September 10, 2011
Beginning Noon Friday, the National Weather Service in Portland issued Red Flag Warnings for high fire potential through those areas of the Willamette Valley not already under the Warning. Friday’s Red Flag covers all of Multnomah County, Columbia County, eastern Clatsop County, Washington County, Yamhill County, Clackamas County, Polk County, Marion County, Benton County and Lane County, and is in effect until 6pm Sunday.
The National Weather Service in Portland is continuing the Red Flag Warning for high fire potential in eastern Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Marion County, Linn County and eastern Lane County. The Red Flag Warning for these regions of Oregon is in effect until 6:00 Monday morning September 12.
The warning applies to all private and public lands (including the Tillamook State Forest and Clatsop State Forest) within Fire Zones OR 602-608.
Please exercise caution around open flame or spark-generated equipment.
A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.
To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. Please be very careful with fire this week and prevent accidental wildfire ignitions from sparks or open flame.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
September 10, 2011
Photo: Oregon State Police
Two quick-responding motorists are credited with stopping a car fire from turning into a forest fire in the Browns Camp vicinity of the Tillamook State Forest on Thursday night.
According to OSP Senior Trooper Mark McDougal, on September 8, 2011 at approximately 6:40 p.m. two separate motorists traveling along Highway 6 near milepost 34 saw smoke coming from down a nearby gravel logging road. The two men identified as KEVIN RANDLES, age 22, from Beaverton, and MITCHELL ESPINOZA, age 24, from Scappoose, drove up the road and spotted an abandoned vehicle on fire starting to spread into some brush and adjacent wood.
Using water and dirt, the two men worked together to extinguish the flames. Responding fire personnel from Banks Fire Department and Oregon Department of Forestry told McDougal that the two men probably averted a potential forest fire if the vehicle wasn’t found and flames had continued to spread.
Oregon State Police (OSP) is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for setting the vehicle fire. McDougal confirmed the vehicle is an abandoned stolen vehicle. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Senior Trooper McDougal at 503-647-7631 ext. 433.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
September 10, 2011
Reminder – burn bans are in effect for the Portland Metro area due to increased fire danger.
During Fire Season no open fires of any kind are allowed; including backyard, agricultural or open burning. This also includes recreational fires, camping fires, or backyard fire pit fires. Gas, briquette, or pellet type barbeques are still allowed but should be used with extreme caution, with extra care given to coal and embers. Generally, no open flame fires will be allowed.
Multnomah County
Due to extreme fire conditions the Multnomah County Fire Defense Board announces the official declaration of a Burn Ban effective September 8, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. Burn Bans are formally declared in Oregon on a County by County basis. This includes the Cities of Portland, Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village as well as Corbett, Sauvie Island and all unincorporated areas of Multnomah County. The burn ban will be in effect until further notice.
Washington County
Due to extreme fire conditions, the Washington County Fire Defense Board has implemented a burn ban effective immediately, September 9, 2011. The burn ban will be in effect until further notice. Following that decision, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue has also banned all outdoor open burning within its jurisdiction, including areas served in Multnomah and Clackamas County.
The Burn Ban includes the following situations:
1. Recreational burning, including cooking fires, and backyard fire pits.
2. Backyard burning
3. Agricultural burning
4. Land clearing or slash burning (not associated with Oregon Department of Forestry jurisdiction)
5. Ceremonial type fires.
Typically, burn bans allow some open burning. Because of dry conditions, high temperatures and winds TVF&R asks than no outdoor burning take place. In these extreme fire conditions, one spark can cause a catastrophic wildfire. Individuals found to be in violation of these requirements during the burn ban, may be held liable for the cost of extinguishment and for any property damage resulting from an illegal fire. The burn ban will remain in effect until cooler temperatures minimize the fire danger.
Clackamas County
Due to extreme fire conditions, the Clackamas County Fire Defense Board is implementing a burn ban (level E) as of 1:00 am, September 7th, 2011. The burn ban will be in effect until further notice. Details regarding this burn ban and what individuals can do to keep themselves and their neighbors safe will be released by or before 9:00 am, September 7th.
