Containment grows on Crook County’s Highland Fire, evacuation levels reduced to levels 1 and 2
Claire Elmer
(Update: Containment level grows to 55%)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — As of Tuesday morning, containment of the Highland Fire in Crook County is now at 55%. All evacuation levels have been reduced to a level 1 or 2.
According to Central Oregon Fire Info, “Yesterday crews strengthened the fire perimeter byreinforcing existing lines to enhance containment efforts. As a result, containment is now at 55%. Firefighters also continued to locate and cool hot spots within the fire perimeter, and complete fuel reduction treatments around structures such as tree limbing, juniper thinning, and hazard tree removal. Overnight, the fire line remained secure after being tested by high winds. Today, crews will continue mop efforts around the perimeter of the fire and have a goal to get 50 feet in depth around the fire.”
Click here to view current evacuation zones and levels.
EARLIER REPORTING:
Following a conflagration declaration by Governor Tina Kotek on Saturday evening, multiple agencies worked through the night and the weekend to establish fire lines on the Highland Fire in Crook County, and reported significant progress Monday, allowing some evacuees to return home.
As of Monday morning, the fire burning southeast of Prineville has now been mapped at a reduced 719 acres. The fire was previously reported at 1,500 acres on Sunday before being reduced early Monday morning.
According to the latest release from Central Oregon Fire Info, wildfire teams have made early progress strengthening the fire line and have the fire at 5% containment.
That brought good news late Monday afternoon from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office:
HIGHLAND FIRE (EVACUATION UPDATE) 07/14/25 3:45pm
“CCSO Emergency Management consulted with the Incident Management Team, and we have determined that the Longhorn Subdivision can be reduced to a LEVEL 2 BE SET, with restricted access to homeowners only.
Homeowners within the Longhorn Subdivision may return at their own discretion, but understand that if conditions change, you may be asked to leave and need to be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
There are still hot spots within the fire that could reignite. Please also understand that you may see flames and/or smoke during the day or night. Please utilize the non-emergency line for re-igniting trees. If there is an imminent threat, please utilize 9-1-1
Firefighters are still in the area attending to the hot spots and mopping up. Please be mindful of moving apparatus and personnel.”
—
Evacuation orders have been revised and reduced – view the most up-to-date evacuation map and information at Watch Duty.
Congressman Cliff Bentz told KTVZ News today in an email that he was happy that the White House authorized the funding, “We must protect the homes, infrastructure, and natural resources threatened by this dangerous wildfire. This authorization will help the Crook County Community. I will continue to work with FEMA and other agencies as they respond to wildfires”.
Claire Elmer returned to Prineville Monday morning to get the latest information on the fire and its impacts. Her report airs on KTVZ News at 5:00 p.m.
Monday morning update from Crook County Sheriff’s office:
Crews from various local, state, and federal agencies have made substantial progress on the Highland Fire, with no reported loss of structures. In coordination with these firefighting efforts, the Crook County Sheriff’s Office has reduced some of the evacuation levels in areas around the fire’s perimeter.
LEVEL 3 GO NOW is still in effect for the Longhorn Subdivision, and there is a road closure at the entrance.
LEVEL 2- Areas in the reduced Level 2 area include Maphet Road and Bonnie Road.
LEVEL 1- Areas in the reduced Level 1 include SE Ridgeview, SE Indian, and PLA 1 & 2
Please be aware that there are still active hot spots and smoke within the fire perimeter. Fire crews remain on scene and continue working to protect homes and nearby areas. We appreciate your continued patience during this ongoing effort.
Please continue to monitor our Facebook page and other platforms such as Watch Duty, Genasys, Crook County Alerts, and Crook County Fire and Rescue for specific information on your location/residence.
—
News release from Federal Emergency Management Agency:
FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Highland Fire in Oregon
BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Highland Fire burning in Crook County, Oregon.
The state of Oregon’s request for a declaration under FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program was approved by FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vincent J. Maykovich on Saturday July, 12, 2025, at 10:58 p.m. PT. He determined that the Highland Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the fourth FMAG declaration in 2025 to help fight Oregon wildfires.
At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the community of Prineville Lake Acres. The fire was also threatening roads, infrastructure, utilities, a watershed, and wildlife resources.
FMAGs make funding available to pay up to 75 percent of a state’s eligible firefighting costs for fires that threaten to become major disasters. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
—
As of Monday morning, the Highland Fire had cost $1.9 million to fight, according to the National Interagency Fire Center’s daily situation report.
Structure protection efforts remain underway around homes and in neighborhoods. At this time, there have been no reports of any structures lost. Central Oregon Fire told KTVZ News late Sunday afternoon the entire perimeter of the fire is now lined — either with wet lines or hand lines.
The agencies that responded to the fire include the Central Oregon Structural Task Forces, Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service, and Oregon Department of Forestry. Central Oregon Fire said multiple counties across Oregon have sent their crews to the area to assist in efforts as well.
A temporary evacuation shelter is set up at Eastside Church at 3174 NE 3rd Street in Prineville. For large animals, Brasada Ranch has opened its Rim Rock Riders arena at 16976 SW Brasada Ranch Road in Powell Butte.
As of Sunday evening, Rim Rock Riders said they have received around 20 animals and still have space remaining for more. If you have questions regarding large animal evacuation to Brasada, you can contact Kerri Jo at 541-980-7911.
At this time, the fire has initially been determined to be human caused and the thorough and complete investigation is currently ongoing. To maintain the integrity of the investigation, no additional information is being released until the investigation is finalized.
A Highland Fire community meeting was held at 6pm on Sunday at Barnes Butte Elementary School. The meeting video can be viewed here.
The update from Central Oregon Fire released on July 14th, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. can be read in its entirety in the PDF attached below.