Monday, August 28, 2017

8/28/2017 Milli Fire PM Update

Milli Fire
August 28, 2017 Evening Update

There will be a public meeting this evening at 6 PM. at Sisters High School, 1700 McKinney Butte Rd, Sisters Oregon.  Information regarding status of the fire, closures and evacuations will be provided.

The internal area on the Milli Fire continued to burn actively today, primarily in the burnout areas on the north side of the fire.  This active burning produced smoke and ash fall throughout the Sisters communities.  Residences in Black Butte Ranch and surrounding areas can expect ash fallout and heavy smoke conditions through the evening and intotomorrow.  
Aerial ignitions did not occur today since the helicopter conducting this operation could not fly safely at low altitude in the heavy smoke. A specialized aircraft flying at higher altitude was able to fly above the smoke layer to monitor the fires activity.  Infra-red technology within the aircraft was able to monitor the perimeter of the fire and find the areas producing heat.
One three-acre spot fire was found on the northwest corner of the fire on the north side of the lava bed today.  Crews were able to stop progress on the spot and are currently monitoring the area to insure there are no other spot fires.
The west side of the fire continued to be active through the day.  The hotter and drier weather continues to allow the fire to burn more actively than it has for the last few days.

The east side of the fire is no longer showing major heat on the infra-red maps, and the area is in the beginning stages of rehab. Crews continue to remove fuels and use chippers to disperse the fuels that were cut and moved to create fire line to stop the fires spread. Dozer lines will have dirt and fuels moved back on to them to restore them to a more natural state. Rehab of the fire will continue in areas the fire is considered contained.

The fire closure area for the Milli Fire remains unchanged. All areas to the west of FR 16 remain closed.  There will be a continuing presence of firefighting personnel and equipment in the area, and it is requested that motorists use caution in this area.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in consultation with its partners on the Milli Fire, are continually evaluating the need for possible changes to evacuation notices.  Evacuation questions should be directed to the Deschutes County Sheriff's office non-emergency number at 541-693-6911.  Current evacuation levels: Level 2 Crossroads subdivision, Edgington Road, Remuda Road, Peterson Burn Road, Wildwing and Three Creeks Road residences returned to Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation Notice on 8/23/17, allowing residents to return to their homes.  Level 1 – The subdivision of Tollgate, all areas between OR 242 and HWY 20 and west of Cold Springs Cutoff (FS1018), which includes Black Butte Ranch.

Road Closures:
OR 242 east of Cascade Crest to the junction of FR 15.  For further information see www.tripcheck.com

Links:
Forest Closures: For further information go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices

Smoke monitoring information is available at: oregonsmoke.blogspot.com

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.