7/23/2024 Central Oregon Fires Update

Central Oregon — Yesterday firefighters in Central Oregon responded to over 25 new reported fire starts. Firefighters had great success keeping most fires under an acre. A few fires quickly grew under continued hot and dry conditions.

The Durgan Fire, which started on private lands adjacent to the Ochoco National Forest approximately six miles northeast of Paulina quickly grew yesterday to an estimated 3,000 acres with active fire behavior. Firefighters on scene include Post-Paulina Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) and federal resources. Today firefighters are constructing line around the perimeter of the fire and looking at places where rocky outcroppings can be used as potential control features. Federal resources are currently in unified command with the Crook County Emergency Management. The fire is 0% contained.

At 8 p.m. last night the Crook County Sheriff’s Office shared the following update: “According to incident command at the scene of the fire, the evacuation levels have changed. South of the forest boundary on Beaver Creek Road is now at a level 2 evacuation status. Everything east of Big Summit Prairie to the county line and south to the forest boundary will remain at level 3 evacuation. The roadblock at Ochoco Ranger Station will be removed soon. The roadblock at Beaver Creek Road and Paulina Highway will be moved to the forest boundary.” For additional updates from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office visit facebook.com/CrookCountySheriff.

The Crazy Creek Fire, burning on the Ochoco National Forest five miles east of Big Summit Prairie near Crazy Creek, is estimated at 700 acres and is 0% contained.

The Pulley Creek Fire, burning on the Ochoco National Forest, approximately 1 mile southwest of Big Summit Prairie, is currently estimated at 11 acres and 0% contained. Firefighters completed dozer line around the perimeter of the fire last night and will work on securing lines today.

Firefighters are also engaged in suppressing a few small fires burning north of Big Summit Prairie.

Firefighters continue to make good progress on the Wickiup and Round Mountain Fires burning on the Deschutes National Forest. The Round Mountain and Wickiup Fires are burning approximately seven miles northwest of La Pine and just north of Wickiup Reservoir. A Central Oregon Type 3 Team is managing both incidents.

Firefighters are continuing to mop up hots spots and secure the perimeter’s of both fires. The Wickiup Fire remains 168 acres and is now 50% contained. The Round Mountain Fire remains 108 acres and is now 20% contained.

Yesterday the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office decreased evacuation notices around the Wickiup Fire to Level 1 (Be Ready). This includes the Haner Park area and the Deschutes National Forest between Forest Service Road 4262 and Forest Service Road 44, south of South Century Drive (FS 42) and Burgess Road (FS 43).

The Deschutes National Forest has issued area emergency closures for both the Wickiup Fire and the Round Mountain Fire. Bull Bend and Wyeth Campgrounds and Tenino Boat Launch are currently closed. North Twin Lake Campground remains closed and is being used to support firefighting operations.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire.

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