Thanks to rainfall and increased moisture, the Black Rock Fire did not experience significant growth following yesterday evening’s erratic winds. Today, aerial resources played a key role in slowing the fire’s spread, while ground crews continued constructing containment lines. The fire remains estimated at approximately 32,453 acres. Tonight, if conditions are favorable, infrared flights will capture more precise mapping of the fire’s footprint. Night crews will remain active, working to limit further spread and protect surrounding areas.
Fire info line: 541-316-7711
Central Oregon – The Black Rock Fire started on September 4th. Significant wind events have driven it to an estimated size of 32,453 acres. The fire is currently 0% contained. Nightshift firefighters worked to contain the fire’s spread under challenging wind conditions. Some rain did fall on the fire.
Today multiple air resources will be working to reduce the fire’s spread while firefighters continue constructing fire line. Ground based resources include: 5 crews, 3 dozers, 3 water tenders, 13 engines, 4 skidgines, and 1 helitack crew. Air resources include: 4 Single Engine Air Tankers, 5 helicopters and an air attack fix wing plane. Crews will continue to prioritize firefighter and public safety and protect residences, cultural resources, agricultural improvements and grazing allotments.
Additionally, the Central Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team has been coordinating with the RFPAs from Ashwood/Antelope, Bakeoven/Shaniko, and Wheeler County RFPA’s to suppress the fire.
Weather: Conditions will remain like yesterday with a chance of showers in the morning and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temperatures may reach up to 88 degrees and there is a possibility for wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour.
Evacuations: Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow all directions from fire personnel in the area. This fire is currently impacting 4 counties: Wasco, Sherman, Wheeler and Gilliam. For the most up to date evacuation information and to receive emergency notifications visit ORAlert.gov. For evacuations maps visit:
Wasco County: https://perimetermap.com/
Sherman County: Click Here
Wheeler County: Click Here
Gilliam County: no evacuations as of 8:00 AM 9.7.2025
Closures and Restrictions: Certain BLM managed lands around the John Day River north of Highway 218 will be closed. A formal closure order will be posted on Fire Restrictions – Oregon-Washington Bureau of Land Management later today. The OMSI Hancock Field Station and the John Day Fossil Bed National Monument Clarno Unit also remain closed to the public. All public lands in Central Oregon are under Stage 1 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited, except within certain established campgrounds. For the latest road conditions and closures, please visit the ODOT website.
Do not fly drones near the fire. Unauthorized drones can ground firefighting aircraft and delay suppression efforts.
For official wildfire updates in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org or follow @CentralORfire on X/Twitter. To report a wildfire, call 9-1-1. For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.