This burn ban was put into effect due to the extremely dry conditions, high temperatures, low humidity and winds that the area will be experiencing over the next week. During this burn ban no open fires of any kind are allowed, including recreational fires, camping fires or backyard fire pit fires. Basically, no open flame fires will be allowed until further notice. Gas barbecue’s or pellet-type barbecue’s are still allowed but should be used with extreme caution.
Anyone found to have an open fire during this burn ban will likely have it extinguished by their local fire department and could be issued a citation or warning for this violation.
September 9, 2011
Heading out for fun this weekend?
Fire danger is very high in western Oregon this weekend. Before you head out to your favorite recreation site in the forest, check ahead to find out if closure restrictions are in effect —
ODF Regulated Use Closures and IFPL Status
Private Forest Land closures in Oregon
Shadow Lake Fire Incident Information
Central Oregon Public Land closure information
Mt Hood National Forest / Dollar Lake fire closures
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
September 8, 2011
The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning for high wildfire potential covering eastern Douglas, Jackson County, southern Klamath County and Lake County in effect until 11:00 Thursday night.
Dry thunderstorms are expected through the region Thursday which are expected to provide lightning strikes. East winds of 10 to 20 mph are predicted, however in isolated instances, gusts of 50 mph are possible.
A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.
To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. Please be very careful with fire this week and prevent accidental wildfire ignitions from sparks or open flame.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
September 8, 2011
The National Weather Service in Portland has extended the Red Flag Warning for high fire potential in eastern Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Marion County, Linn County and eastern Lane County. The Red Flag Warning for these regions of Oregon is in effect until 6:00 Monday morning September 12.
Wind gusts are forecast to increase on Friday, with some exposed areas of higher elevations sustaining gusts of 25 to 35 mph. Hot temperatures are forecast with relative humidity as low as 10 to 15 percent on ridges.
A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.
To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. Please be very careful with fire this week and prevent accidental wildfire ignitions from sparks or open flame.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
September 8, 2011
The 2,000-acre Cactus Mountain fire was reported Wednesday burning in grassland 17 miles northeast of Imnaha in Wallowa County. Though primarily on federal lands, 170 acres of land within the fire are under ODF protection. Five ODF engines and three crews have been assigned to the fire along with resource support from helicopters, one tender and one bulldozer.
A portion of the fire is within the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area. Federal initial attack resources included engines, crews, helicopters and Grangeville (ID) smoke jumpers. Several structures are in the fire vicinity and potentially threatened.
Cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire is not contained. An inter-agency incident management team is anticipated to take command of the fire on Thursday afternoon.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
September 7, 2011
Due to increased fire danger in northwest Oregon, several restrictions are in place in the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests, particularly relating to Off-Highway Vehicle areas. All OHV trails in the Browns Camp, Jordan Creek, Diamond Mill, Trask, Nicolai Mountain and Upper Nestucca areas are CLOSED.
All operation of OHVs in the Tillamook and Clastsop State Forest OHV areas and the Upper Nextucca is limited to maintained gravel roads only. All personal chainsaw use is prohibited in the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests. The trails will re-open when the fire danger levels drop and it is determimed appropriate, and notices about any re-opening of OHV trails will be placed on agency websites.
Additional information on Tillamook SF recreation: www.oregon.gov/ODF/tillamookstateforest/index.shtml
Additional information on Clatsop SF recreation: www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIELD/ASTORIA/aboutastoria.shtml#Recreation
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
September 7, 2011
With wildfire danger at the highest levels of the summer and likely to rise further in the coming days, Oregon’s state forester Wednesday urged Oregonians to use utmost care in preventing fires.
“We have high heat, low humidity, and lightning in the forecast – a very dangerous combination,” State Forester Doug Decker said. “We always hope people are careful with fire in the woods. But if there were ever a time for being extra vigilant, it is now.”
Fire danger is high or extreme across most of the state – in the drier eastern and interior southwestern regions, as well as in the Coast Range and the Willamette Valley.
