Crazy Creek Fire reaches 87,000 acres, 71% containment
Published 12:19 pm Thursday, August 15, 2024
- crazy creek fire map 240815
PRINEVILLE — Firelines were holding but challenging weather conditions could could cause flareups on the Crazy Creek Fire, fire managers said in an update on Thursday, Aug. 15.
The fire, burning 5 miles north of Paulina, has grown to nearly 87,000 acres and is 71% contained. A total of 740 personnel are assigned to the blaze.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning in and around the Crazy Creek Fire until 11 p.m. Thursday, fire officials said. Red flag warnings indicate weather conditions conducive for facilitating active fire behavior.
Containment lines held as passing thunderstorms overnight produced minimal lightning and winds. Between .10 to .15 inches of rain fell, adding needed moisture to smaller-diameter vegetation and debris, but not enough to extinguish larger-diameter materials.
Firefighters will continue to patrol and extinguish hot spots around the fire’s perimeter and interior Thursday.
However, cooler daytime temperatures in the 60s and higher humidity (35% or greater) will reduce smoking from heat sources, making them harder to find.
Thunderstorms with the potential for lightning and erratic, gusty winds are forecasted to return to the area later in the afternoon or early evening.
Evacuations: The Crook County Sheriff’s Office has lowered the evacuation level from Level 3 (recommended evacuation) to Level 2 (set for evacuation) from Highway 380 north to SE Puett Road. The area north of SE Puett Road around the perimeter of the fire remains at a Level 3. The area south of Highway 380 has been lowered to Level 1 (prepare for possible evacuation). An evacuation map is available online through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.
Weather: Thursday and into next week hot, dry weather will persist throughout the area with temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s, light winds gusting to 21 mph and low humidity.
Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon, including the Ochoco National Forest, are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources.
Fire Restrictions and Closures: The Ochoco National Forest has implemented a forest closure for the eastern portion of the Paulina Ranger District. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for portions of public lands in Crook and Grant Counties.
More Information:
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-crazy-creek
Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/
Acres: Crazy Creek – 86,870; 71% contained
Kitty Creek – 73; 100% contained
Location: Crazy Creek: 5 miles north of Paulina, Oregon; 498/Kitty Creek: 7 miles south of Mitchell, Oregon
Start Date: July 22, 2024
Personnel: 740
Resources: 20 crews | 1 helicopter | 40 engines | 12 bulldozers | 20 water tenders | 3 masticators |16 skid steers
