News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry – Posted on FlashAlert: August 15th, 2015 8:23 AM
Firefighters welcomed the cooler weather and lighter winds last night but wind gusts and fire conditions remain unpredictable.
During the day, fire was driven by wind and there was extreme crowning of fire in trees with several spot fires.
Local fire resources from Baker County are being assisted by nearly 700 firefighters and personnel from around the state.
> > Evacuations
Level 3=Go! Level 2=Be Ready Level 1=Get Set
For more details about evacuation instructions, visit http://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/Documents/Ready,%20Set,%20Go!%20Evacuation%20Levels. pdf
> CORNET
Level 1 (READY) – Elk Creek Lane to Griffin Gulch Lane
Level 2 (GET SET) -Bridgeport
Level 3 (GO) -Beaver Creek -Black Mountain -Denny Creek -French Gulch -Greater Gowen Valley Rural Fire to French Gulch -Old Auburn Ln
> WINDY RIDGE
Level 1 (READY) – Durkee
Level 2 (GET SET) – Sutton Creek
Level 3 (GO) -Alder Creek -Burnt River Canyon -Dry Creek -Cry Creek Cutoff -Ebell Creek -Hill Creek Rd.
> ELDORADO
Level 1 (READY) – East of Bull Run Rd. -Job Creek & South of Job Creek -South of Campbell Ln
Level 2 (GET SET) -Dry Gulch Area -Ripley Gulch Area
Level 3 (GO) -Beam Creek Area (Malheur County) -Camp Creek South of Hwy 26 -Eldorado Ditch Area -Long Creek Area (Baker County) -Long Creek Reservoir/Campground -Ironside (Malheur County)
> EAGLE COMPLEX
Level 1 (READY)
Level 2 (GET SET) -FS 77 Rd. -Bennett Peak Area -Main Eagle Area -Tamarack Campground
Level 3 (GO)
Road Closures
Highway 245 still closed 11 miles north of Hereford
Highway 7 has reopened
Highway 26 closed from milepost 213-231
Interstate 84 has reopened, but may need to close again depending on fire conditions
Structure Loss
Several structures have been destroyed by the fires. Field crews are still working to determine exact numbers and locations. In some cases, assessments are hampered by dangerous trees that still need to be felled before crews or residents can safely access the area. Some homes were saved due to work done in advance by homeowners and firefighters to create a defensible space and keep areas wet and clear. For more information about improving your home’s odds of withstanding a wildfire, visit http://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/homewildfiresafety.asp
Areas Affected Cornet Fire – 26,000 acres, five percent contained
Windy Ridge Fire – 22,862 acres
Eagle Fire Complex – 900 acres
El Dorado Fire -12,000 acres
Shelters
The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Baker City Middle School with 100 beds currently available. The shelter is open 24-hours and has food, bedding and toiletries for evacuees. For more shelter information, contact David Morman at 503-569-1380.
Incident Priorities
Night fire crews are working on triaging and preparing structures near fire areas.
Weather Forecast & Smoke Conditions
Temperatures are expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 82. Less wind is expected for the weekend. Shifting winds will impact fire operations and pose safety concerns for fire commanders.