Lightning storms forecast for the end of the week could start many new fires, at a time when water-dropping helicopters and other firefighting resources are already stretched thin.
“We can’t prevent the fires that lightning leaves behind,” Decker said. “But every fire caused by human carelessness pulls away resources that could otherwise be used against those lightning fires.”
In addition, human-caused fires are more likely to occur near communities, where they may threaten homes and other structures, making firefighting more complex and costly.
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) provides fire protection on 16 million acres, mostly privately owned, but also including state-owned forests and contracted protection of U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands in western Oregon. With fire protection responsibility for about 52 percent of Oregon’s forests, ODF is the state’s largest fire department.
About 95 percent of fires on ODF-protected lands are extinguished while still small. But just a few fires that grow large can cause great damage to natural resources, property and infrastructure, along with high suppression costs and disruption of travel, business and recreation.
So far in the 2011 fire season, 75 percent of the fires ODF resources have responded to are human-caused. A cause of concern is also a sharp increase in the acreage of land affected by human-caused fires; in 2011 thus far, more than 1,400 acres of ODF-protected lands have burned in compared to 418 acres by this same time last year.
Campfires, smoking, off-road driving and industrial activities such as logging are currently restricted on many ODF-protected lands.
Abandoned campfires and driving vehicles in tall grass have been among the causes of fires in recent days. Where campfires are allowed, they must be fully extinguished – by soaking with water, stirring, and soaking again – when campers leave.
Additional information about wildfire prevention is available from Keep Oregon Green, through the association’s website at: http://www.keeporegongreen.org/
“This is about protecting life and property, and about being good stewards of Oregon’s forests,” Decker said. “We’re asking for everyone’s cooperation and care in the woods during this critical time.”
On the web:
ODF Wildfire Blog — wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com
Oregon Department of Forestry – www.oregon.gov/ODF
Current public use or industrial precaution information — www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/precautionlevel.shtml
September 7, 2011
ODF engine battles grass fire Tuesday (Photo: Gaston Rural Fire District)
ODF Forest Grove District crews assisted the Gaston Rural Fire District on a 2-acre fire Tuesday initiated by a person using a cutting torch in a dry field sparked a grass fire in the Cherry Grove area west of Gaston.
Crews from Forest Grove Fire & Rescue and Yamhill Fire District assisted in containing the fire and prevented fire damage from reaching nearby structures.
There is a general burn ban in effect for Washington County due to high fire risk.
Please be careful this week – and throughout the summer – with open flames or sparks that could ignite grasslands or forests.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
September 6, 2011
The National Weather Service office in Portland has issued a Red Flag Warning for high fire potential in eastern Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Marion County, Linn County and eastern Lane County. The warning is in effect from midnight Tuesday until 11:59 Thursday night.
The next thermal trough entering Oregon is expected to develop over southern Oregon Tuesday night and move north through Wednesday into the foothills of the Cascades. Wind gusts of up to 25 mph are predicted – with some gusts anticipated to reach 35 mph near Mt. Hood.
The thermal trough is expected to stress all three points of the ‘wildfire triangle’ – very high temperatures, very low humidity and wind gusts; some thunderstorm activity is expected to generate dry lightning as well, increasing the potential for wildfire growth throughout the region.
The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert fire agencies of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire.
A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.
To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 30, 2011
The High Cascades Complex (Lead Agency: Warm Springs Agency/Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation), under Unified Command of the ORCA Type II Interagency Incident ManagementTeam and the Red Incident Management Team from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, now has an Inciweb website specific to this complex up and running at:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2546/
Contact information for this incident is:
Tom Lavagnino
Phone: 530-598-9303
**********************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403
August 30, 2011
The following information was released by the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center regarding the Razorback Fire (part of the High Cascades Complex) and the Lower Deschutes River
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The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon
Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management
RAZORBACK FIRE –
LOWER DESCHUTES RIVER TALKING POINTS
August 29, 2011 @ 7 p.m.
