PHOTOS: The Black Rock Fire has grown to 40,684 acres since the weekend, with containment efforts reaching 10%. Recent rainfall has helped reduce fire activity, aiding ground crews in constructing containment lines. However, the moisture has not been enough to extinguish the fire and may complicate access for large engines on rugged terrain, potentially prolonging suppression efforts. Crews remain vigilant, adjusting tactics as conditions evolve.
Hand crews are playing a vital role in areas inaccessible to heavy equipment. The Central Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team is collaborating with the Wheeler County Rural Fire Protection Association to secure the fireโs southeast flank, where most Level 3 evacuations remain in effect. Ensuring residents can safely return home is a top priority, according to crews. Smoke may be visible from Highway 97 due to tactical firing operations on the northwest flank and from interior pockets of sunburned fuel that continue to burn but pose no threat to containment.
The Type 3 Team is working with RFPAs from Ashwood/Antelope, Bakeoven/Shaniko, and Wheeler Counties, as well as the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service, to suppress the fire. Agencies continue to prioritize public safety and the protection of cultural and natural resources. Weather forecasts indicate an active wet pattern in the area, with beneficial rainfall expected. Temperatures will be slightly cooler, reaching a high of 83, with light winds overall, though gustier conditions may occur near isolated afternoon thunderstorms.
