UKIAH — With containment increasing, evacuation statuses are being reduced across the southern half of the Battle Mountain Complex.

The fire, burning in Grant, Umatilla and Morrow counties,  is holding at about 183,000 acres with 68% containment. A total of 1,731 personnel are assigned to fight the blaze.

The Grant County Emergency Management Office on Saturday announced further downgrades of evacuation zones around the fire, with all evacuation advisories lifted for the communities of Monument and Long Creek.

All evacuation zones adjacent to but outside the Battle Mountain Complex Fire lines in Grant County have been downgraded, officials said. Level 2 zones are now level 1 and Level 1 zones have been removed. The city of Monument is no longer in an evacuation zone.

All evacuation zones west of the Courtrock Fire and south of Highway 402 have been removed, to include the town of Long Creek. Evacuation zones east of the Courtrock Fire to Highway 395 remain in place.

The entire southern half of the fire is now contained, fire officials said. On Friday firefighters added containment to the area southwest of Dale. Crews were backhauling equipment including hose, pumps and water tanks from the southwest side of the fire where it is no longer needed.

There are still contained lines on the southern half that require evaluation for repair needs. Once the repair plans are finalized, equipment will mobilize to do the work. Suppression repair often involves heavy equipment building water bars on dozer lines to prevent erosion and seeding or covering disturbed areas with brush.

As the southern half of the fire looks towards backhaul of equipment and repair, most of the focus remains on the northern half of the fire. Large logs continue to produce smoke in Alder Creek, but they are far from containment lines. Crews will continue to monitor this area today and act if needed.

On saturday, fire is expected to creep through Potamus and Ellis Creek drainages as it did Friday. Northwest of Dale, firefighters will thoroughly inspect the perimeter for any remaining heat. Any heat detected will be extinguished. With increased containment on the southern side, some firefighters working night shift are being moved to day shift to assist where needed.

Around Penland Lake crews and heavy equipment are working on contingency lines. If fire should cross the direct lines in the Potamus drainage and push north, these backup lines could be used. Heavy equipment is removing fuels along these contingency lines to be sure they are ready if needed.

Weather: Each afternoon cloud cover will gradually increase through early next week. A few showers and thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon through the weekend. Skies will then clear overnight. Temperatures will range from upper 70s to lower 90s during the day. Lows will range from mid 40s to lower 60s with increased overnight 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. Helicopters will patrol the fire and provide bucket-drop support if needed. To see a detailed smoke outlook visit: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

Public Land Closures: The Bureau of Land Management and the Umatilla National Forest have closed public lands in the fire area. Visit https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024 for more information.

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

Grant, Morrow and Umatilla County Evacuations: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or97s-battle-mountain-complex

Total Complex Estimated Acres: 182,818

Location: Ukiah, Oregon

Cause: Under Investigation

Personnel: 1731

Containment: 68%

Estimated Cost: $56 million

Resources: 59 crews | 71 engines | 6 helicopters | 34 water tenders | 21 dozers