Durkee Fire expands to 116,431 acres; Cow Valley Fire 78 percent contained in Oregon

MALHEUR COUNTY, Idaho (CBS2) — The Oregon Department of Forestry says the Durkee Fire has spread to 116,431 acres while the Cow Valley Fire is now 78 percent contained.

The Durkee Fire was started on July 17, by a lightning strike and has quickly grown. 434 fire personnel are working on the fire with 24 aviation resources fighting the fire from above. A drone flying into restricted air space almost grounded aircraft on Saturday though quick actions from personnel allowed aerial efforts to continue.

Ground crews used strategic firing operations on the southern side to create a fire break and slow the spread of the fire.

Fire crews are expecting a weather shift today as they work to secure the perimeter.

The Cow Valley Fire is now 78 percent contained, the fire which is believed to be human-caused started on July 11 and has burned over 133,490 acres.

Fire crews are patrolling the fire looking for any hot spots to extinguish.

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