Bridge Fire Evening Update

Size: estimated 350 acres (change in acreage is due to better mapping)   Location: 9.9 miles NE of Prairie City, OR  Start Date: Sep. 3, 2025        Containment: 0%   Cause: undetermined  

Resources: today; 2 type 1 helos, 1 type 2 helo, 1 hotshot crew, 1 type 2 handcrews, 2 dozers, 3 water tenders, 2 engines, 2 skidgens, 3 feller bunchers, 3 log loaders, and other heavy equipment. 

The California Team 4 Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) will take command of the fire at 7 a.m. on September 6, 2025.

Today crews were able to hold the fire within its footprint and due to better mapping, the fire is now estimated at 350 acres. Firefighters are working north on the west flank, establishing control lines by reinforcing the existing fuels break created by the Forest Service Road (FSR) 2610. Crews, along with dozers and heavy equipment are working south down FSR 2612 strengthening control lines. With the combination of firefighters on the ground and retardant drops both flanks are currently holding.

Due to the steep, rugged terrain in which the fire is located and the large amount of heavy, down and dead fuels present, the fire will remain on the landscape until a season ending event such as heavy rain or snow. Firefighters will work to limit the spread of the fire and protect values at risk while accounting for public and firefighter safety.

Weather: Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Light and variable wind. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

Closures: Malheur Emergency Closure: Bridge Fire (06-04-01-25-16) To protect public health and safety, fire managers have closed the area around the fire due to fire activity and fire suppression operations. The Forest Order will be effective September 4, 2025, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2025, unless rescinded sooner.

Closure description:

• Starting at the junction of Oregon State Highway 7 and Oregon State Highway 26 (Austin Junction) following State Highway 26 west to the intersection with the National Forest Service (NFS) boundary at T. 12 S, R. 34 E, Sec. 16
• Following the NFS Boundary west and north to the intersection with National Forest System Road (FSR) 3670
• Following FSR 3670 north to the junction with FSR 2050 at Hwy 26
• Continuing north on FSR 2050 to the junction with Grant County Road (CR) 20
• Continuing east along CR 20 to the junction with State Highway 7
• Heading south on State Highway 7 to the junction with State Highway 26 (Austin Junction)
• Recreation sites included in closure; Deerhorn Campground, Middle Fork Campground, Dixie Campground, Davis Creek Trail #244 and both trailheads.  

Traffic on Oregon Highway 7 and Oregon Highway 26 is not impacted by this closure, both highways remain open currently.

Reader boards have been placed along Hwy 26, be prepared for increased traffic and smoke to be visible throughout the area, as resources continue firefighting operations. The public is reminded to use caution in these smokey conditions.

Follow Malheur National Forest on Facebook for current forest and fire information. For additional information, visit us at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/malheur .