Additional task forces deployed as thunderstorms threaten Salmon, Olive Butte fires

The Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized two additional structural task forces on Tuesday as lightning-caused wildfires continue to expand, threatening 174 homes and buildings in Granite, Greenhorn, and the surrounding areas.

A total of six Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces from Columbia, Clackamas, Clatsop, Lane, Multnomah, and Washington counties are now on the ground. Crews are working around the clock to clear brush, establish sprinkler systems, and lay water hoses defensively around at-risk properties. Hotshot crews are also working in the Congo Gulch area to protect the historic Fremont Powerhouse.

Fire managers are warning of a highly dynamic day ahead. Dry thunderstorms are forecasted from early afternoon through sunset, bringing little rain but introducing a high risk of lightning strikes and strong, gusty winds that could cause erratic fire behavior and spark new blazes. Initial attack crews are positioned to respond immediately to any new starts.

Increased fire activity late Monday afternoon required air tankers and helicopters to drop water and retardant to block the Salmon Fire from moving east into Greenhorn. Meanwhile, bulldozer crews successfully built containment line around the bottom of the Olive Butte Fire, keeping it east of the Olive Creek drainage.

A total of 787 personnel, including 48 engines, 18 wildland crews, and five helicopters, are currently assigned to the incidents. Both fires remain at 0% containment.

Fire Snapshot

• Salmon Fire: 1,540 acres | Started July 8 | 0% contained
  • Latest Status: Firefighters secured the line from Vinegar Hill to Psyche Butte and are using Forest Service Road 508 to block fire spread toward Greenhorn and California Gulch. The fire is growing moderately to the west in the heavy timber of the Salmon Creek drainage.
• Olive Butte Fire: 2,411 acres | Started July 8 | 0% contained
  • Latest Status: Bulldozer lines are holding the fire along the western and southeastern flanks. The fire is burning actively on its upper eastern and northern edges.

Evacuations and Closures

• Evacuations: The Baker County Sheriff's Office has active evacuations in place for the Greenhorn and Granite communities. Residents can check current levels and sign up for local emergency alerts via Grant County Everbridge or Baker County Alert.
• Forest Closures: The Tri-Forest Closure Order remains in effect for the Umatilla, Malheur, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. The public must avoid the area.
• Flight Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction is active over the fire zone. Unauthorized drone use is strictly prohibited and forces fire managers to immediately ground all firefighting aircraft.

Contact Information

• Fire Information Line: 541-407-5475 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
• Email: [email protected]
• Online Resources: InciWeb Page | Blue Mountains Fire Info Blog | AirNow Smoke Map