Durkee Fire (ORVAD)

Wildfire Status:

The Durkee Fire, which ignited from a lightning strike on July 17, 2024, has reached a significant level of containment at 95%, encompassing an area of approximately 294,265 acres. Firefighters have made commendable progress in managing the situation, and suppression repair efforts are underway. Incident Commander Paul Varnedoe from the Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team announced that command of the fire will transition back to local units by 8 p.m. PDT. This transition marks a key moment as local agencies prepare to take over the ongoing response and recovery efforts.

Despite the high level of containment, the area remains under a fuel advisory due to exceptionally dry conditions, particularly in grass and sagebrush areas. The predominance of short grass as the primary fire carrier poses ongoing risks. Recent weather patterns have featured sunny skies and light winds, which may contribute to persistent smoke conditions across East Central Oregon. The forecast indicates moderate smoke levels, with potential unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups in areas closer to active fires. Fire officials are monitoring for any new starts due to lightning activity, which could complicate containment efforts.

With 337 personnel currently deployed to combat the fire, the focus has shifted to securing and mopping up fire lines, especially in the north and northwestern sections of the fire perimeter. Although minimal fire activity has been reported within the existing fire footprint, the high fire danger remains a concern. Incident management continues to emphasize the importance of vigilance as the situation develops, especially with the potential for new ignitions from recent storms. The community is encouraged to stay informed and prepared as containment efforts progress and the fire season continues.

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Containment History:

Fire Growth History: