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Windy conditions prompt additional spot fires, firefighters catch and line them Saturday

MITCHELL, Ore. – Firefighting resources on the Shoe Fly Fire continued to be challenged by spot fires today, beginning as early as 6 a.m. Three new ones were found, two on the southwest side and one on the northeast corner. Firefighters spent the day lining these fires and were able to get all three of them circled with bulldozer line. Mop-up operations followed, which will continue into this evening. 

Across the rest of the fire, resources continue to hold and improve lines and push forward on mop-up operations, which will continue to add toward overall containment. Tonight, crews will continue this work.

Weather systems brought short bursts of showers throughout the middle of the day, but not enough rain to make a difference on the fire. Windy conditions are expected to persist, as a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service is now extended to 11 p.m. 

Temperatures heated up in the afternoon and relative humidity dropped, however chances for precipitation continue tomorrow and a predicted cold front that is expected to move into the area early next week. A chance of thunderstorms remains in the forecast for tomorrow and firefighters are ready to respond to any new reports of fire in the event of lightning strikes.

Three Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) structural task forces remain engaged protecting structures near the fire. Overnight, structural firefighters assessed homes on the north side of Highway 26 in Mitchell and created mitigation plans, which day shift task forces began carrying out on Saturday. This work is precautionary and will help to protect structures if the fire moves closer toward town. This is a coordinated effort between Wheeler County Fire Defense Board, OSFM and Team 1 operations.

Evacuation notices for residents around the fire continue to be evaluated by the Wheeler County Sheriff, Wheeler County Fire Defense Board Chief, and Team 1 Operations personnel. More information on current evacuations is available at https://tinyurl.com/RAPTOR-Evacuation-Info

While there are no current road closures due to the Shoe Fly Fire, other fires nearby may be impacting travel. Check https://tripcheck.com/ for current closures and potential delays.