UKIAH — A new Type 3 management team is taking responsibility for the Battle Mountain Complex of fires near Ukiah.

The Oregon Department of Forestry in an update reported the team arrives Monday, Aug. 19, and will shadow the outgoing Southwest Area Incident Management Team to ensure a seamless transition on Aug. 20.

Equipment and crews continue building erosion control features on dozer and hand lines, ODF also reported. Where available, cut brush is being dragged on top of fire lines to prevent erosion and allow vegetation to regrow. Local agencies are inspecting repair work. North of the fire, equipment operators continue removing brush and trees along roads.

“The goal is still to leave areas fully repaired and follow through with the back-up fire lines around Penland Lake that were started during the height of suppression,” according to ODF.

Residents can expect to see more traffic as crews and equipment leave. The Oregon Department of Forestry urged drivers to use caution, especially on blind curves where lowboy trailers may be traveling.

ODF also warned of high fire danger in the area.

“Fuels remain dry, and any new fire starts have the potential for rapid growth,” according to the update. “Firefighters assigned to the Battle Mountain Complex are ready to respond to any new fires in the area, but residents should be aware of local fire restrictions.”

Weather

Aug. 19 should be mostly sunny with increasing clouds in the afternoon and highs around 80-90 with afternoon humidity 15-25%. Winds should shift from west-southwest winds in the morning to west-northwest in the afternoon at 7-10 mph and gusts 15-25 mph.

Smoke and more

Smoke outlooks have stopped being issued for this fire. To view all outlooks, go to fire.airnow.gov.

The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service have rescinded or reduced closure orders for public lands. For more information on that, road closures and fire restrictions, visit linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024.

Grant, Morrow and Umatilla counties have removed all evacuation levels.

Total estimated complex size: 183,026 acres

Total containment: 94%

Cause: under investigation

Estimated cost: $79 million

Resources

9 crews

14 engines

1 helicopter

21 water tenders

18 dozers

615 personnel