Telephone Fire (ORMAF)

Wildfire Status:

The Telephone Fire, which ignited on July 22, 2024, is currently active approximately 15 miles north of Burns, Oregon, in the King Mountain area of the Emigrant Creek Ranger District within the Malheur National Forest. Fire response efforts are being coordinated by various agencies including the Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal. A full-suppression strategy has been adopted, prioritizing the safety of both responders and the public while attempting to control the fire's spread.

Initial attack resources faced significant challenges due to the rugged terrain, particularly on the eastern side of the fire. As a result, fire management teams have implemented a combination of direct and indirect suppression tactics along with point protection in areas deemed most likely to succeed. The firefighting efforts are ongoing, and all evacuation orders for Harney and Grant Counties have been lifted as of August 20, 2024, indicating a stabilization of the situation for residents.

To ensure public safety, fire officials have issued a closure order for the Malheur National Forest surrounding the fire site. This includes the temporary closure of several campgrounds, such as Emigrant Creek, Falls, Yellowjacket, and Delintment Lake Campgrounds. Fire managers emphasize the importance of adhering to these closures due to ongoing fire activity and suppression operations in the area. As the situation evolves, updates on fire status and air quality can be monitored through designated online resources.

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