Crews push toward full containment of Courtrock Fire

Published 8:42 am Friday, August 9, 2024

MONUMENT — Crews continue to gain ground on the Courtrock Fire but it will keep burning for some time to come, fire managers warned in an update on Friday, Aug. 9.

The fire, burning south of Monument and west of Long Creek, is holding at about 20,000 acres and 83% containment. A total of 366 firefighters are assigned to the blaze.

Firefighters are extinguishing and removing burning materials on the upper east side of the Courtrock Fire and making steady progress towards the goal of full containment, meanwhile a Type-1 helicopter will assist with water drops in areas that still show heat within the fire’s interior, officials said.

Smoke may be visible from the roads near Merrill Springs; however, that is not an indicator of risk to containment. On the southern end of the Courtrock Fire, crews are pulling equipment off the line and wrapping up containment efforts.

Weather: A weak system will continue to cross the region Friday. The high but dense cloud cover will keep temperatures up overnight and marginally improve relative humidity recovery. This system still has the capability of producing lightning.

Any rain showers will be slight and may not even reach the ground. Winds will be terrain-driven with light gusts over ridgelines. Early next week a cool, dry system will enter the area. No significant weather events are expected in the near future.

Safety: Fire officials ask that the public keep driving in and near the affected areas to necessary trips only. The roads are still being used by fire personnel and heavy equipment. Although the fire is largely contained, it will not be out for some time.

Closures: Closure orders are under constant review. Agencies consider many factors with regard to these reviews. Public safety is always the first consideration. Hunting, firewood gathering, and other land uses are also considered. Agencies will open lands to these uses as soon as safety allows. 

Evacuations/Shelters/Closures: No Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in effect.

For Morrow County evacuation updates, visit the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

For Grant County evacuation updates, visit the Grant County Emergency Management Office’s Facebook page, or sign up for the Grant County Emergency Alert System.

The U.S. Forest Service has issued closures for the Malheur National Forest.

Fire Information: 541-208-4369 from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. – 2024.courtrock@firenet.gov

Acres: 20,019 acres

Start Date: July 21st, 2024

Cause: Lightning

Fuels: Timber, grass, brush

Containment: 83%

Resources: 366