Rail Ridge Fire - Oregon 2024

10/30/2024

🚨 Rail Ridge Fire Narrated Flyover Video - NW2 Operations Chief Brandon Lewis 🚨

Join NW2 Operations Chief Brandon Lewis for a unique, narrated flyover video of the , filmed on October 20th, 2024. In this video, Chief Lewis shares context on the fire’s origins, sparked by the intense Sept 1st "lightning bust" with over 450 strikes, and walks viewers through each area of the fire. Get an inside look at the tactics, strategies, fuel types, and fire intensities, as well as the suppression repair efforts in action. A powerful perspective on the scale and effort behind containment. 🔥

Flyover date: Oct 20, 2024
Camera operator: PIO Kent Romney
Editor: PIO Kale Casey

USFS & BLM Closures / Evacuation Information / Fire Restrictions / Social Media for the Rail Ridge Fire area can be found at: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.

Stay safe and informed, and thank you for your continued support.

Fire Information Line: 541-208-7111, staffed 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-rail-ridge



U.S. Forest Service - Ochoco National Forest
U.S. Forest Service-Malheur National Forest
Oregon Department of Forestry
Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District
Grant County Emergency Management
Crook County Sheriff's Office
Wheeler County Sheriff's Office
Bureau of Land Management Fire

10/28/2024

The Ochoco National Forest has revised the closure area for the Rail Ridge Fire.

🚨 Paulina Ranger District Fire Area Closure Reduction 🚨

The Ochoco National Forest has reduced the fire area closure in the Paulina Ranger District. This reduction reflects improved conditions and allows for increased access to popular recreation areas while prioritizing safety for the public and ongoing fire operations.

The reduced closure area now includes specific portions of the district impacted by the recent fire, with boundaries adjusted to ensure that firefighters can continue suppression and monitoring activities safely. Visitors are urged to respect the remaining closures, as active fire hazards, such as hotspots and weakened trees, still pose risks.

Read more: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ochoco/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1212496

10/28/2024

Rail Ridge Fire - BLM Lands Updated Closure Information - October 28, 2024

This notice rescinds the emergency closure of BLM- administered lands in the Deschutes Field Office issued on September 9th, on or near the Rail Ridge Fire. Pursuant to 43 CFR 8364, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides notice that effective at 7am, on October 28th, 2024, the public lands described below are OPEN to public access. The BLM is opening these public lands as the emergency crews have completed active fire suppression in this area.

https://www.blm.gov/office/prineville-district-office

Visitors traveling through the area should be aware of heavy equipment on the roads and drive with caution. In addition, although some hazard trees have been removed, other trees may have burned and have structural defects that make the tree likely to fail in whole or in part (limbs falling). When driving through, hiking or camping in an area that has recently burned, visitors should be aware of the risk of trees falling without warning. In addition, areas that burned may still have loose soil, stump-holes, or loose or falling rock.

USFS & BLM Closures / Evacuation Information / Fire Restrictions / Social Media for the Rail Ridge Fire area can be found at: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire

Stay safe and informed, and thank you for your continued support.
Fire Information Line: 541-208-7111, staffed 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-rail-ridge



U.S. Forest Service - Ochoco National Forest
U.S. Forest Service-Malheur National Forest
Oregon Department of Forestry
Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District
Grant County Emergency Management
Crook County Sheriff's Office
Wheeler County Sheriff's Office
Bureau of Land Management Fire

Join Our Team, Conserve Your Public Lands: Explore a rewarding career with Prineville BLM!

10/28/2024

🚨 Thank You for Your Support on the Rail Ridge Fire 🚨

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the Rail Ridge Fire response since early September’s lightning sparked the fires that grew into the .

Today is Northwest Team 2’s last operational day, and at 6 PM, command will transfer back to our dedicated home unit agencies. Some team members will remain to help close out the Incident Command Post near Dayville and support local teams.

Your support has been appreciated. Photographs are from Northwest Team #2 members and the NW2 Public Information Officers.

Reminder: Fire closures remain in place across Ochoco and Malheur National Forests, BLM lands, and ODFW-managed areas. Please respect these closures, which are critical for public safety and wildfire recovery. "Know before you go" and check agency websites for the latest updates.

USFS & BLM Closures / Evacuation Information / Fire Restrictions / Social Media for the Rail Ridge Fire area can be found at: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire

Stay safe and informed, and thank you for your continued support.

Fire Information Line: 541-208-7111, staffed 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-rail-ridge



U.S. Forest Service - Ochoco National Forest
U.S. Forest Service-Malheur National Forest
Oregon Department of Forestry
Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District
Grant County Emergency Management
Crook County Sheriff's Office
Wheeler County Sheriff's Office
Bureau of Land Management Fire
National Interagency Fire Center

10/28/2024

Area closure for the Malheur National Forest.

