NOTE: This will be the last evening update from the Cutoff Fire.
Oregon Department of Forestry IMT 1, Joe Hessel, Incident Commander
Cutoff Fire email: Cutoff.Fire.Information@gmail.com
Cutoff Fire Information Line: 971-600-2579 (7 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
Facebook: Cutoff Fire
Evacuation Information
Inciweb
Fire Crews Strengthen Control Lines Ahead of Predicted Heat Wave
BONANZA, Ore.—More precise mapping now shows the size of the Cutoff Fire as 1,288 acres. Containment has reached 41%. Firefighters have mopped up all around the fire to a distance of at least 100 feet, and to 150 feet from the edge in some places. Tonight, a drone carrying infrared heat-detection equipment will fly over the fire’s perimeter to identify areas that are still hot and smoldering. Meanwhile, ground crews will use hand-held infrared heat detectors to comb over the fire looking for hot spots that need to be mopped up.
The forecast calls for a heat wave in the area moving into the weekend. Temperatures could reach 100 degrees by Sunday. Fire managers are reminding firefighters to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and heat stress.
Evacuation levels remain unchanged at Level 2 or 1 in areas near the fire. Residents are allowed to come and go from their properties but are asked to be alert to hazards that remain near burned areas, including heavy fire equipment traffic.
Operations Section Chief John Flannigan expressed appreciation for the progress firefighters have made in cooling hot spots and putting out embers to reduce chances for the fire to escape. “Their work over the next few shifts is to find hot spots that could threaten the control line. It’s important to do this ahead of the gusty winds and hot temperatures predicted for this weekend.”