Source: Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
The Devil’s Half Acre Fire is burning on Prineville Bureau of Land Management protected land, approximately five miles north of Maupin and west of Oak Springs. Initial estimates of fire size is approximately 300 acres; heavy smoke has been limiting visibility and has been reported to be impacting the town of Fossil, approximately 40 miles to the southeast. Yesterday afternoon and evening, firefighters were challenged by erratic winds primarily out of the northwest that pushed the fire in all directions; the fire crossed the White River to the north and burned down to the west side of the Deschutes River. Due to the active fire activity, the Oak Springs Fish Hatchery is currently closed to the public.
Ground resources on scene include eight engines and a 20-person contract crew arriving this morning. Two heavy helicopters and two air tankers have been ordered to assist the ground crews this morning. A number of developed campgrounds along the river corridor are potentially threatened by the blaze, including White River Campground, White River State Park, and Surf City.
The Fall Canyon Fire is burning on steep slopes on Prineville Bureau of Land Management administered lands along the west side of the Lower Deschutes River, 12 miles north of Grass Valley. The fire, reported at 7:00 p.m. on August 17, has grown to 1000 acres and is burning in steep, rugged terrain and heavy grassy fuels. Quick responding fire crews managed to protect structures in the area, including several old homesteads. The river remains open, and no structures are in imminent danger. One medium and one light helicopter is assigned with a reconnaissance flight planned this morning. Sixty firefighters (including the Silver City Hotshots and the Lassen Hotshots) and support personnel are assigned.