BLACK HILLS

### 1. Fire Start, Size and Growth - **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Black Hills Fire was first reported on the night of Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Malheur County, Oregon, near the intersection of Highways 78 and 95. - **Size and Containment**: As of July 18, 2025, the fire had grown rapidly to approximately 4,957 acres and remains 0% contained. - **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire has expanded quickly since its initial report of 1,500 acres, indicating a fast rate of spread likely fueled by dry rangeland and brush typical of the area. - **Containment Efforts**: No containment has been reported yet, and firefighting efforts are presumably ongoing but challenged by the fire's rapid growth and current conditions[1][2][4]. ### 2. Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** - There are no specific evacuation orders or warnings reported yet for the Black Hills Fire area. - No evacuation shelters have been publicly announced at this time. - The fire is located about 10 miles southeast of Burns Junction, a sparsely populated area, so the number of people impacted by evacuations is likely limited[1][4]. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** - No official road closures have been reported near the fire location as of the latest updates. - Residents and travelers near Highways 78 and 95 should remain alert for any changes. **For more information, visit:** - Oregon Department of Forestry or local Malheur County emergency pages - Malheur County Sheriff's Office updates - Oregon Office of Emergency Management wildfire information portals ### 3. Current Impact **Impacts:** - No injuries or fatalities have been reported related to the Black Hills Fire so far. - There are no reports of structures destroyed or damaged. - The fire has primarily affected grazing lands and rangeland, which may impact local livestock operations. - Smoke from the fire could affect air quality in surrounding areas, though no specific air quality advisories have been issued yet for Malheur County[1][2]. **Safety Concerns:** - No burn bans or fire restrictions specific to this fire have been noted, but general regional fire danger is likely elevated given the rapid fire growth. - Residents should be aware of potential smoke impacts and monitor local air quality reports. - Standard wildfire safety precautions are advised, including readiness to evacuate if conditions worsen. ### 4. Ongoing Outlook - **Containment Projections**: With 0% containment and rapid fire growth, containment efforts are in early stages and expected to be difficult until weather conditions improve or additional resources arrive. - **Weather and Wind Warnings**: While specific Red Flag Warnings for the Black Hills Fire area have not been detailed, northeastern Oregon typically experiences dry, hot, and windy conditions in July that can exacerbate wildfire behavior. - Firefighters will likely continue aggressive suppression efforts, focusing on protecting any nearby communities and critical infrastructure. ### 5. Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate - **Cause**: The cause of the Black Hills Fire has not been determined or publicly released at this time. - **Weather and Climate**: The fire is occurring during a period of hot, dry weather typical of summer in eastern Oregon, which contributes to rapid fire spread. The region's climate trends toward drought and increased wildfire risk in recent years, intensifying fire behavior and complicating suppression efforts[1][2]. Residents in Malheur County and nearby areas should stay informed through official channels and be prepared for potential evacuation orders as conditions evolve.

Citations

['https://elkhornmediagroup.com/black-hills-fire-in-malheur-county-estimated-at-1500-acres/', 'https://www.battstaging.com/fire/black-hills/', 'https://bendbulletin.com/2025/07/16/cram-fire-explodes-to-over-64000-acres-inundates-bend-with-smoke/', 'https://data.statesmanjournal.com/fires/black-hills/a9db7343-aa3d-4d87-90d8-a6ee2e3918a0/', 'https://www.salemreporter.com/2025/07/09/turner-fire-burns-30-acres-of-former-prison-farmland/']