BACKGROUND
On August 24, 2011 a lightning storm passed through much of Central and Eastern Oregon, putting down more than 8,000 lightning strikes. More than 200 fires were reported on lands protected by the Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management, the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the Oregon Department of Forestry. The Warm Springs Indian Reservation also had more than 35 new wildfires reported. Four of these fires on the Reservation have grown larger. One of these fires moved east off of the Reservation and jumped the river at Redside.
RAZORBACK FIRE
On the evening of August 26th, the Razorback Fire jumped the Deschutes River near the community of Dant, and moved onto BLM-administered lands and private land along the east side of the river.
A Type II Incident Management Team (ORCA – Oregon and California) assumed command of the Razorback fire on August 27th at 1800 (6 p.m.).
- The fire jumped the river at Redside in Segment 1 of the Lower Deschutes River and has moved north and east, covering more than 15 river miles. Fire activity has remained high both along the river and on private and public lands east of the river.
- By late afternoon August 29th, the area was determined to be unsafe for both the public and firefighters. As of 12:01, August 30, 2011 Segment 1 of the Lower Deschutes River is closed to all use including camping, day use or launching and rafting until further notice. Segment 1 extends from the Warm Springs launch site at River Mile (RM) 97.5 north to Harpham Flat (RM 56).
- Rafters with boater passes for Segment 1 during the closure will be able to use alternate launch sites in Segment 2. No refunds will be offered.
- Resources fighting the fire will include a combination of ground and aerial support including helicopters that will be dipping buckets into the river to put water on the fire edge.
- Highway 26 through Warm Springs and Highway 97 between Hwy 197/97 and Shaniko is closed as of 7 p.m. on August 29, 2011. These closures change frequently so people should monitor ODOT/Tripcheck (http://www.tripcheck.com/) for more information.
How did the fire start?
The fire started on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation on the northeast side of the Reservation from a lightning strike. The fire was minimally staffed for the first two days because Warm Springs Fire Management prioritized suppression efforts on other fires threatening lives and property.
If the fire is on BLM, why is Warm Springs Fire Management in charge?
The “ownership” of fire belongs to the agency or landowner/fire department where the fire started. This fire began on Warm Springs, giving the tribes lead suppression responsibility. The Prineville BLM is helping provide firefighting resources and is also providing a liaison to the Incident Management Team and a resource advisor.
Why can’t we float when helicopters are dipping?
The helicopters carry buckets used for dipping water, which can then be dumped out on hot spots or along the fireline. The larger helicopters carry between 1,000 and 2,600 gallons of water, weighing between 8,000 and 20,000 pounds. If the helicopter has to release the load, the weight of the water falling on a raft can injure or kill anyone getting hit by the water.
What happens to our permit if the river is closed to floating?
If you have a permit for Segment 1 during the closure, you will be allowed to pick an alternate launch site in Segment 2. Information about the closure will be posted on the Boater Pass Website. Boaters and Guides & Outfitters can also call the Maupin Visitor Center at (541) 395-2778 or Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center at (541) 416-6811 to find out when the closure is lifted. No refunds will be offered for permits that are not used due to the fire closure.
Why did the river get closed?
Fire behavior along both sides of the river is creating dangerous conditions for both firefighters and the public. Campsites have been burned over, leaving the potential for stump holes, hot spots and other hazards. Recently burned slopes have rolling rocks, falling trees and other dangers. Aerial resources may also be dipping in the river to help with suppression activities, creating additional hazards for boaters. The primary concern for fire officials is the safety of everyone traveling, rafting or working in the river corridor.
-end-
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Posted by: Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403
August 30, 2011
News Release from: Oregon State Fire Marshal
OSFM ACTIVATES FOUR MORE TASK FORCES FOR THE HIGH CASCADES COMPLEX
August 29th, 2011 2:57 PM
Due to increased fire activity, the Office of State Fire Marshal has deployed four more structural protection task forces to assist local resources battling the High Cascades Complex fire burning on the Warm Springs Reservation. This brings the total number of task forces activated by the OSFM to eight. The task forces come from the following counties: Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River/Wasco, Lane, Line, Marion, Washington, and Yamhill.
There has been increased fire activity on the complex which consists of three fires, the Razorback, Powerline, and West Hills. Estimated combined size of the three fires has increased to more than 54,000 acres. Approximately 190 homes are threatened.
Currently, no structures have been lost and no injuries have been reported.
Also on scene to assist with management of the structural protection task forces are nine members of the OSFM’s Red Incident Management.
More information on Conflagration and Emergency Mobilization is available at OSFM website:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Conflagration_Information_2007.shtml.
Additional resources on surviving wildfires may be accessed at:
* Wildfire…Evacuation Readiness http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/wildfire_evac.doc
* After the Wildfire… http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.doc
###
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Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403
August 28, 2011
News Release from: Oregon State Fire Marshal
HIGH CASCADES COMPLEX DECLARED A CONFLAGRATION
August 28th, 2011 3:11 PM
Governor John Kitzhaber has declared the High Cascades Complex of fires burning on the Warm Springs Reservation a conflagration. The declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources with protecting threatened structures.
The Office of State Fire Marshal has mobilized four task forces to assist with protection of threatened structures. Responding task forces are from Clackamas, Hood River/Wasco, Marion, and Washington counties. The OSFM has also sent five personnel from their Red Incident Management Team to manage the deployed structural protection task forces. Approximately 190 homes are threatened.
The High Cascades Complex consists of three named fires – The Razorback, Powerline, and West Hills. No estimate yet on the number of acres burned.
Oregon’s conflagration may be invoked only by the Governor and allows the State Fire Marshal to dispatch structural firefighters and equipment. More information on Conflagration and
Emergency Mobilization is available at OSFM website:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Conflagration_Information_2007.shtml .
Additional resources on surviving wildfires may be accessed at:
* Wildfire…Evacuation Readiness http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/wildfire_evac.doc
* After the Wildfire… http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.doc
Contact Info: Rich Hoover, 503-370-0033 pager.
******************************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403
August 28, 2011
Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
4550 SW Airport Way
Prineville, OR 97754
FIRE NEWS–Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
For Immediate Release: August 27, 2011 – 8 p.m.
Contact: Media Desk, 541/416-6811 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire
Fires Continue to Burn in Central Oregon
Central Oregon – As firefighters continue to work on several wildfires burning in the area, the first possible fire from the lightning storm moving through Central Oregon this evening has been reported. With only 115 strikes reported so far, the storm initially appears to have much less intensity than the storm that moved through last Wednesday and is accompanied by precipitation.
With many fires newly contained and the potential for others to start, hunters ready for the opening of bow season should use caution when heading out to their units. They should avoid camping in or hiking through areas with active fire, watch for increased fire traffic on forest and rangeland roads and should watch for dangerous burned out stump-holes and snags in recently burned areas.
The largest fires are part of the Hancock Fire Complex, which is a group fires burning around Clarno. The fire had moderate growth today and is 22,000 acres this evening and remains 50 percent contained. The fires in this complex are burning on both sides of Highway 218 and on both sides of the John Day River. Firefighters will remain challenged by steep slopes, inaccessible and rugged terrain, and light, flashy fuels that ignite and burn quickly.
The Central Oregon Type II Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) is in command of the fire and is now providing information about this fire on a wildfire incident website at http://www.inciweb.org/. The phone line for information for this incident is (541) 787-4323 x 2009.
An additional fire started in the Twickenham area located north of Mitchell, and firefighters are working on three fires in this area now. Incident #615 was reported Thursday and remains approximately 550 acres today. The Dead Dog Fire (Incident #614) continued to grow today and is now 2,500 acres and is five percent contained. Approximately 30 firefighters with the assistance of a helicopter continue to work on this fire and are challenged by very limited access and steep slopes. Incident #656 was reported this afternoon and has grown to 100 acres. Oregon Department of Forestry firefighters, along with eight smokejumpers, have been working to suppress the fire this afternoon. Airtankers dropped several loads of retardant to knock down the fire. All of these fires are burning in a mix of grass and shrub, making short uphill runs on one side of a slope and backing slowly down the backside of slopes. The fires are terrain and wind driven fire and behavior on these typically picks up in the afternoon as daytime temperatures rise and afternoon winds increase.
