7/18/2014 Bridge 99 Complex

Sisters OR - The Bridge 99 Complex consists of two fires (Bridge 99 Fire and Bear Butte 2 Fire)

started by lightning on Sunday July 13. The complex grew in size from yesterday by 2,905 acres

and is now 6,369 acres. The 3,687-acre Bridge 99 Fire increased by 1,850 acres from yesterday and is burning 18 miles northwest of the town of Sisters, east of the Metolius River and on the west- facing slopes of Green Ridge. The growth of this fire yesterday was towards the northeast. The Bear Butte 2 Fire is estimated to be 2,682 acres, an increase of 1,055 acres from yesterday and grew towards the north. It is located 4.5 miles southeast of Mt. Jefferson. Approximately 2,115 acres have burned on the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs land, with the remaining fire area located on the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness area. The Bear Butte 2 Fire is 7 miles northwest of the Bridge 99

Fire. Yesterdays fire growth was far less than expected. Crews and dozers started fireline construction to the east of the Bear Butte 2 Fire and improved existing road systems for better access and stronger containment lines.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department has issued the following evacuation orders:

All private lands along the Metolius River from Allen Springs Campground to Lake Billy Chinook (including the Metolius Arm) are in a Level III Evacuation Order. The Three Rivers Subdivision is in a Level II Evacuation Order. The subdivisions of Rim Park, Forest Park, and Air Park along

with the Cove Palisades State Park are in a Level I Evacuation Order. These evacuationorders have not changed from yesterday.

The three levels of evacuation are defined below and are now used throughout the state of Oregon.

They are similar to what was presented yesterday, but differ slightly, and will be used from now on

Evacuation Level Descriptions:
Level I (“BE READY” for a potential evacuation):	Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.
Level II (“BE SET” to evacuate):	YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE This level indicates there is a significant danger in your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moments notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
Level III (“GO” Evacuate NOW):	LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE Entry to evacuated areas may be denied until conditions are safe. Area radio and TV stations have been asked to broadcast periodic updates.

The following Forest Service roads, trails, campgrounds and lands are closed: Forest Road 12, from its intersection with Forest Roads 1270/1298 to Bridge 99, Forest Road 14, from Bridge 99 to its intersection with Forest Road 1400700 (Allen Springs Campground), Forest Road 1140, from its intersection with Forest Roads 1150/1180 to the intersection with Forest Road 1152, Forest Road 1154, from its intersection with Forest Road 1150 to the intersection with Forest Road 1140, and Forest Road 1420400. The Lower Bridge, Pioneer Ford, Allen Springs, Canyon Creek, Monty, Perry South, and Candle Creek Campgrounds are closed. The Jefferson Lake Trail (#4001), Sugarpine Ridge Trail (#4002), Shirley Lake Trail (#4003.1), and the Cabot Lake Trail (#4003) are closed within the Mt Jefferson Wilderness. A 5-mile segment of the Pacific Crest Trail (#2000) is closed. The south closure is located north of the Shirley Lake Trail (#4003) junction and the north closure is located near Cathedral Rocks. An area closure has been designated on a map that is available on the Inciweb website listed below.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for low relative humidity (12%) and high winds until 11:00 p.m. Friday night. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 80s. The complex is burning in very steep and rugged country with heavy timber and brush at an elevation of 3,000 to 4,000’.

                                                                          

For detailed information on the fire including Operational Period maps, area closure maps, and photos please visit:http://www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/