Firefighters turn the corner on Courtrock Fire, nearly finished with fireline around the fire

Published 11:08 am Monday, July 29, 2024

MONUMENT — Firefighters have nearly completed firelines around the Courtrock Fire burning south of Monument and west of Long Creek, fire managers announced on Monday,  July 29.

The fire now covers an estimated 17,000 acres and is 24% contained, with 356 personnel assigned to fight the blaze.

Building off progress made on Sunday, crews worked overnight to strengthen the fireline around the fire, officials said.

The fire is now nearly lined with a mix of handline, roads, and bulldozer line. Monday, firefighters will work to finish approximately 1 mile of line in light fuels and continue to strengthen existing line, bringing the fire’s edge to the line in any areas where it is indirect.

On the northern edge of the fire, northwest of Hamilton Mountain, mop up will continue as firefighters work to find any areas of heat and increase the area of cold black adjacent to the fireline. Along the southwestern edge of the fire, firefighters will continue to improve the fireline in difficult terrain and work to hold the fire at USFS 3950 Road.

The southeast area of the fire will see some interior burning of fuels and tightening of the line as the fire consumes unburned fuels. This area had significant spotting from the main fire on Saturday.

Three structural task forces from the Oregon State Fire Marshal are coordinating with wildland firefighters, securing line along the southeast, particularly along the 3950 road. Structure protection is the priority for these resources, both homes that have been impacted by fire and immediately threatened.

Jason Pettigrew, Operations Section Chief, emphasized the hard work from the landowners in the area: “The miles of fireline they have built, and the miles of line they have secured — we couldn’t do it without their support.”

Weather Monday will test these lines, while also helping firefighters identify areas of heat. In the afternoon, a cold front moving through will bring stronger winds from the west, transitioning to northwest, increasing fire behavior. A slight potential for rain or thunderstorms in the afternoon is expected, with a greater chance of wetting rain later in the evening. This moisture will help moderate fire behavior and provide an opportunity for firefighters to continue pushing into the fire interior to secure the perimeter.

Evacuations: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423

Road Closures: https://www.tripcheck.com

Vaughn Rd., Short Beech Creek Rd., Short Corner Rd., Grant County Rd #9, Keeny Fork Rd. to Four Corners, and Middle Fork Rd.

Fire Restrictions: https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html

Closures:

Due to fire activity in the area, the U.S. Forest Service has issued closures for the Malheur. Up to date information on Malheur National Forest closures can be found here:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/malheur/news-events

Information for Zone I of the Battle Mountain Complex, including the western portion of the Monkey Creek Fire (formerly Boneyard Fire) can now be found at:

www.facebook.com/battlemountaincomplex2024

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

• Grant County Emergency Management Office’s Facebook page, or sign up for the Grant County Emergency Alert System at https://member.everbridge.net/825462649520134/login.

Morrow County Evacuation information can be found at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/de78333b0d2544f7a3 20142174aa20ae

Shelters: An evacuation center has been set up at Grant Union High School (911 S Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845).

Clean air and cooling centers are located in the following locations in Grant County:

• Grant County Library- cooling & clean air, Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• John Day Senior Center- cooling & clean air, Monday & Thursday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday 12 – 4

p.m.

• Prairie City Public Works – clean air center, Monday – Friday 12 – 7 p.m.

• Dayville Community Hall- cooling & clean air, 24/7

Size: 17,066 acres

Containment: 24%

Cause: Lightning

Estimated Cost: $ 735,000

Total Personnel: 356

Hand Crews: 10

Engines: 34

Water Tenders: 13

Dozers: 15

Helicopters: 8