Malheur National Forest Rail Ridge Fire Perimeter Closure

The Malheur National Forest is reducing the area closure for the Rail Ridge Fire on the Blue Mountain Ranger District. To protect public health and safety, fire managers have closed the area described below due to fire suppression and repair operations. This closure will be effective October 28, 2024, through December 31, 2024, unless rescinded sooner.

This Forest Order, Malheur Rail Ridge Fire Perimeter Closure (06-04-01-25-01), rescinds and replaces the previous Malheur National Forest Rail Ridge #2 Fire Closure Order (06-04-01-24-30).

Closure Area Description:
•From the National Forest boundary in T14S, R27E, Sec. 4, east on the northern Township border to T14S, R27E, Sec. 2, south along the western border of Sections 2 and 11 to the junction of Forest Service Road 2150.
•East on Forest Service Road 2150 to T14S, R28E, Sec. 17, north along the western border of Sec. 17 to Sec. 8, east along the northern border of Sec. 8 to Sec. 9. North along the western border of Sections 9 and 4 to the Forest Service Boundary,
•East on the Forest Service Boundary to T14S, R28E, Sec. 1.
•South along the western border of T14S, R28E, Section 1 to the junction with Forest Service Road 21, south along the western edge of Forest Service Road 21 to the junction with T14S, R28E, Section 12.
•South along the western border of T14S, R28E, Sections 12,13, 24, 25, 36 and T15S, 28E, Sections 1 and 12 to Forest Service Road 2170.
•West along Forest Service Road 2170 to the junction of Forest Service Roads 2170 and 2490
•South along Forest Service Road 2490 to the junction of Forest Service Roads 2490 and 24.
•Continues west on Forest Service Road 24 to the Forest Service Boundary in T16S, R27E, Sec. 10. Follows the National Forest Boundary north to the beginning in T14S, R27E, Sec. 4.
•Travel is prohibited on all Forest Service Roads within the designated boundary of the Rail Ridge Fire Closure and Forest Service Roads starting at the junction of T15S, 28E, Sec. 12 and Forest Service Road 2170, west along Forest Service Road 2170 to the junction of Forest Service Roads 2170 and 2490, south along Forest Service Road 2490 to the junction of Forest Service Roads 2490 and 24, west on Forest Service Road 24 to the Forest Service Boundary in T16S, R27E, Sec. 10, and Forest Service Road 2150 from T14S, R27E, Sec. 11 east to T14S, R28E, Sec. 17.

The reduction of the area closure now opens Forest Service Road 21 (Fields Creek Road).

A detailed map of the closure is included and available on the Malheur National Forest website and offices.

10/28/2024

🚨 Rail Ridge Fire Update: Torres Contracting Fire Crew Restores Draft Site 🚨

Today, the Torres Contracting Fire Crew has been hard at work restoring the stream bank of the draft site at the Incident Command Post. Draft sites like this one play a vital role in firefighting operations, providing essential water for dust control, fire engines, and a variety of needs within the command area. These restoration efforts help return the land to its natural state as we prepare for the transfer of command.

Final Operations Reminder: Today is Northwest Team 2's last operational day on the Rail Ridge Fire, with the official handover to local units set for 6 PM Monday October 28th. Resources are being released and the Incident Command Post near Dayville will soon be dismantled.

Reminder: Fire closures remain in place across Ochoco and Malheur National Forests, BLM lands, and ODFW-managed areas. Please respect these closures, which are critical for public safety and wildfire recovery. "Know before you go" and check agency websites for the latest updates.

USFS & BLM Closures / Evacuation Information / Fire Restrictions / Social Media for the Rail Ridge Fire area can be found at: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire

Stay safe and informed, and thank you for your continued support.

Fire Information Line: 541-208-7111, staffed 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-rail-ridge

10/28/2024

RAIL RIDGE FIRE CLOSURE MAPS ***Updated 10-27-2024***
For your recreation and hunting planning purposes, here's the latest closure maps and contact information.

Overview of Closures
* BLM and ODFW lands are fully open to the public (effective 10-28-2024 @ 7:00 am.)
* The Ochoco National Forest has reduced the area closure with some of the eastern portion of Ochoco Unit 37 closed to public access.
* The Malheur National Forest has also reduced the area closure with some of the western portion of Murderer's Creek Unit 46 closed to public access.
* Safety hazards exist in burned areas. Visitors are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when entering burned areas. See safety hazards photo or read information below.

