Jones Butte Fire - Union County

Jones Butte Fire Update – July 29, 2023 6:00 p.m.

Fire officials on the Jones Butte Fire located two miles northwest of Elgin, Oregon have lifted all evacuation levels in their entirety late this afternoon.

The fire, which was last mapped at 111 acres in size is now reported at 50% containment as of 5:00 p.m. today. Crews are continuing mop up operations. One engine will remain in place overnight. The remaining crews and other resources will be released by 8:00 p.m. There were no structures lost in this fire. The Type 4 team has been led by Incident Commander Travis Lowe.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Citizens are asked to adhere to all fire regulations which can be found at https://bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml

Additional information on the Jones Butte Fire is available at www.union-county.org.

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July 28, 2023 Update – 18:00

The Jones Butte Fire burning two miles NW of Elgin began Thursday afternoon and is mapped at 111 acres in size with 20% containment as of 6:00 p.m. today. Crews, engines and tenders continued work to strengthen the fireline and address spot fires outside of the main fire perimeter. Fuels along the northwestern edge of the fire flared up this afternoon and helicopter support was engaged to cool those areas down. A drone is being used to assist in locating heat spots. The fire has hose entirely around the fire and mop-up efforts are underway.

Resources on the fire include six engines, three water tenders, two dozers, five hand crews, and two Division supervisors. Two engines will remain overnight. The remaining crews, tenders and other resources will be released by 11:00 p.m. tonight. The Type 4 team is led by Incident Commander Travis Lowe.

The weather tomorrow is expected to be hot, dry and breezy with a predicted Haines Index of 5. Out of an abundance of caution, fire officials are keeping the evacuation notices in place for Level 1 and Level 2 areas.

Evacuation Notices remain in place as follows:

Level 2 – Be Set to evacuate: South side of Gordon Creek between Valley View Road and Middle Road; East side of Valley View Road South to 71357 Valley View Road; West side of Middle Road from Gordon Creek Road intersection to 71332 Middle Road.

Level 1 – Be Ready to evacuate: Valley View Road North of 70942 Valley View Road; Middle Road North of 70936 Middle Road; Gordon Creek Road from Palmer Junction to 73078 Gordon Creek Road; all of Darr Road.

A Level 1 Evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation. Be aware of the danger that exists in their area and monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you by the emergency notification system.

A Level 2 Evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate. Be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. There is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area, or if choosing to remain, be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. This may be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.

A Level 3 Evacuation means “GO” Evacuate NOW – LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is current or imminent and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. Do not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Citizens are asked to continue to use caution and adhere to regulations. The Jones Butte Fire updates are available at www.union-county.org.

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07/28/23 08:50

Update on the Jones Butte Fire, located two miles NW of Elgin, Oregon.

The Level 3 Evacuation Notices have been downgraded to a Level 2 for the following areas:

South side of Gordon creek between Valley View Road and Middle Road; East side of Valley South to 71357 Valley View Road; West side of Middle Road from Gordon Creek Road intersection to 71332 Middle Road.

The Level 2 Evacuation Notices has been downgraded to a Level 1 for the following areas:

Valley View Road North of 70942 Valley View Road; Middle Road North of 70936 Middle Road; Gordon Creek Road from Palmer Junction to 73078 Gordon Creek Road; all of Darr Road.

The fire remained at approximately 115 acres overnight. Fire crews were able to lay a hose line around the fire perimeter and conducted mop up operations. Interior burning continues.

Resources on the fire remain at a total of 60-80 personal which includes one 20-person crew, six 10-person crews, three engines, three tenders, and two dozers. The Type 4 team is led by Incident Commander Travis Lowe.

07/27/23 19:30

Update on the Jones Butte Fire, located two miles NW of Elgin, Oregon.

There are currently approximately 60-80 individuals actively engaged in suppressing the Jones Butte Fire with additional expected to arrive. Fire crews on scene include Oregon Department of Forestry, plus Elgin, Imbler and La Grande Rural Fire Departments, the City of La Grande Fire Department, and others. The fire is currently estimated to be 115 acres in size.

The Level 2 and 3 evacuation notices currently in place are being maintained out of an abundance of caution, and at this time fire officials do not anticipate any changes to these notices over the next 24 hour period.

The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.

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A Level 3 Evacuation Notice has been issued for the following areas:

A Level 2 Evacuation Notice has been issued for the following areas:

Valley View Rd N of 70942 Valley View Rd; Middle Rd N of 70936 Middle Rd; Gordon Ck Rd from Palmer Jct to 73078 Gordon Cr Rd; all of Darr Road.

This is a wildfire emergency alert from Union County. Level 3 – GO NOW! Evacuate immediately from the following areas:

Esta es una alerta de incendio forestal de Union County. Nivel 3 – ¡VAYASE AHORA! Evacúe de inmediato de las siguientes zonas: South side of Gordon creek between Valley View Road and Middle Road; East side of Valley South to 71357 Valley View Road; West side of Middle Road from Gordon Creek Road intersection to 71332 Middle Road.

Level 3 – GO NOW means Leave Immediately!

There is extreme danger in your area – evacuate now. Leave without delay, it is unsafe to stay and threatens the safety of you, your family, and emergency responders. Your life could be in great danger. Emergency services personnel may not be available to help you if you choose to stay.

Do not stop to gather your belongings or protect your home. Follow your emergency plan.
Leave as fast as safely possible. Drive carefully. Turn on your headlights. Follow traffic safety warnings and instructions from local authorities. Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information.
If you need emergency shelter, call 211 or 1-866-698-6155, visit 211info.org, or text your zip code to 898211. TTY: dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155. Language interpreters are available by phone. Text is available Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., in Spanish and English.

After you evacuate:

Do not return to the area until public safety officials announce the area is safe.
Continue to check for updates through local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio. {Local Resource for more Info}
Once you are safe, check with friends and family.
Visit wildfire.oregon.gov for more info.

If you will need assistance evacuating persons with additional needs and/or animals/livestock, call:

Do not call 911 unless experiencing an immediate life safety issue.

This is a wildfire emergency alert from Union County. Level 2 – BE SET to evacuate from the following areas: Valley View Rd N of 70942 Valley View Rd; Middle Rd N of 70936 Middle Rd; Gordon Ck Rd from Palmer Jct to 73078 Gordon Cr Rd; all of Darr Road.

Esta es una alerta de incendio forestal de Union County. Nivel 2 – ESTÉ LISTO para evacuar de las siguientes zonas: Valley View Rd N of 70942 Valley View Rd; Middle Rd N of 70936 Middle Rd; Gordon Ck Rd from Palmer Jct to 73078 Gordon Cr Rd; all of Darr Road.

Level 2 – BE SET to evacuate means:

There is significant danger in your area – be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

Time to act – follow your emergency plan. Grab your go-kit of essential supplies for health, safety, and identification. For more info, visit wildfire.oregon.gov.
Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information.
Relocate to a safe place outside of the affected area. Inform loved ones of your plans.
If you need emergency shelter, call 211 or 1-866-698-6155, visit 211info.org, or text your zip code to 898211. TTY: dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155. Language interpreters are available by phone. Text is available Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., in Spanish and English.
Stay informed and be alert. Continue to check for updates through local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio.

This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. Conditions can change rapidly. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.

Do not call 911 unless experiencing an immediate life safety issue.

Union County

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