Prineville, Ore. – Passing thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and evening sparked several new fires on Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands within the Central Oregon District. Some of the storm cells came with significant precipitation, but in other areas there was limited moisture. Today firefighters will work to locate fires from the storm as well as continuing suppression efforts on existing fires. Reconnaissance flights are already in the air looking for new fires.
Today will be slightly cooler than the last few days, but temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90’s across the area with moderate winds. The warm temperature and wind is likely to fan any smoldering embers in already dry wildland fuels. Additional thunderstorms are likely on the eastern edge of the District which may impact fire behavior and start additional fires. In an effort to reduce active fires on the landscape ODF firefighters are working closely with rural fire departments and federal partners in suppression action. Wildfires impact air and water quality for communities across the region.
The Lewis Rock Fire, located two miles south of Mitchell in the John Day Unit, challenged firefighters late Wednesday evening. Erratic winds from passing thunderstorms did not allow for retardant drops from large air tankers, however overnight bulldozers were able to complete fireline around 95% of the fire. Remaining fireline will be constructed today by contract hand crews. Seven engines and two tenders will be working to provide water to secure the fire perimeter. The fire is 58 acres and 0% contained. Four air tankers are being used today to keep the fire inside last night’s dozer line. Residences in the Dollarhide area were placed on a Level 2-Be set evacuation notice by the Wheeler County Sheriff late Wednesday night. As a precaution, in anticipation of this afternoon’s thunderstorms, the town of Mitchell and surrounding community will be placed on a Level 1-Be Ready evacuation notice. For current evacuation information visit https://www.facebook.com/WheelerCountySheriffsOffice.
Two additional fires in the John Day Unit were limited to a single tree. The Prineville Unit caught one fire at less than a 1/10 of an acre and spent much of Wednesday evening working to locate reported fires or assisting cooperators.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.