Firefighters are making progress several other smaller fires. Incident 606 in the Hamilton Creek area north of milepost 46 on Highway 26 near the Ochoco Divide is 25 acres and 100 percent contained this evening. The Snowgate Fire burning southwest of Black Butte Ranch near Sisters will be contained at 8 p.m. this evening.
The ORCA Type II Incident Management Team formally took over the Razorback Fire burning on both sides of the Lower Deschutes River this evening. The fire moved northeast off of the Reservation and jumped the Deschutes River near Dant last night. Today, the fire burned on the east side of the river and moved north and south approximately 15 miles along the river (burning between River Miles 75 – 60). The fire also burned east up to Highway 197. The Razorback Fire is approximately 12,500 acres this evening and has no estimate of containment.
The Lower Deschutes River is not closed to rafting at this time; however, rafters should use caution when floating through this stretch of the river and should not stop along the sides where the fire is burning or interfere with suppression operations, including helicopters dipping for bucket work.
Both north and southbound lanes of Highway 197 are closed between mileposts 46-67 for fire activity. Travelers can detour around the closure by driving through Warm Springs or toward Grass Valley on Highway 97 to take Highway 216 toward Maupin. In addition, as a precautionary measure the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department is evacuating Trout Creek and South Junction campgrounds this evening.
The team will also assume command of the Shitike and Powerline Fires tomorrow morning. Warm Springs Fire Management will retain command of the Box Canyon Fire. Until the team has information lines set up, information on this complex (High Cascades Complex) can be reached at (541) 553-8190.
-end-
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Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403
August 27, 2011
Two Red Flag Warnings have been issued at approximately 3 p.m. this afternoon as follows:
1. In effect until 2300 hours (11 p.m.) PDT on Sunday, August 28, for Oregon Weather Zones 632, 633, 634, 635, and 638 [essentially most of northeast Oregon – roughly, Grant, Wheeler, Union, Wallowa, and Baker counties] for thunderstorms producing abundant lighting.
2. In effect until 1500 hours (3 p.m.) PDT, Sunday, August 28, for Oregon Weather Zones 610, 611, and 630 [essentially much of central Oregon – roughly, Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties] for abundant lighting.
A Red Flag warning also came out earlier today that is in effect through 10 p.m. PDT today, August 27, for Oregon Weather Zones 617, 620, 621, 623, and 624 [essentially much of southern Oregon – roughly, parts of Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath counties] for abundant lighting with little rainfall.
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Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403
August 26, 2011
Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
4550 SW Airport Way
Prineville, OR 97754
FIRE NEWS–Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
For Immediate Release: August 26, 2011 – 8:30 a.m.
Contact: Media Desk, 541/416-6811 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire
Firefighters Continue to Make Progress on Central Oregon Wildfires
Central Oregon – Firefighters with the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Prineville District of the Bureau of Land Management and the Oregon Department of Forestry have been busy over the past two days. With more than 196 new wildfires reported since a lightning storm passed through Central Oregon Wednesday afternoon and evening, firefighters have worked to locate new fires, quickly suppress them and move on the next new start. Firefighters will continue to look for lightning holdover fires and will focus detection efforts in the Lower Deschutes River area today after a lightning storm put down another 1,200 strikes in the northern part of Oregon between Wasco County and the Cascade Crest last night.
The largest fire is the Hancock Fire Complex, which is a group of five fires burning more than 15,000 acres around Clarno. These fires are burning on both sides of Highway 218 and on both sides of the John Day River. The eastern-most fire triggered the safe evacuation of approximately 55 young campers Wednesday of the Hancock Field Station, a 10-acre science camp run by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry located one mile east of Clarno. Campers have not yet returned to the Field Station.