RAIL RIDGE FIRE INFORMATION
Email - [email protected]
Phone - 541-208-7111

For information after 6:00 p.m. on 10/28/24, please contact the following:
Central Oregon Wildfire Information: centraloregonfire.org
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire

BLM – Prineville District: https://www.blm.gov/office/prineville-district-office Prineville BLM, Deschutes Field Office
541- 416-6864
[email protected]

Ochoco National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ochoco Ochoco National Forest
541-416-6647
[email protected]

Malheur National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur Malheur National Forest
541-575-3008
[email protected]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife - Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area
https://myodfw.com/phillip-w-schneider-wildlife-area-visitors-guide
For access information: 541-318-7972
For hunting tag and related information: 541-620-1047

Safety hazards while hunting near the Rail Ridge Fire area
Traveling in and out of the fire area with fire crews and apparatus still in operation may pose a danger to firefighters on narrow and damaged roads where there is only one way in-and-out access.

Being able to communicate the presence of hunters and other public near the fire area to firefighters will be difficult since radio communication is the only way to reach firefighting resources where cell service is limited or non-existent. Firefighters conducting hazardous operations may not be aware there are members of the public nearby.

Fire managers will not be able to communicate emerging safety concerns to hunters and other public near the fire area in the event of a change in fire behavior or other hazardous conditions. In the event of a need to evacuate, there will be no way to notify members of the public within the fire area.

Many hazard trees exist within the fire area. Some trees have been burned at the base and are ready to fall. Some have begun to fall and are only held up by a limb or two. Some green trees have had roots systems burned from underneath them and are very unstable. These trees could come down unexpectedly at any moment.

Ground stability in recently burned areas can be greatly compromised. What looks like normal forest floor may have burned root systems just under the surface that can collapse when any weight is introduced. This can result in serious falls and injuries, and even burns if there is hold-over heat from underground burning.
Ground destabilization can also result in dislodged rocks on hills and ledges that can become rolling debris and hazards to hikers.

Fire will continue to burn within the interior. The perimeter receives most of firefighters’ attention but in much of the interior fire will continue to consume unburned pockets of heavy fuels (large trees) well into the winter months.

Why are there closures?

Public Safety
Our highest priority is human health and safety. Falling snags and limbs, stump holes, unstable ground, rock falls, downed trees, debris flows, and landslides can all occur in a post-fire landscape.

Wildfire RecoveryProjects
Closures allow critical recovery and repair work to be accomplished
quickly and efficiently. We will not reopen recreation sites or roads
until hazards have been satisfactorily mitigated and sites have been rebuilt to safely accommodate visitors.

Resource Protection
Following a wildfire, restoration teams need to assess the level of impacts to natural and cultural resources, as well as implement emergency resource protection and stabilization projects.

When will my favorite place reopen? We are working hard to safely reopen roads and facilities. It's going to take time, and for some sites, years. Some sites may not be reopened due to the severity of damage.



U.S. Forest Service - Ochoco National Forest
U.S. Forest Service-Malheur National Forest
Oregon Department of Forestry
Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District
Bureau of Land Management Fire
Grant County Emergency Management
Crook County Sheriff's Office
Wheeler County Sheriff's Office

10/27/2024

Rail Ridge Fire Update for Sunday, October 27, 2024
Acres: 176,661 // Containment: 92% // Cause: Lightning // Total resources: 196

**Rail Ridge Fire Final Update**

Central Oregon Wildfire Information: centraloregonfire.org Email:[email protected] ~ Phone:541-208-7111

Today, Northwest Team 2 is completing their work on the Rail Ridge Fire. Heavy equipment is being pulled off of fire lines and roads in anticipation of hazardous weather conditions. Fire personnel are making their final patrols of the fire, retrieving remaining hoses, pumps, signs, flagging, and other items from the firefighting efforts. Most resources are being released to return to their home units. Some personnel will stay to break down the Incident Command Post near Dayville and to provide further assistance to the local agencies.

Hunting, Recreation and Fire Closure Areas: Closures remain in place today on the Ochoco and Malheur National Forests, BLM lands, and areas managed by ODFW. These closures will be changing on Monday, October 28. Please see the agency websites for the latest updates. Closures have been established for public safety, wildfire recovery projects and resource protection. Please stay out of the closure areas and “know before you go” into the area.

This will be the last update from Northwest Team 2. For further updates and information after 6:00 p.m. on October 28, including current information about closures and restrictions, please contact the following:

Prineville BLM, Deschutes Field Office
https://www.blm.gov/office/prineville-district- office
541- 416-6864
[email protected]

Ochoco National Forest
https://www.fs.usda.gov/ochoco
541-416-6647
[email protected]

Malheur National Forest
https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur
541-575-3008
[email protected]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife - Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area https://myodfw.com/phillip-w-schneider- wildlife-area-visitors-guide
For access information: 541-318-7972
For tag and related information: 541-620-1047

USFS & BLM Closures / Evacuation Information / Fire Restrictions / Social Media for the Rail Ridge Fire area can be found at: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.

