PRINEVILLE, Ore. – Overnight, firefighters used handheld infrared sensors to detect remaining hotspots within 75 feet of the line. These were marked for continuing mop-up efforts today. Today, firefighters will build on the progress made overnight by continuing mop-up operations and working to increase the depth of containment around the fire’s edge. Firefighters will also patrol the perimeter to detect and extinguish remaining heat and smoke. In areas where the fire is contained, suppression repair work will begin. This includes repairing dozer lines, installing water bars, and other actions to help reduce erosion and support long-term recovery.
Resources assigned to the Marks Creek Fire remain prepared to respond to any new fire starts, and aerial resources will be available to support suppression efforts as conditions allow.
The weather today is expected to bring widespread rain events in the afternoon through the evening, and variable winds from the Northwest. Moderate instability will bring chances of lightning at 15-20%. Wetting rains may increase driving and access challenges. Fire crews remain vigilant and ready to respond to changing conditions.
Highway 26 remains open; however, firefighters and heavy equipment are entering and exiting the roadway in multiple areas along the fire perimeter. Please drive with caution and slow down in the fire area to ensure firefighter and public safety.
Evacuations: Crook County Sheriff’s Office evacuation orders remain in place. An evacuation map is available on the Crook County Sheriff’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CrookCountySheriff/.
Local Area Closures: The U.S. Forest Service has implemented a temporary forest closure. For more information, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco/alerts/marks-creek-fire-area-closure.