The Central Oregon Type II Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) assumed command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. this morning and is busy assessing the wildfire and bringing in additional resources. Currently more than 100 firefighters are working, including two hotshot crews (Prineville and Union), one 20-person hand crew, 15 engines, and more resources are on the way. The Hancock Fire Complex a typical rangeland fire that moves quickly through light grass and shrub but dies down overnight when temperatures cool. Fire crews will focus on finding and suppressing hotspots in the cooler evening and morning hours when fire behavior is lower and will continue to construct and hold containment lines throughout the day.
Incident #608 burning near Johnson Creek east of Prineville is 122 acres this morning. Crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry worked on this fire overnight and will hold and improve their initial containment line and begin mopping up the interior of the fire today. Incident #608 started approximately ½ mile away from a separate fire that started in Johnson Creek yesterday (this fire was contained Wednesday). An Oregon Department of Forestry airtanker helped knock down this fire with retardant.
Firefighters are also working on a 35-acre fire burning 6.5 miles northeast of Madras. Firefighters are making good progress on the Lyle Gap III fire, and a Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) assisted with several 300-gallon retardant drops. There is no estimate of containment for this incident.
Firefighters on the Warm Springs Reservation have been busy over the past several days responding to new wildfires as well. The Seekseequa Fire burning near the Metolius Rim is 1,000 acres this morning, and the West Hills Fire, burning near the city of Warm Springs is approximately 300 acres this morning. A new fire, the Antoken Fire, is burning about 500 acres on the northeast side of the reservation. No structures are threatened with any of these, and there are no estimates of containment at this time. Information on these fires will available at 541-553-2413.
-end-
August 25, 2011
Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
4550 SW Airport Way
Prineville, OR 97754
FIRE NEWS–Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
For Immediate Release: August 25, 2011 – 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Media Desk, 541/416-6811 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire
Central Oregon – New wildfires continue to be reported from a lightning storm that passed through much of Oregon and western Idaho yesterday, putting down more than 8,000 lightning strikes. As of 3:00 p.m. this afternoon more than 165 new fires have been reported. New fire reports have been arriving from reconnaissance planes, fire lookouts, fire crews on the ground and members of the public. Firefighters are working to contain new starts and many have been dispatched to multiple fires today. Most of these fires have been quickly contained, while the largest fire continues to challenge firefighters.
The largest new fire is the Hancock Fire (Incident #511) burning more than 10,000 acres east of Clarno. The fire triggered the evacuation of approximately 55 young campers yesterday of the Hancock Field Station, a 10-acre science camp run by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry located one mile east of Clarno. Firefighters conducted a burnout operation around the Field Station this morning, and it is no longer considered threatened. The students may be allowed to return to camp as early as tomorrow.
The Hancock Fire is part of a group of five fires burning in the Clarno area, and is a typical rangeland fire moving quickly through light grass and shrub. Resources on scene include four engines and the Prineville and Union Hotshot crews. Additional resources have been ordered and will be arriving today. The Central Oregon Type II Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) will assume command of this fire tomorrow morning.
Firefighting efforts have been concentrated in areas to the south of Bend, around Sisters, on the Crooked River National Grassland, throughout the Ochoco National Forest and in the Clarno area. Fires have been initial attacked by engines, hand crews, rappellers and helitack crewmembers, and smokejumpers. One small fire burning south of Black Butte Ranch also received several loads of retardant as a precautionary measure, and crews are currently working on constructing a containment line around this incident.
The National Weather Service has reissued a Red Flag Warning for abundant lightning through 11 p.m. this evening. In addition to the potential to bring new wildfires, firefighters will be watching for any winds that accompany the storms. The storm is expected to track from south to north up the east side of the Cascade Mountains and not move east of Sherman County.
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August 23, 2011
The Rock Creek Fire near the town of Sheridan in Yamhill County was reported at 4:45 p.m. Monday. It is under 10 acres in size and uncontrolled. The blaze has engulfed one home. Oregon Dept. of Forestry is fighting the fire with two inmate hand crews, one helicopter, two bulldozers and eight fire engines. In addition, several local rural fire departments have engines on scene. Cause of the fire is under investigation. The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Department has taken a suspect into custody.
