Town Gulch (ORWWF)

Wildfire Status:

The Town Gulch Fire, which ignited from a lightning strike on August 5, 2024, is currently active and has burned approximately 18,220 acres near Richland, Oregon. As of now, 89% of the fire's perimeter is contained, and firefighters are prioritizing the safety of personnel as well as the protection of nearby structures and community assets. The rugged terrain, including steep cliffs and winding canyon roads, poses significant challenges for firefighting crews operating in the area.

Firefighting efforts are being managed as a full suppression incident, with a total of 285 personnel currently engaged. The incident is under the command of a specialized team, focusing on continued mop-up operations and patrols across all fire divisions. The forecasted weather conditions indicate a warming and drying trend in the coming days, which raises concerns about the fire's potential for reactivation. Although minimal fire spread is expected overnight, the combination of rising temperatures, low humidity levels, and increased wind speeds could lead to heightened fire activity.

Recent weather patterns have provided some respite, with light rain impacting parts of the fire area, allowing for some moisture in the fuels. However, the forecast predicts that temperatures may reach the low 90s, and relative humidity could drop to between 9-15% over the weekend, which could exacerbate fire conditions. The Oregon Governor has invoked the conflagration act, and a transition to a Type III incident management team is underway to facilitate ongoing efforts in managing the fire effectively.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

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