PENDLETON — The Oregon Department of Transportation announced Monday, July 22, it is closing Interstate 84 at night between Pendleton and Ontario for crews to manage the Durkee Fire.

The fire is burning west of the interstate between Baker City and Ontario. ODOT reported the closures will be the next three to five nights starting July 22.

The closures will begin at 7 p.m. with all lanes open again by 5 a.m. the following day. If other highways need to be closed in the area, they will be closed during the same time.

A full closure will allow fire crews to safely conduct large-scale fuel reduction burnouts.

ODOT suggested travelers should delay their trip during these closures until roads are safe.

“If you must travel, consult Tripcheck.com and check conditions for your route,”

according to ODOT. “Plan an alternate route by staying on main highways. Do not follow GPS directions or detour on county or forest roads as these are not suitable for interstate traffic and may have ongoing fire activity.”