Cow Valley wildfire in Malheur County consumes 25 sq miles, 30-50 homes threatened

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A fire in Malheur County Oregon is consuming 25 square miles, or 16,000 acres, and threatens 30-50 homes, the Oregon State Fire Marshal announced on Thursday.

The Fire Marshal had to mobilize task forces from Umatilla and Multnomah counties to assist in trying to control what officials described as a "fast-moving wildfire."

“The east side of the state has faced challenging fire conditions over the last week. The Cow Valley Fire is being pushed by gusty winds and low humidity,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple in a release. “We are using an essential tool and the power of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to provide added resources to the Cow Valley Fire. Firefighters funded through the 2024 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant allowed a quicker response for the local agencies."

The Cow Valley Fire changed directions early Thursday evening, making it travel eastbound toward the town, the Malheur County Sheriff's Office said. They are advising people to be prepared to vacate their homes as it's expected that an emergency message ordering an evacuation may be released soon.

Officials said the Multnomah County task force previously assigned to the Larch Creek Fire were diverted to the Cow Valley Fire Thursday night.

This is a developing story. KOIN 6 News will update this article if more information becomes available.