PRINEVILLE, Ore. – Crews continue battling the Marks Creek Fire amid critical weather, steep terrain, and shifting conditions. Firefighters are working around the clock to build and reinforce containment lines. The northern and northeastern flanks of the fire are starting mop-up along the fire line. The southwest perimeter remains particularly challenging due to steep, rugged terrain that limits direct access.
On the northwest flank of the fire, crews will patrol the perimeter, identifying and extinguishing any spot fires and mopping up burned areas. Heavy equipment is actively constructing and reinforcing containment lines around the fire perimeter, while aircraft continue to provide aerial support across the fire as conditions allow.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect over the fire area from 1 PM to 11 PM, bringing thunderstorms and the potential for lightning.
COMMUNITY MEETING: ODF IMT2 will host a community meeting at 6:00 PM today at the Crook County Fairgrounds in the Grizzly Mountain Pavilion. The public will receive a fire update from fire team members and will have the opportunity to meet with fire representatives and ask questions after the presentation.
All responding agencies are coordinating closely to protect lives, property, natural resources, and nearby communities. The safety of firefighters and the public remains the highest priority.
Highway 26 remains open; however, firefighters and heavy equipment are working along the roadway. Please drive with caution and stay out of the fire area to support fire operations and ensure firefighter safety.
Evacuations: Crook County Sheriff’s Office evacuation orders remain in place. An evacuation map is available through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.