Oregon wildfires: Durkee Fire closes part of I-84 between Baker City, La Grande

As more than a dozen fires burned on national forestland in the Pacific Northwest, some areas have gone more than 75 days without rain as of Tuesday morning, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The record dryness was partly due to the lack of moisture in the Pacific Northwest. The Fremont-Winema and Deschutes national forests had gone more than 75 days without rain.

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in southern Oregon and Wallowa-Whitman in the east had both gone at least 45 days without rain, as has the Okanogan-Wenatchee.

The lightning storms last week produced more than 2,000 strikes in 48 hours, causing rapid wildfire growth in already dry timber regions.

“This is shaping up to be another monster fire year in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s just mid-July,” said Ed Hiatt, Pacific Northwest assistant fire director for operations.

Every year, 75% of wildfires are human-caused, according to the Forest Service. In an effort to reduce this, all 17 national forests in the region were in campfire restrictions.

Temperatures were expected to cool by the end of the week, but the lack of moisture was expected to continue to keep forests and grasslands at critical fire conditions, the Forest Service said.

Here's the latest on wildfires burning across Oregon.

Campfires temporarily banned at Oregon State Parks

Campfires will be banned at most state parks due to dry conditions and the strain on firefighting resources, the Oregon Parks and recreation Department announced Tuesday. All parks east of the Cascades will be under campfire bans. Fires and open flames will also be banned at parks in high-risk areas until conditions improve.

A list of parks under the campfire ban are listed at bit.ly/4fdeLud

Several parks have been closed due to wildfires including Battle Mountain Forest Scenic Corridor, Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, East and West Hatfield Trailheads on the Columbia River Highway State Trail and Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor.

OPRD encourages visitors to check park webpages before visiting. Find updated information at stateparks.oregon.gov/

Ray Benson Sno Park temporarily closed to station firefighters

The Willamette National Forest has temporarily closed the Ray Benson Sno Park. The area will be used as an incident command post for nearby wildfires.

The Ray Benson site is located within the Santiam Pass Recreation Area. The access road FS Road 2690-902 will also be closed. The remainder of the Santiam Pass Recreation Area remains open.

Rocky Mountain Complex includes seven lighting started fires

The lightning storm on July 17 ignited seven wildfires to the north, south and southeast of Oakridge and Westfir.

The Chalk Fire is the largest of the complex at 1,400 acres and 0% contained. Crews are using a direct attack to put a control line around the area with an objective to keep the fire north of the 1920 Road.

The rest of the fires in this complex are:

• 208: 7 acres, 0% contained
• 217: 26 acres, 0% contained
• Coffee Pot Fire: 40 acres, 0% contained
• McKinley: estimated 14-16 acres, partially contained
• Moss Mountain: 80 acres, 0% contained
• Tire Mountain: estimated 10-15 acres, partially contained

There are no evacuations in place. There are closures on the vicinity of effected areas. Closure information and maps can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029

Lane 1 wildfire prompts level 1 evacuation warnings

The Lane 1 Fire burning southeast of Cottage Grove has prompted Level 1 'Be Ready' evacuation orders for areas east of Cottage Grove, according to the Lane County Sheriff's Office.

Areas east of Disston starting at Brice Creek Road milepost 0.7 and following Brice Creek Road south are under the Level 1 notice.

The Lane County Sheriff's Office has closed Brice Creek Road east of the Umpqua National Forest Boundary and all of Sharps Creek Road. People camping in the Brice Creek, Sharps Creek, Champion Creek, Bohemia and Fairview Peak areas are advised to leave now.

Air quality advisory issued for southern, central and eastern Oregon

The Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory due to fire smoke on Monday. The air quality advisory is for the following counties: Baker, Grant, Wheeler, Crook, Union, southern Morrow, southern Umatilla, Klamath, eastern Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, northern Harney and northern Malheur.

The DEQ expects intermittent smoke in Deschutes, eastern Lane and the northern Lake County through Wednesday due to the Diamond Complex Fire.

Pyramid Fire continues with no threat to structures, Sweet Home or Hwy 20

The lightning-caused Pyramid Fire burning east of Sweet Home in the Tombstone Pass area north of Highway 20 and south of Detroit near Santiam Junction remains at 535 acres and 0% contained as of Tuesday morning.

There was increased fire activity in the southwest flank, but very little activity was observed in the remainder of the area, according to the update. The control focus for Tuesday was to protect the Middle Santiam Wilderness, private industrial timberlands and nearby communities.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office announced Monday night "There is still no imminent danger to structures, the town of Sweet Home, or of closures to Highway 20" despite the fire behavior and dangerous conditions.

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan issued a level 3 "go now" evacuation order for a large area of the Sweet Home Ranger District that mostly includes hiking trails and campgrounds in the Old Cascades region. The evacuation was coordinated with the U.S. Forest Service, and a closure of the area was likely. View a map of the closure area at tinyurl.com/LinnCoFireMap .

Ore Fire continues to grow amid rugged conditions and extreme fire behavior

The Ore Fire burning 7 miles northeast of Blue River was 747 acres on Tuesday morning. Moderated fire behavior due to cooler temperatures kept the growth of the fire to the southwest portion on Monday.

Fire managers were working with resource advisors to evaluate areas where additional lines could be established. The rugged and steep terrain, falling rocks, rolling debris, fire-weakened trees and extreme weather conditions continue to pose safety challenges for crews. Buck Mountain Trail, Tidbits South and West Trail, Gold Hill Trail, Mona Campground, Lookout Campground and Saddle Dam Boat Launch are closed.

Other closures in the Willamette National Forest due to fire-impacted areas can be found at bit.ly/4dcWMCl

Homestead Complex reaches 792 acres

The Homestead Complex Fire, a group of fires in the Umpqua National Forest, had a combined 792 acreage total Tuesday morning. The area had clearer air conditions on Monday and allowed operations personnel to assess the fires.

Fire managers believe the Salmon 33 Fire is small and can be quickly contained. The No Man Fire north of Chilcoot Mountain near No Man Creek saw moderate fire activity Monday. The crews will work to develop plans for indirect control lines due to steep and rugged terrain.

Crews on Horse Heaven Creek Fire and Reynolds Butte Fire will continue with containment lines in areas with the highest chance of success. The Lost Bucket Fire has line built and hose laid around it. The Fuller Lake Fire and Bullpup Fire remain unstaffed but operations personnel will continue to develop plans when resources are available.

The Umpqua National Forest issued closures for all of the Cottage Grove Ranger District and parts pf the Diamond Lake, North Umpqua and Tiller ranger districts. Boulder Flat Campground and Boat Launch are closed under the order.

BLM closes public lands due to wildfires southeast of Cottage Grove

Bureau of Land Management public lands southeast of Cottage Grove are closed due to wildfires in the areas of Sharps Creek and Clark Creek.

"The closure is for public and firefighter safety, and to allow fire suppression crews to continue to safely respond to the incident," according to a Saturday news release from the BLM Northwest Oregon District.The closure area includes:

The Sharps Creek Campground and BLM-managed public lands southeast of the town of Dorena, surrounding Sharps Creek Road (County Road 2460 / BLM Road No. 23-1-12) and Clark Creek Road (BLM Road No. 23-1-13). It includes BLM lands in Township 22S, Range 1W, and Township 23S, Range 1W, Sections 1-3, 11-14, 22-24, 26-27, 33-34.

These areas are closed to the public and for activities including hiking, mining, hunting and camping.

BLM said Sharps Creek Road and Clark Creek Road are open to residents in the closure area.

For more info and a map, go to : blm.gov/orwafire .

Level 3 evacuations ordered for Microwave Tower Fire near Mosier

Residents in Mosier west of the Columbia Gorge were being asked to evacuate due to the Microwave Tower Fire, which is being driven by strong winds. The fire was reported to be at least 591 acres as of Tuesday morning.

Here are the evacuation levels for areas in Mosier related to the fire:

• Level 3 “go now”:  From Highway 30 south of Proctor Road, east to Huskey Road and the border of Mosier and west to the Hood River County line.
• Level 2 “get set”: Mosier and from Huskey Road east to Mosier Creek Road and south to Jasper Lane.
• Level 1 “be ready”: From Mosier Creek Road, east to Dry Creek Road, north to Mosier border and south to Osborn Cutoff Road.

There is a Red Cross shelter available for evacuees at Hood River Middle School, 1602 May St.,, Hood River, OR., 97031.

The fire started Monday afternoon west of Rattler Ridge west of Mosier.

The fire is burning in grass and timber and was being pushed eastwards by strong westerly winds.

According to an update Tuesday from the Oregon Department of Forestry, crews worked Monday night, "taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Much of the progress was along the southern portion of the fire, while the northern portion continues to present challenges due to limited access and steep slopes. Air resources played a critical role in helping slow the fire’s spread in difficult terrain."

Wind was forecast to be calmer on Tuesday, allowing crews the chance to make progress from Monday night, according to ODF.

For info on evacuation levels, go to the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff/

23 fires burn at least 3,318 acres in the Diamond Complex

In the past 24 hours, 11 new fires at a combined 55 acres have been identified and added to the Diamond Complex on the Diamond Lake Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest. There are now 23 fires at an estimated 3,318 acres and 3% contained.

These are the active fires in the complex:

• Pine Bench : 1,320 acres (north of Highway 138 near Dry Creek)
• Trail : 821 acres (east of Highway 138 on the west slope of Mount Thielsen)
• Lemolo : 404 acres (north of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill)
• Pig Iron : 27 acres (Pig Iron Mountain north of Highway 138)
• Watson : 115 acres (north of Highway 138 on Watson Ridge)
• Brodie : 81 acres (about 5 miles south of Highway 138 and south of Devils Canyon)
• Trep : 91 acres (about 4 miles south of Highway 138)
• Garwood : 5 acres (about 3 miles southwest of Mount Bailey)
• Slide : 0.1 acres (northeast of Pine Bench)
• Potter : 288 acres (north of Highway 138 about 2 miles southeast of Potter Mt.)
• Ooya : 106 acres (north of Highway 138 about 1 mile northeast of Bird Point)
• Clearwater : 3 acres (south of Highway 138 about 5 miles northwest of Diamond Lake)

The 11 new fires have not been named and are widely scattered in the area.

A level 2 "be set" evacuation warning was issued due to the Boulder Flat/Pine Bench Fire east of Roseburg and Glide in the North Umpqua Canyon near Toketee Falls. The evacuation was for homes in the Slide Creek area downstream to the Soda Springs area due to a fire near Soda Springs and Pine Bench in Toketee. A map of the evacuation area can be found here: bit.ly/4dc3qsB .

The weather on Tuesday was forecast to be lower in relative humidity and slightly higher in temperature. The conditions will support increased fire spread and spotting potential. This will add to the challenging fire behavior due to rugged and steep terrain.

Lemolo Fire reaches 404 acres in Douglas County

The Lemolo Fire in Douglas County had reach 404 acres as of Tuesday morning and was 0% contained.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office on Saturday night issued level 3 "go now" and level 2 "be ready" evacuation orders for the Lemolo Fire. The fire was reported to be at least 373 acres as of Sunday night.

Level 3 evacuations were issued for:

• Bunker Hill Campground
• Kelsay Valley Campground
• The North Umpqua Trail between USFS 2612 Road and Windigo Pass intersection, west to North Umpqua Trail as it intersects with USFS 2612 Road.

This includes all areas on north and northeast side of Lemolo Lake, according to the sheriff's office.

