Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Elk Lane Fire in Jefferson County. The move comes following a request made by the local fire defense board and approved by the state fire marshal Monday morning.
On Sunday night, two task forces from Lincoln and Polk counties, pre-positioned in Central Oregon, helped local responding agencies with structure protection. This morning, the OSFM mobilized its Red Incident Management Team and three additional structural task forces to protect life and property. The OSFM moved to swiftly bring in more resources through the Emergency Conflagration Act.
“The two task forces we pre-positioned in Central Oregon on Friday have been busy helping several local agencies respond to wildfires including two fires that sparked moments after they arrived,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Pre-positioning these resources has been an extremely valuable tool as our agency focuses on being proactive in keeping fires small and away from communities.”
According to Jefferson County Fire District 1, the region was hit by a massive lightning storm last night that brought gusty winds and sparked the Elk Lane Fire. As of this morning, the fire was estimated to be roughly 3,000 acres. The region is expecting temperatures in the high 90s on Monday, with wind gusts up to 18 miles per hour. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders in place. A map of evacuations can be found here.
The OSFM mobilized its Red Incident Management Team and five structural protection task forces from Clackamas, Lincoln, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties.
There isn’t much relief in sight for improved fire weather conditions over the next week. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is calling on everyone to be wildfire aware. Find wildfire prevention tips here.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office provided an update Monday for Elk Lane Fire: The zones will remain in place through the night due to erratic fire behavior. Sheriffs office will be meeting with overnight operations in the morning. From there, if levels change, you will be notified.
The evacuation site was moved to Madras High School. Animals are to go to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Red Cross will greet anyone displaced at the gym at MHS.
LEVEL ONE: NW 7, SW 23, SW 21
Areas one level one are precautionary at this time. Link To Map
A thunderstorm passed through portions of Central Oregon Sunday night which sparked multiple new fires. Central Oregon Fire Management Service resources responded to over 13 new smoke reports Sunday evening. Firefighters were busy throughout the night finding and fighting these new starts. Currently, the largest of the fires are the Elk Lane Fire, Bennett Fire, and Wildhorse Fire.
Elk Lane Fire (604):
The Elk Lane Fire started approximately 7 miles northwest of Madras and has grown to 2,700 acres. A Central Oregon Type 3 Team was ordered to take over management of the fire. They were in-briefed Monday morning and have now assumed command of the fire. Sunday night, successful firing operations held the fire from moving further south and southwest towards structures. The fire has burned into the Deschutes River Canyon but remains on the east side of the river. Structures remain threatened and evacuation notices are in place.
Bennett Fire (596):
The Bennett Fire started approximately 5 miles northeast of Antelope and is estimated to be around 400 acres. Wasco County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation notice for the town of Antelope. Fire fighters worked hard through the night and will continue to construct control line around the fire Monday.
The Shaniko Schoolhouse is the temporary shelter site for evacuees. For the most up to date evacuation information in Wasco County visit, https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff
Wildhorse Fire (598):
The Wildhorse Fire started roughly 10 miles south of Spray and was reported to be approximately 60 acres Monday night. The fire is burning on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) land in difficult terrain northeast of Tamarack Creek. Multiple hand crews, a helitack crew, a taskforce of engines, and additional ODF resources have responded and are currently working the fire.
Find the latest information on the Wildhorse Fire on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ODFCentralOregon or X/Twitter account, @ODF_COD.
For the current air quality in your area visit, https://www.airnow.gov/.
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.
About the Emergency Conflagration Act
The Emergency Conflagration Act is invoked by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to wildfires to protect life and property. The conflagration act is invoked following ORS 476.510-476.610 when Governor Kotek determines threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threats exceed the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.
