The Oregon Department of Forestry is providing mutual aid on several of the fires in what is being called the White Lightning Complex in Central Oregon. Following is a news release about this complex that was issued this afternoon.
****************************************
WHITE LIGHTNING COMPLEX
As of 1200 (12:00 noon), Friday, August 20, 2010
Approximate start time: 2100 (9:00 p.m.) on Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Background: There were 400 lightning strikes on Tuesday evening causing 28 fire starts to-date. Most were small fires but five developed into larger fires due to dry weather conditions and winds.
Island Rim Fire: Located on the flat between the Warm Springs River and Beaver Creek south of Tribal Highway 9 that runs from US Highway 26 to Simnasho. Approximately 1,000 acres of rangeland, it threatened one home and several water developments, and burned one out building.
Johnson Lake Fire: Located about 2 miles south of Simnasho on the west side of Tribal Highway 3 on Schoolie Flat. Approximately 2,500 acres of rangeland, this fire threatened numerous homes. In addition to wildland fire fighters, the Central Oregon Structural Protection Task Force III (Warm Springs Fire and Safety, Jefferson County Fire District, Crook County Fire District and Crooked River Ranch Fire District) assisted in protecting homes and other structures. No losses were reported. A Level II Evacuation Order was in place for a voluntary evacuation of the area.
Youther Fire: Located east of Tribal Highway 3 about 6 miles northeast of Simnasho on the northeastern boundary of the reservation, approximately 6 miles northwest of Dant on the Deschutes River and about 4 miles south of the community of Wapinitia to the north of the reservation. Approximately 1,200 acres in rangeland and scrub oak county. Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is assisting with this fire as portions are on lands protected off the reservation by the department.
Nelson Fire: Located about 1 to 2 miles east/northeast of the Youther Fire also in rangeland and scrub oak county. This fire reactivated about 0620 (6:20 a.m.) this morning and is moving north/northeast down Nena Creek canyon. It is approximately 1,500 acres and growing. Additional crews are being dispatched to that fire. ODF is assisting with this fire.
Laughlin Hills II Fire: Located west of Tribal Highway 3 about 6 miles northeast of Simnasho on the northeastern boundary of the reservation, about 2 miles west of the Youther Fire in forested country. Approximately 2,000 acres in size, crews are back burning from Highway 3 on the eastern flank to help control the fire and hoping to hold the northern line. ODF is assisting with this fire.
Road Closures: Due to safety concerns and fire traffic, Tribal Highway 3 is closed at the Kah-Nee-Ta Road junction (Tribal Highway 8) north to mile post 33 at the northern boundary of the reservation, and at the Simnasho junction of Tribal highways 3 and 9. Only Schoolie Flat residents and employees of the Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery are allowed in the area.
Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort and Casino remains open. Those coming from the north and wanting to reach the resort and casino are encouraged to continue south on US Highway 26 past the Simnasho turnoff (Tribal Highway 9) into Warm Springs and take Tribal Highway 3 north to Kah-Nee-Ta.
Total personnel: Approximately 350
Resources: 12 crews, six smokejumpers, 20 engines, eight tenders, 2 dozers, three helicopters, three planes, and 20 overhead personnel. Additional crews, engines, tenders, dozers and overhead personnel are on order.
Incident Command: Being managed by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the Warm Springs Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The Warm Springs Police Department is assisting. A Type II Incident Command Team will arrive this afternoon to take over the complex so local fire fighters can return to initial attach duties.
Contact: Clay Penhollow, Fire Information Officer at 553-2413.
###
Jeri Chase, Oregon Department of Forestry
PH: 503-945-7201