Warm and dry conditions made for a challenging day for some areas of the Marks Creek Fire. Crews continued to strengthen lines, building direct lines in the north and northeast of the fire while aircraft supported efforts across the fire. The southwest portion of the fire remains a challenge due to the terrain, limiting direct access. Afternoon thunderstorms brought high winds and rain to some areas of the fire, while others remained dry. With another day of thunderstorms predicted, a red flag warning will be over the fire area from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday.
Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Incident Management Team 2 received an inbriefing from the Ochoco National Forest and the Oregon Department of Forestry at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Thursday, ODF IMT2 shadowed the COFMS team and assisted where they were needed. ODF Team 2 assumed command of the incident as of 6 p.m. As ODF IMT2 assumes command it will continue to assess incident needs, ordering additional resources for Friday’s day shift, including more equipment and firefighting crews. Safety of the surrounding communities and firefighters remains a top priority as decisions are being made.
COMMUNITY MEETING: ODF IMT2 will be hosting a community meeting at 6pm at the Crook County Fairgrounds in the Grizzly Mountain Pavilion. The public will get a fire update from team Operations and Incident Commander, with comments from the Agency Administrators. The public will have an opportunity to meet and ask questions with fire representatives after the presentation.
Highway 26 remains open: however, firefighters continue to work along the roadway with heavy equipment and crews moving around the fire; be aware of crews when driving through the area.
Evacuations: Crook County Sheriff’s Office evacuation orders remain in place. An evacuation map is available through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.
