Single Publication

Warner Peak Fire Update

Daily Update August 16, 2024

Acres:  65,002                                             Start Date: 08/05/24

Location: Lake County, OR                           Personnel: 492

Containment: 51%

Highlights: The fire remained within its footprint, not increasing in acreage. Containment continues to increase as firefighters seek out hot spots and mop-up along the perimeter. While there is minimal fire activity around the eastern perimeter, the fire is still active in the south and west corridors. Crews are taking advantage of today’s moderate weather, as they prepare for high winds forecast for tomorrow. 

Fire Activity: On the western perimeter, crews are continuing to strengthen containment lines and seek out hotspots that were detected by infrared (IR) flights. To the south, crews are working diligently to prevent the fire from encroaching Hart Lake and Crump Lake. Firefighters are working on controlling and monitoring fire spread near Hart Mountain Road on the northwest edge of the fire. In addition to the crews engaging the fire on the ground, multiple aviation resources are playing an integral role in establishing containment lines. Fire managers conducted a thorough aerial reconnaissance of the fire perimeter, and it appears yesterday’s Red Flag Warning did not result in any new fire ignitions. The flight confirmed that heat indicated by previous UAS drone flights remains inside the fire perimeter and is not currently threatening containment lines. 

Today's priorities will be putting out isolated hotspots throughout the fire as well as patrolling and monitoring the containment lines that have been established. Tomorrow’s weather with the possibility of outflow winds intensifying fire behavior will be closely monitored, especially in areas of unburned vegetation close to the southern border.

Closures: The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is closed for public and firefighter safety.

In coordination with the Southwest Area Incident Management Team, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation orders for the Hart Mountain area in support of firefighting efforts on the Warner Peak Fire. For detailed information visit www.lakecountyor.org.

Weather: Temperatures are averaging in to the mid 80’s. Relative humidity will remain at 17%. Humidity is showing good recovery at night, climbing to 50%. This recovery should moderate fire activity allowing crews to continue to make progress on suppressing the fire. Fire weather watch is warmer, drier, and windy conditions in the forecast tomorrow. 

Smoke: Wildfire smoke from the Warner Peak Fire may impact the community of Plush and surrounding areas.Go to www.airnow.govto see the latest smoke conditions in your community. 

More Information:

Information Phone Line: 541.208.1770 

Email: 2024.warnerpeak@firenet.gov  

Facebook: facebook.com/warnerpeakfire 

Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orshr-warner-peak