Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander Kevin Stock, assumed management of the
S-503 Fire yesterday morning. The incident command post is located at the Wasco County Fairgrounds
and a base camp is located off Ashby Rd also in Tygh Valley. A spike camp is located in Bear
Springs Campground. This fire is being managed as a full suppression fire.
General Updates: The S-503 Fire continues to burn in timber and grasses on the Confederated Tribe
of the Warm Springs Reservation and privately owned in-holdings protected by Oregon Department of
Forestry. Firefighters are focused on securing areas of concern including structures, residences,
and values at risk. Night shift continued line construction on the southern portion of the fire
tying into a large meadow. In addition, resources secured line around two spot fires over the S-560
and S-570 Roads. Today, firefighters will continue to strengthen lines on the fire’s northern (one
mile south of Hwy 216) and eastern flanks (four miles west of Hwy 3), including securing the heel
of the fire in the northwestern corner of the fire perimeter. On the southern and western flanks
of the fire (approximately two miles east of Hwy 26), resources are constructing direct fire line
where feasible while securing and holding existing containment line. Predicted afternoon winds and
potential thunderstorms may test the eastern flank today. Initial attack activity is expected to
increase as lightning activity moves through the area. Northwest Incident Management Team 8 will
assist the Confederated Tribe of the Warm Springs Reservation with any new fire starts.
Acreage: 6,201 (approximately 535 acres is private in-holdings protected by Oregon Department of
Forestry)
Containment: 10%
Fire Information: (541) 670-0812 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) or (541) 553-2004 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
E-mail: javin.dimmick@ctwsbnr.org
Information Websites:
• Facebook page “CTWS – Fire Management”
• Inciweb information on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7559
• Oregon Smoke Information – http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Weather: Today, weather will be mostly cloudy with patchy smoke in the morning with afternoon
cumulus buildups. Temperatures will range 86 – 89 degrees with minimum relative humidity of 26-29%.
Winds will be west to southwest 4 – 8 mph increasing to 7-14 mph with gusts to 16 mph in the
afternoon.
Resources-251: 2 – type 1 hotshot crews, 5-type 2 initial attack crews, 1-heavy helicopter, 1-light
helicopter,16-engines, 4-dozers, 5-water tender, and 53 overhead.
Closures and Evacuations: The Wasco County Sherriff’s Office has lowered all residences west of
Kelly Springs Rd/Back Walters Rd from Level 3 evacuation to Level 2 – Get Set. Anything east of
Kelly Springs to Reservation Rd, including Walters Corners and the community of Pine Grove, remain
at Level 2 – Get Set.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the S-503
Fire, a temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire area. Please consult the “Notice
to Airman” for specifics. Wildfires are a “No
Drone Zone.”