Severe storms and flooding expected amid ongoing Oregon wildfires, evacuations ordered
MALHEUR COUNTY, Oregon (CBS2) — Wednesday's weather will lead to extreme fire behavior and growth. A Red Flag Warning for severe thunderstorms was issued and will be followed by a Flash Flood Watch.
Thunderstorm wind gusts may reach 75 mph and are expected to impact the Durkee Fire footprint. Burned areas are more susceptible to landslides, mudslides, flash floods and debris flow.
The Malheur County Sheriff's and the Baker County Sheriff's Offices have issued evacuations for multiple areas. Residents in Level 3 Evacuations "GO NOW," should leave immediately. Residents should not return to their property until evacuation levels have been removed. Carry enough supplies to support you and your family for multiple days.
A real-time map of fire evacuations can be found on the State of Oregon Fire Dashboard.
Weather and fire behavior could impact transportation, power transmission, cell service and other utilities.
Firefighters worked overnight to maintain primary and secondary firelines and to support structure protection. No strategic firing operations were initiated. Today, wildland firefighters are anticipating extreme weather events. They will remain strategically placed around the fire area for when the extreme weather arrives and engage when it is safe.
Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces will work to support communities around the fire perimeter.
Air resources on Tuesday were limited due to poor visibility and high winds and are expected to be limited or grounded on Wednesday because of the weather.
The Durkee Fire is 244,858 acres and is zero percent contained. The Cow Valley Fire is 133,490 acres and is 91 percent contained.
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