Durkee Fire could see 'extreme behavior, growth' in next 24 hours, officials say
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – After doubling in size earlier in the week, the Durkee Fire continues to swell in Eastern Oregon as the state’s largest active megafire.
The wildfire sits at 244,842 acres, or 383 square miles, as of Wednesday morning with several Level 3 “Go Now” and Level 2 “Be Ready” evacuation notices in place. Evacuation information can be found on the social media pages for the Baker County Sheriff’s Office and the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said “extreme fire behavior and growth” are expected on Wednesday as the area continues to be under a Red Flag Warning and Flash Flood Watch due to the potential for severe thunderstorms and wind gusts of 70-75 mph.
The Baker County Sheriff's Office said fire personnel "strongly encourage any residents remaining in the area to leave now. Bring important medications and companion animals with you."
According to deputies, power outages and freeway closures are expected as the wildfire approaches Huntington, Ore. If the fire does impact the city, officials say residents will still be able to use I-84 to evacuate, even in the case of a closure.
A lightning strike sparked the fire off I-84 near Durkee on Thursday, July 18. Since then, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to combat the blaze, which allows additional resources from around the state to be redirected to fight the fire.
The Durkee Fire is among three other wildfires to reach “megafire” status, meaning the fires have reached a size of at least 100,000 acres, in 2024.
According to numbers reported by the State of Oregon Fires and Hotspots Dashboard, at least 119 active fires are burning throughout the state with more than 827,497 total acres burned. This converts to 1,293 square miles of impacted land.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our wildfire coverage.