Battle Mountain Complex Daily Update for August 20, 2024

 Type 3 organization assumes command of Battle Mountain Complex

Total Complex Estimated Acres: 183,026

Location: Ukiah, Oregon

Cause: Under Investigation

Personnel: 490

Containment: 94%

Estimated Cost: $81 million

Resources: 6 crews | 8 engines | 1 helicopter | 12 water tenders | 5 dozers

Operations: Today management of the Battle Mountain Complex is transferring to a Type 3 organization led by Incident Commander, Scott Jones at 8 p.m. The incoming fire management team will operate out of a smaller camp near Heppner. The new team is tasked with the remaining repair work and fuel removal.

This is the final update on the Battle Mountain Complex from Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3. For future information about the fire and ongoing work, please contact the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, or Oregon Department of Forestry.

The Southwest Incident Management Team would like to thank all the cooperating agencies, responders, and community members for their support.

For future information about the Battle Mountain Complex contact:

Bureau of Land Management

Kyle Hensley, Central Oregon Field Manager

Phone: 503-522-8844

khensley@blm.gov

Oregon Department of Forestry

Molly Johnson, NEO District PIO

Phone: 541-963-3168

Umatilla National Forest

Chris Dennis, Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Phone: 541-278-3976

Christopher.dennis2@usda.gov

There is still high fire danger in the area. Fuels remain dry, and any new fire starts have the potential for rapid growth. Firefighters assigned to the Battle Mountain Complex are ready to respond to any new fires in the area, but residents should be aware of local fire restrictions.

Burned areas have hazards like fire weakened trees that can fall over without warning. Please use caution if entering a burned area.

Weather: Variably cloudy today with highs in the upper 60s to lower 80s with minimum humidity 20-30%. Northwest winds 8-12 mph with gusts 15-25 mph in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy Tuesday evening with an isolated sprinkle or shower possible, clearing after midnight. Lows mid-40s to mid-50s with humidity 65-90%. Northwest winds 7-10 mph with gusts around 20 mph in the evening becoming light and variable overnight.