Durkee Fire nearing 250,000 acres after lightning strike causes wildfire

DURKEE, Ore. -- Oregon State Fire Marshal said the Durkee Fire has spread to nearly 250,000 acres and has closed some of Interstate 84.

According to OSFM, after lightning on Wednesday, July 17th, a large wildfire started about five miles southwest of Durkee.

OSFM said infrared light confirmed the fire is around 239,255 acres as of 1:11 a.m. on July 23. The fire has spread more than 65,000 acres since it was measure on July 21 at 7:25 p.m. Fire officials said the fire spread so rapidly due to record-setting high temperatures, extreme and unseasonably dry fuels and erratic high winds.

According to fire officials, the smoke caused low visibility which delayed aerial support Monday morning. However, clearer skies Monday afternoon allowed for aerial support and fire-retardant drops.

At this time, officials said the fire is 0% contained and more than 600 fire personnel are battling the blaze.

According to Baker County Sheriff's Office several new fires have ignited the evening of Monday, July 22 due to extreme weather including lightning and strong winds.

Evacuations:

Level 1 (BE READY) evacuations:

• The area south of Dry Gulch Road to the Powder River

Level 2 (BE SET) evacuations:

• Rangeland area east of I-84 to Highway 201 extending south (located in Malheur County)

Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuations:

• The area south of Powder River and Brownlee Reservoir to Huntington, east of Iron Mountain Road and Timber Canyon to the Snake River

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