Source: Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
The Deadman Canyon Fire grew to 3,514 acres yesterday as winds pushed the fire on steep slopes north of Madras. The fire is burning in an area east of Highway 97 and north of Hwy 293, approximately 17 miles northeast of Madras in juniper, sagebrush and grassland.
Five abandoned outbuildings (old sheds, storage buildings, etc.) were lost Tuesday and several structures on the scattered ranches in the area remain threatened today.
Firefighters worked overnight on the fire, taking advantage of cooler temperatures and reduced fire behavior, and the fire is now 10 percent contained. Although winds are predicted to be lower today, firefighters will still be challenged by high afternoon temperatures, limited access and rugged terrain.
Due to fire traffic along Highway 293 and the location of the fire, Highway 293 remains closed between the junction of Highway 97 and Hwy 293 and the town of Antelope. Traffic traveling to Antelope or farther to Fossil should take Highway 218 south from Shaniko to Antelope.
The Deadman Canyon Fire is staffed with approximately 150 personnel. Fire is within Bureau of Land Management jurisdiction.
The smoke from Deadman Canyon will be highly visible from Highway 97. People traveling through the area should use caution, avoid stopping and watch out for increased firefighter traffic.
Firefighters are also responding to a small 30-acre fire on Sutton Mountain in a Wilderness Study Area located 35 miles northeast of Prineville. The fire is in a remote area and will be managed to stay within the WSA boundary and suppression actions will be designed to maintain wilderness values.