The Durkee Fire grew substantially again on Saturday, July 20, with most of the growth for the second straight day to the southeast as flames spread farther into Malheur County.

The fire, started by lightning on the morning of July 17, was estimated at 116,431 acres as of Sunday morning, according to an update from the management team overseeing firefighting efforts.

Firefighters worked to check the fire’s growth to the north after it crossed the Burnt River on Friday night. The fire did spread to the north but remained several miles south of Interstate 84.

On the south side, crews set intentional fires to burn fuel in the Dry Creek Road area north of Willowcreek, along Highway 26. The southern tip of the fire is about 11 miles from Vale. The Durkee Fire has burned to the border of the Cow Valley Fire as well.

On Sunday firefighters plan to build a line from Malheur Reservoir, which the fire reached on Saturday, and Amelia Butte, a couple miles to the northeast of the reservoir.

A privately owned drone entered the restricted air space at the fire on Saturday, but no aircraft were grounded as a result, according to this morning’s update.

A total of 24 aircraft, including retardant tankers and helicopters, worked on the fire Saturday.

Fire managers are expecting more extreme fire behavior today with temperatures again predicted to top 100 degrees along with extremely low humidity.

The National Weather Service is predicting a chance of thunderstorms today and Monday, with a chance of rain showers along with lightning that could start fires.

Hot, mostly dry weather is expected most of the week, but a pattern change late in the week could drop temperatures into the upper 80s by Friday.