UKIAH — Firefighters increased containment on the Battle Mountain Complex as crews strengthened their control lines on the southwest side of the blaze, fire managers said in an update on Friday, Aug. 9.

The fire, burning in Grant, Umatilla and Morrow counties, continued to hold at around 182,000 acres while containment increased to 61%, up from 48% on Thursday. Personnel assigned to the fire also increased, from 1,670 to 1,733.

Pockets of unburned fuel in Swale Creek and Ditch Creek continued to burn on Thursday. Firefighters responded by extinguishing hot spots and ensuring nothing threatened the containment lines.

In the late afternoon, two small spot fires crossed the containment lines just northwest of the Potamus drainage. Crews were able to quickly respond and build line around the spots.

Sawyers finished falling hazard trees on the southwest side of the fire. The night shift patrolled most of the south side of the fire and continued looking for hot spots on the north side.

On Friday, firefighters will continue mopping up and ensuring the remaining areas of unburned fuels around Notell, Swale Creek and Ditch Creek do not threaten containment lines. Masticators will reinforce the lines by removing brushy fuels north of the Potamus Creek drainage. Crews will continue checking for any remaining heat along the fireline southwest of Dale that is still not contained.

As much of the southern half of the fire is moving into a patrol status, fire managers are turning their efforts toward repair of any impacts caused from the suppression effort. Resource advisors are working with firefighters to identify what repair is needed and what equipment or resources will be needed to complete the work.

Engines are still patrolling the North Fork Owens Fire daily.

Weather: Cloud cover will continue to build in the afternoon Friday. A slight chance of rain is expected into the weekend, which may also bring slightly increased winds. These isolated showers are not expected to bring much moisture but will increase the chance of dry lightning and new fire starts. Temperatures will gradually trend down into next week.

Smoke: Smoke from regional fires is expected to persist in the area. Residents can expect to continue to see smoke from interior pockets of unburned fuel as well as small burnout operations. Helicopter resources will patrol the fire and provide bucket-drop support where visibility allows. Additional smoke information: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024 

Public Land Closures: The Bureau of Land Management and the Umatilla National Forest have closed public lands in the fire area. Visit https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024 for more information.

Road closures and fire restrictions: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

Grant, Morrow and Umatilla County Evacuations: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

Total Complex Estimated Acres: 182,766

Location: Ukiah, Oregon

Cause: Under Investigation

Personnel: 1733

Containment: 61%

Estimated Cost: $54 million

Resources: 59 crews | 70 engines | 9 helicopters | 40 water tenders | 25 dozers