Facebook: www.facebook.com/oregondeptofforestryNEO/. To report a fire, call Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch at (541) 963-7171 or dial 9-1-1. 

 

FIRE AT A GLANCE

Total Estimated Size: 42,474 acres

Monkey Creek: 25,030

North Fork Owens: 3,887 acres

Snake: 13,557 acres

Containment:     2%

Cause:  Under Investigation   

Estimated Cost:               $1,400,000

All Resources

Hand Crews:                     16   

Engines:                            30   

Water Tenders:                  5   

Dozers:                             11

Helicopters:                      8
Total Personnel:              586