PRINEVILLE, Ore. (Aug. 22, 2026) – With recreational activities increasing over the next two weeks, fire officials would like to remind the public that closures remain in effect across the fire area for lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). If you have questions about current closures, please contact the local agencies. Recreationists should avoid all closed areas for their safety and the safety of firefighting personnel. Information on these closures can be found on the Ochoco National Forest website’s Alerts page and the BLM Prineville website’s Fire Closures and Restrictions page.
A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service due to low relative humidity and gusting winds. A change in wind direction may expose smoldering materials previously sheltered from the wind resulting in an increase in fire activity within the fire’s perimeter.
Last night, firefighters focused on shoring up containment lines along the eastern edge of the fire area ahead of today’s winds. Sources of heat were identified using Thermal Imaging Cameras and Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the Cherry Creek and Mill Creek areas and completing work around Wednesday’s flare up on Mill Creek Road.
Firefighters will continue focusing on the southern and eastern lines of the fire, which are most at risk under today’s weather conditions. Increased smoke is likely throughout the day as unburned vegetation inside the fire perimeter becomes more receptive to combustion.
Safety
Fire suppression operations continue to increase traffic on area roadways. Drivers should remain alert for firefighters and heavy equipment. Stay out of closed areas, follow evacuation orders and avoid activities that could spark a fire.
Weather and Fire Behavior
Red Flag Warning in effect through Saturday which may result in an increase in fire activity and smoke production from within the fire perimeter. A short reprieve is in the forecast for Sunday and Monday as cooler, more humid weather with gentle breezes is expected, followed again by hot and dry conditions mid-week.
Evacuations
Evacuation orders are issued by the county sheriff’s offices. For the most up-to-date information, visit:
Crook County: https://www.facebook.com/CrookCountySheriff
Interactive Evacuation map: https://bit.ly/3SFuMTb
Jefferson County: https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonCountyORSheriff
Wheeler County: https://www.facebook.com/WheelerCountySheriffsOffice
Closures
The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service have implemented closures in and around the fire area.
BLM Closures and Restrictions: https://www.blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
U.S. Forest Service – Ochoco National Forest Closure Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco/alerts
For current road closure information, visit TripCheck: www.tripcheck.com
Central Oregon Fire Restrictions:
https://centraloregonfire.org/fire-restrictions/
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place in the fire area to protect aerial firefighting operations. Unauthorized drone and aircraft operations are prohibited within the restricted airspace. For more information, visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3
Air Quality Information
Air quality updates: https://fire.airnow.gov/
Smoke outlook information: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook