DAYVILLE — While the impending arrival of elk season is drawing more hunters to the mountains, portions of the Rail Ridge Fire area are still closed for the safety of firefighters and the public, fire managers noted in an update on Wednesday, Oct, 23.

The fire, burning south of Dayville, has consumed an estimated 176,619 acres and is 92% contained. A total of 383 personnel are assigned to battle the blaze.

With the approach of elk season and shifting seasonal weather patterns, Rail Ridge Fire managers encourage forest users to make sure intended camping and hunting areas are not closed due to wildfire activity.

Areas of the Rail Ridge Fire have impacted hunting grounds on the Ochoco and Malheur National Forests, Bureau of Land Management lands, and areas managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Hazardous conditions often follow active wildfire, fire managers said. This includes ground instability, difficult-to-recognize dangerous hotspots that may be under soil, and hazard trees existing within the area.

Forest access roads are still being utilized by fire crews and equipment completing repair work. Fire area closures remain in place for both firefighter and public safety, and public cooperation is appreciated as teams continue project efforts, officials said.

For more information on closures as well as Wheeler County and Grant County evacuation advisories, visit https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.

Information is available for private landowners or contractors with projects within the fire perimeter or Malheur National Forest Rail Ridge #2 Fire Closure (06-04-01-24-30) who have questions about land access, fire suppression activities, or suppression repair efforts in the area. Call the fire information line at 541-208-7111 or email 2024.railridge.liaison@firenet.gov.

The priority for firefighters continues to be identifying and repairing areas impacted by fire line and dozer operations throughout the course of the Rail Ridge Fire, officials said. Road crews are working to clear roads of logs and debris as a result of shaded fuel break work.

Fire resources are additionally evaluating impacts to historic and cultural sites within the fire zone. Much of the operational work in the western, southern and eastern zones of the fire has been completed.

A brief front will pass through Oregon Wednesday with chances of light precipitation over the fire area. A warming trend Friday and Saturday will lead to increasing southwest winds with chances of showers returning Saturday. This will be followed by continued cooling and rain-snow chances into Monday.

Recent cold temperatures and wet conditions have dampened potential for increased fire behavior. Elevated relative humidity has resulted in limited drying of fine fuels, while heavy fuels will continue to smolder and consume.

The next Rail Ridge Fire update will be posted Friday, Oct. 25.

More information on USFS and BLM closures, evacuation advisories and fire restrictions can be found at https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.