Firefighting Efforts Continue as Crews Respond to New Starts Following Overnight Storms
PRINEVILLE, Ore. – Crews battling the Marks Creek Fire continue their work Monday after a night of thunderstorms brought both relief and new challenges. While rainfall dampened some areas of the fire, lightning strikes from the storms ignited several new fire starts, drawing resources away from containment operations.
Firefighting Efforts
Firefighters remain focused on building and reinforcing containment lines, with an emphasis on adding depth around the fire perimeter. Mop-up operations are underway, with crews patrolling for hot spots, extinguishing smoke, and removing fire-damaged trees to reduce hazards.
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Specialized tree-falling teams are active throughout the area, working to clear weakened trees that threaten both firefighters and public safety.
Aerial resources will also be deployed today, conditions permitting, to support ground operations and respond quickly to any flare-ups or new starts.
Weather Outlook
Forecasters warn that today’s weather could bring increased instability, creating conditions favorable for renewed fire activity. Crews are preparing for shifting winds and the potential of advancing heat within the fire zone.
The fire management team emphasized that safety remains the highest priority, with resources ready to pivot quickly between suppression, mop-up, and response to new starts.
Evacuations and Community Impact
In a positive development, evacuation levels have decreased in some areas around the Marks Creek Fire, allowing residents to return to their homes. Officials said this progress reflects strong collaboration between firefighting agencies, local authorities, and community partners.
However, evacuation orders remain in place for certain zones. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office continues to provide updated maps and guidance on its official Facebook page: facebook.com/CrookCountySheriff.
Road and Area Closures
Highway 26 remains open to traffic, but officials caution drivers to use extreme care. Fire crews and heavy machinery are actively entering and exiting the roadway, and drivers are urged to slow down and remain alert while traveling through the fire zone.
The U.S. Forest Service has also enacted a temporary closure of affected areas in the Ochoco National Forest to protect public safety and allow firefighting operations to continue without interruption. Details and maps of the closure can be found on the Forest Service website: fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco/alerts/marks-creek-fire-area-closure.
Multi-Agency Response
Multiple agencies remain engaged in a coordinated effort to protect lives, property, natural resources, and surrounding communities. Fire managers praised the teamwork among local, state, and federal responders, noting that the combined response has been crucial in both suppression and recovery work.
The fire’s management team reiterated that public safety and firefighter safety remain paramount as conditions evolve.
Looking Ahead
With crews still working on containment lines and mop-up operations, progress will depend heavily on weather conditions and the ability to respond to new lightning-caused starts. Officials encouraged residents to remain vigilant, heed evacuation notices, and stay updated through official information channels.
As the Marks Creek Fire continues into another week, the community’s resilience and the dedication of hundreds of firefighters on the ground and in the air remain central to the response.
