DAYVILLE — The Rail Ridge Fire grew slightly as crews extended containment lines and worked to solidify them, fire managers reported in an update on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

The fire, burning just south of Dayville, now covers 163,622 acres and is 59% contained, with 1,291 firefighters assigned to the blaze.

Crews working on the northeastern corner of the Rail Ridge Fire are conducting burnout operations to secure containment line in the area of the Black Canyon Wilderness, fire officials said.

Line construction and improvement is ongoing around the perimeter of the fire, as is road rehabilitation and suppression repair.

The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service are working cooperatively with the Oregon Department of Forestry to prioritize and complete suppression repair on federal, state and private lands. Landowners can submit a request for suppression repair assistance here: https://tinyurl.com/RailRidgeRepair

The Malheur National Forest has reduced the area closure for the Rail Ridge Fire on the Blue Mountain Ranger District. For map and more information, visit https://bit.ly/MalheurRRClosure.

Elevated temperatures and lower relative humidities with gusting winds are expected throughout this week. This could produce an increase in fire activity inside of containment lines, as well as more visible smoke in the area, according to fire officials.

All Level 1 and 2 evacuation zones have been lifted for Grant County, and Level 3 “Go Now” zones have been downgraded to Level 2 “Be Set” status.

For the latest evacuation levels in Wheeler, Crook and Grant counties, visit https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.

The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have implemented closures for the Rail Ridge and Wiley Flat fires. For more details and closure maps, visit https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.

Acres: 163,622

Containment: 59%

Detection Date: Sept 2, 2024

Cause: Lightning

Total resources: 1,291