8/10/2024 Elk Lane Fire Update

Acres: 5,176 acres | Start Date: August 4, 2024 | Cause: Lightning | Fuels: Timber, Brush, Tall Grass | Containment: 55% | Resources: 210

Resources: 5 hand crews | 17 engines | 3 bulldozers | 6 water tenders | 4 skidgen

Highlight: Firefighters continued to increase containment and ensure lines are secure.  Forecasted weather shows cooling temperatures (low-mid 80s), but dry conditions next week.  The fire is now 55% contained. 

Overview:  The Elk Lane Fire is approximately 5,176 acres in size.  It was started by a lightning strike on the evening of August 4th.  The fire is now being managed by the Central Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team (CO Type 3 Team).  With all evacuation levels below 3, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) Red Incident Management Team along with all remaining task forces are demobilizing today.    

Fire Activity:  Fire activity is minimal throughout the fire.  The approximate footprint of the burned area is east of the Deschutes River from Lake Simtustus to Belmont Lane, north of Belmont Lane to SW Elbe Drive and the Dry Canyon Area, south of Willow Creek, and west of NW Clackamas Drive.  Suppression efforts today will continue to focus on mopping-up and securing lines.  The great work of fire personnel has decreased threats to structures, resulting in the lowering of all evacuation levels.  The CO Type 3 Team continues to manage the fire with over 100 personnel.

Evacuations:  All evacuation levels in and around the Elk Lane Fire are below level 3.  For the most up to date evacuation information in Jefferson County visit, https://tinyurl.com/mte4e75m or the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Facebook Page at:  https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonCountyORSheriff/.  The Madras High School is still a temporary evacuation center, with the Red Cross on scene. 

Weather: Hot temperatures (low 90s), low relative humidity, and light winds are forecasted for today and tomorrow.  Cooler daytime temperatures (low-mid 80s) are forecasted starting Monday through next week.  The change in weather will help firefighters completing mop-up operations.

Importance of Fire Prevention/Fire Restrictions:   All public lands in Central Oregon, are in Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow fire prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources. The public’s cooperation in adhering to fire bans and restrictions is vital to prevent new fires from starting and to help our firefighters focus on containing the existing fires.

Fire Information: The public is encouraged to call (458) 206-1745, for updates or reports from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M   The information line will be shutting down tomorrow.   Local residents are encouraged to call the non-emergency dispatch number after tomorrow for any questions related to evacuations and/or the status of the fire.  This number is 541-384-2080.

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.