Level 2 evacuation orders have been issued for:

• East Lemolo Campground
• USFS 2614 Road south of Inlet Campground, including Kelsay Valley, Pumice Flat and Elbow Butte areas.
• Poole Creek Campground/Boat Ramp
• Lemolo KOA Campground

An evacuation map can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations

Find more info at the Diamond Complex Fire Information Facebook page.

Durkee Fire in Eastern Oregon grows to 239,255 acres, closes part of I-84

The Durkee Fire in Baker County grew to 239,255 acres as of Tuesday morning and was 0% contained. There are six new lightning starts on the east side of Interstate 84.

The Oregon Department of Transportation announced closures on Interstate 84 in both directions due to the fire from La Grande to Baker City.

The rapid growth is due to record setting high temperatures, unseasonably dry fuels and erratic high winds, according to the morning update. The fire has grown 65,496 acres since Sunday night.

On Saturday, Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the fire.

On Friday, the Oregon State Fire Marshal sent structural protection resources in the form of firefighters and equipment to fight the fire in Eastern Oregon.

The fire was first reported last Wednesday and sparked by lightning strikes. The fire has brought level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations around Baker County. An evacuation map can be found at bit.ly/3YaNUJ0

Falls Fire reaches 139,507 acres in Grant and Harney counties

The Falls Fire burning in Grant and Harney counties near Burns was 139,507 acres and was 40% contained as of Tuesday morning.

The fire was reported to be active on Monday afternoon due to southwest winds, which prompted growth along parts of the northern perimeter of the fire, according to the Tuesday morning update.

On Tuesday, Oregon State Fire Marshal crews were set to remain active on the northeast, east and southern parts of the fire.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal requested help from California to protect life and property against the fire on Friday.

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services provided three strike teams with 15 fire engines and 80 firefighters from nine different counties to provide structural protection.

Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation orders remained in place in Grant and Harney counties. The Harney County Sheriff’s evacuation map can be found at bit.ly/4d1XvX2 for the most accurate evacuation notices.

Ten residences and 13 "other" structures were destroyed in the early stages of the fire, according to Oregon State Fire Marshal structure teams.

This fire forced the closure of several areas in the Malheur National Forest. Emigrant Creek Campground , Falls Campground , Yellowjacket Campground and Delintment Lake Campground were all closed.

Round Mountain, Wickiup fires burn in Central Oregon

The Round Mountain and Wickiup fires on Deschutes National Forest remained at a combined 276 acres as of Tuesday morning. The Wickiup Fire is now 50% contained and Round Mountain is at 20%.

Crews were set to continue mop up for hot spots and secure the perimeter for both fires on Tuesday.

Evacuation maps can be found at bit.ly/3Wr3y1B .

Campfires prohibited on BLM public lands in Northwest Oregon District

Campfires are now prohibited on all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout the Northwest Oregon District.

Fires, campfires, smoking in vegetated areas, using vehicles in unmanaged vegetated areas, operating a chainsaw, welding, cutting or grinding, or using an internal combustion engine without a spark arrestor will be prohibited. The BLM announced Monday these stronger restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded.

More information on restrictions and closures can be found at blm.gov/orwafire

Fire restrictions in place for Willamette and Siuslaw national forests, majority of places in Oregon

The majority of Oregon's national and state forests outlawed campfires, except in campgrounds.

Willamette National Forest and Siuslaw national forests, to the east and west of the Willamette Valley, implemented fire restrictions this week.

Fire restrictions prohibit all campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires or other open fires outside of designated campgrounds. Building, maintaining or using a fire, campfire or stove was still permitted in designated metal campfire rings or grills in designated recreational sites.

Restrictions for smoking, off-highway vehicles and chainsaws in campgrounds were also in effect.

Restrictions and updates to restrictions as they change can be found at fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire .

Emma Logan is an outdoors journalism intern for the Statesman Journal. She can be reached at elogan@salem.gannett.com or on X @emmmalogan

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon wildfires: Durkee Fire closes part of I-84 between Baker City, La Grande