Stay safe and informed, and thank you for your continued support.

Fire Information Line: 541-208-7111, staffed 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-rail-ridge



U.S. Forest Service-Malheur National Forest
U.S. Forest Service - Ochoco National Forest
Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District
Oregon Department of Forestry
Grant County Emergency Management
Crook County Sheriff's Office
Wheeler County Sheriff's Office
of Land Management Fire

10/27/2024

🚨 Rail Ridge Fire Operations Update with NW2's Operations Chief Jake Garate. The operations Update is followed by a closing message from NW2 Incident Commander John Szulc.

Acres: 176,619 ~ Start Date: 09/02/24 ~ Cause: Lightning

As of October 26, Northwest Team 2 completed their work on the Rail Ridge Fire. Personnel and equipment were pulled off of the fire lines and roads in anticipation of hazardous weather conditions. Most resources are returning to their home units. Some personnel will stay to break down the Incident Command Post near Dayville or to provide further assistance to the local agencies.



Hunting, Recreation and Fire Closure Areas: Closures remain in place on the Ochoco and Malheur National Forests, BLM lands, and areas managed by ODFW. These closures have been established for public safety, wildfire recovery projects and resource protection. Please stay out of the closure areas and “know before you go” into the area.



Central Oregon Wildfire Information: centraloregonfire.org

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire

Stay safe and informed, and thank you for your continued support.
USFS & BLM Closures / Evacuation Information / Fire Restrictions / Social Media for the Rail Ridge Fire area can be found at: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.

Fire Information Line: 541-208-7111, staffed 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-rail-ridge



U.S. Forest Service - Ochoco National Forest
U.S. Forest Service-Malheur National Forest
Oregon Department of Forestry
Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District
Wheeler County Sheriff's Office
Bureau of Land Management Fire
Crook County Sheriff's Office
Grant County Emergency Management

10/26/2024

10/26/2024

Put a fork in it!

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) - Central Oregon District will officially reduce the fire danger to LOW and end the 2024 fire season Friday, October 25, 2024, at 12:01 a.m., for lands under their protection and management. The end of fire season is a result of recent wetting rains and an overall cooling trend that has returned to the area.
With the end of fire season, the public and industrial fire restrictions implemented through the Central Oregon District will no longer be in effect.
Despite the fire season ending, fire officials advise residents to not rush burning. Instead, cover the top two-thirds of debris piles with a tarp or plastic. Doing this will keep the pile dry to allow for a cleaner burn later into the fall/winter months when the risk of fire spread is minimal. Several days of sunshine and dry weather during the fall months can create a fire risk even if a week or more of cool, wet conditions precede them.
Residents should contact their local fire department or ODF before conducting any type of debris burning as fire restrictions may vary between local fire districts. ODF offices are located in Sisters, 541-549-2731, Prineville 541-447-5658, The Dalles 541-296-4626, Fossil 541-763-2575 and John Day 541-575-1139.
When burning yard debris, ensure an adequate fire trail around the pile before igniting and have fire tools and a water supply at the burn site. Debris piles should never be left unattended and fully extinguished before leaving the area. If a debris burn escapes containment, the party responsible may be held financially responsible for the resulting fire suppression costs and associated damages.
The Central Oregon District staff would like to thank the community for their cooperation and support during the 2024 fire season.

10/26/2024

Malheur National Forest to Begin Fall Pile Burning

With the onset of cooler weather, fire resources on the Malheur National Forest are preparing to implement pile burning operations beginning as soon as next week and continuing through the next several months. Project areas that are being monitored for potential pile burning, of which will be completed as conditions allow, are:

Blue Mountain Ranger District:
• Crown Project Area
• Magone Project Area
• Pluto Project Area
• Starr Project Area
• Orbit Project Area
• Twin Project Area
• Hunt Project Area
• Tin Project Area

The piles are concentrations of leftover woody materials associated with vegetation management activities conducted to help maintain and restore forest and ecosystem health while reducing hazardous fuels. Removing these large accumulations of hazardous fuels during the fall and winter months are a part of an ongoing effort to reduce wildfire risk.

Pile burning implementation is weather dependent and will be conducted only under appropriate conditions to ensure safety. These conditions include temperature, wind, fuel moisture, and smoke weather forecast. When all these criteria are met, firefighters implement, and monitor to ensure it meets forest health and public safety goals including air quality.

For additional information about the Malheur National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/malheur or call the Supervisor’s Office at 541-575-3000.