UKIAH — Volatile weather conditions are creating a “heads-up day” for firefighters on the Battle Mountain Complex, fire managers said in an update on Thursday, Aug. 15.

The fire, burning in Grant, Umatilla and Morrow counties, is holding at just under 183,000 acres and is 90% contained. A total of 996 personnel are assigned to the blaze,

The potential for two rounds of thunderstorms Thursday, in both the early morning and afternoon, have firefighters watching the weather closely, officials said. These thunderstorms can create gusty outflow winds and cause fire-weakened trees to fall. If the thunderstorms are dry, lightning could start new fires in the area. A group of engines and crews are ready to aggressively respond to any new fires.

On Wednesday the northern portion of the fire that has continually flared up, smoked and smoldered produced little smoke. The same drainages that have been holding heat, including Swale, Ditch and Potamus creeks, were watched closely, and any heat detected was extinguished by engines and crews.

Across the northern fire line, fire managers worked to solidify their suppression repair plans and remove any unneeded equipment and supplies from private lands.

Suppression repair work is now complete near Dale. This work will be inspected before it is approved. An excavator is working down the fireline on the western side pulling in brush. The rest of the southern half of the fire is still getting repaired or waiting for local government agency inspection. Firefighters will check the North Fork Owens fire today for repair work needs.

The public can expect to see more firefighters and equipment parked along roadways. With heavy equipment coming off the fire there may be increased traffic. Please pass with caution and be alert for large trucks on blind corners.

Weather: Elevated chances of showers and thunderstorms will persist through Friday. Thursday a 70% chance of rain may bring widespread showers with measurable precipitation. A mix of clouds and sun with cooler temperatures is forecast. Highs will be in the lower 70s to upper 80s with increased humidity. 

Smoke: Smoke has moderated but is expected to persist from regional fires in the area. Residents can expect to continue to see smoke from interior pockets of unburned fuel. To see a detailed smoke outlook visit: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

Public Land Closures: Both the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service have either rescinded or reduced closure orders for public lands. Visit https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024 for more information.

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

Grant, Morrow and Umatilla County Evacuations: Evacuation levels are being reduced daily. For more information visit https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

Total Complex Estimated Acres: 182,951

Location: Ukiah, Oregon

Cause: Under Investigation

Personnel: 996

Containment: 90%

Estimated Cost: $68 million

Resources: 22 crews | 26 engines | 2 helicopters | 24 water tenders | 17 dozers