Telephone Fire (ORMAF)

Wildfire Status:

The Telephone Fire, which began on July 22, 2024, is currently active approximately 15 miles north of Burns, Oregon, in the King Mountain area on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District of the Malheur National Forest. Fire management efforts involve collaboration between the Forest Service, the Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal. A full-suppression strategy is being employed to control the fire while ensuring the safety of both responders and the public. Initial attack efforts faced challenges due to difficult terrain, prompting the use of a combination of direct and indirect tactics to enhance the likelihood of successful suppression.

As of August 20, 2024, all evacuation orders for Harney and Grant Counties have been lifted, indicating an improvement in the situation. However, to maintain public safety, the Malheur National Forest has enacted a closure order surrounding the fire area due to ongoing fire activity and suppression operations. This includes the closure of several campgrounds, such as Emigrant Creek Campground, Falls Campground, Yellowjacket Campground, and Delintment Lake Campground. Access to these areas remains restricted to protect both visitors and fire management personnel.

Current weather conditions are crucial in influencing fire behavior and suppression efforts. Firefighters are implementing a variety of strategies, including point protection and indirect lines, to manage the fire effectively. The cooperation between various fire agencies highlights the comprehensive approach taken to mitigate the impact of this wildfire. For safety updates and further information regarding the fire and affected areas, the public is encouraged to monitor official resources.

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

Containment History:

Fire Growth History: