Update: Interstate 84 closed again for ‘unpredictable fire’ dangers in Oregon

After a brief reopening Wednesday morning, officials again closed the Interstate 84 corridor in eastern Oregon, citing “unpredictable fire activity.”

Officials have no estimate for when the fire-impacted highway will reopen, an Oregon Department of Transportation news release said. It’s closed from Ontario to Pendleton.

“Travelers should be prepared for additional I-84 closures and are advised not to rely on this route,” the release said.

The transportation department advised drivers to use U.S. 20 instead.

The Durkee Fire forced closures Tuesday after the fire came too close to the roadway, but fire management efforts allowed the Oregon Department of Transportation to open lanes back up at about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. The highway remained open for roughly four hours.

Vicki Moles, Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson, said the department is continuing to monitor the area closely.

“We’re in full communication with the incident command, sheriff’s office and all of the emergency management services,” Moles told the Idaho Statesman by phone.

Jessica Reed, a public information officer with the Durkee Fire management team, said severe thunderstorms, 70 mph winds and flash flooding were all possible in eastern Oregon on Wednesday. This wild weather could mean more closures.

“I think that closures are going to be pretty dynamic today, and it could change pretty quickly, given the weather we’re expecting to come over the fire,” Reed told the Statesman by phone.

Reed advised Idaho drivers to check TripCheck.com or the Durkee Fire Facebook page for more information before attempting to use the interstate.

Overnight, the fire forced officials to close a section of I-84 between Pendleton and Baker City, as well as the eastbound lanes between Baker City and Ontario.

The Durkee Fire, which sits 5 miles southwest of Durkee, Oregon, has burned 244,842 acres since it began a week ago, according to the Facebook page. Officials said it was likely caused by lightning.

More than 500 people were working to control it, but 0% was contained as of Wednesday morning.

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