7/15/2014 5:30 PM Central Oregon Evening Fire Update

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For Immediate Release:  July 15, 2014, 5:30 p.m.

Central Oregon EVENING Fire Update

           

Central Oregon – Critically low fuel moisture levels and  high temperatures contributed to the growth of several ongoing fires in Central Oregon today.

Fire management personnel continue to work on several wildfires burning throughout Central Oregon.  Resources from the Oregon Department of Forestry, BLM, and the Forest Service, and numerous contract companies are engaged throughout the area and adjacent areas. Firefighters are being challenged by critically dry fuel, high temperatures and low relative humidity, all of which create severe burning conditions. In addition, the National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity from 2 p.m. Wednesday through 11 p.m. Friday.

Fire Name	Location	Size	Activity
Bridge 99	½ mile east of Lower Bridge Campground, 9 miles north of Camp Sherman off of FS Rd. 1490 Deschutes NF	400 acres	A Type II (OR-CAL) team took over management of the fire today. The Bridge 99 Fire is on Green Ridge burning in steep terrain. Nearby fire (#318) is approx. 150 acres. It's burning adjacent to Jefferson Creek and is still west of Park Creek drainage within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. A small part of this fire has reached the Warm Springs Reservation as well. This fire is burning in the old B&B fire scar in downed timber, snags and access is limited. As of 6 a.m. these fires will be combined into the Bridge 99 Complex managed by the Type II team. There is no containment on both fires. Lower Bridge, Allen Springs, and Pioneer Ford campgrounds remain closed.  Green Ridge Lookout is closed and people are asked to avoid the area of Lower Bridge, Allen Springs, and Pioneer Ford campgrounds as road closures are being established in the area.   There will be a public meeting tomorrow, 7/16 at 6 p.m. at the Camp Sherman Community Center for individuals who wish to get more information on this fire.
Jack Knife	Lower John Day Recreation Area, Sherman County, 8 miles SE of Grass Valley.  Prineville BLM	6,130 acres	This fire made a run today. Firefighters continue to be challenged by high temperatures, steep terrain and light fuels. People recreating on the John Day River should be aware that helicopters may be working in the area and dipping into the river and use appropriate caution.
Waterman Complex	Bailey Butte (private land west of Mitchell). Toney Butte (10 miles northeast of Spray, just east of Hwy 207). Oregon Department of Forestry	3,000 acres	Multiple fires are being managed as a complex. A Type II Incident Management Team took over this incident today, 7/15. Oregon Department of Transportation has closed Hwy 26 from mile post 50 to 56 and expects to keep it closed into tomorrow (Wednesday) while hazard trees are removed along the road. Evacuations were ordered for some ranch properties west of Mitchell. Ochoco Divide campground has been closed.
Pine Creek	#364 - 600 acres 11 miles south of Fossil, in the Carrol Rim Area #368 – 600 acres; 15 miles south of Fossil, south east of Coffin Point Prineville BLM	1,200 acres	Pine Creek is considered one incident, though it is two fires. A heavy helicopter and several engines have made good progress today. The Prineville BLM has ordered a Type II Incident Management Team to take control of the fire.
Birch Creek	2 miles NE of Spanish Peak and 8 miles SW of Dayville Private protected land	45 acres	This fire spotted over containment lines today but firefighters were able to quickly respond and put line around the spots. The fire is holding at 80% lined.
Cabin Lake	4 miles NE of Cabin Lake, Lake County Deschutes NF	66 acres	The fire currently is staying within containment lines.  Active burning in the interior of the fire that crews are working on.
Oscar Canyon	In the North Fork Wilderness Study Area 17 miles east of Post, OR. Prineville BLM	70 acres	Fire is actively burning on the north end of the fire. Fire progression has been stopped on the south.
Bonneview Ranch Fire (297)	North of Post and south of Ochoco National Forest. Private and Prineville BLM	1,500 acres	The Post/Paulina Rural Fire Protection Association has responded and provided good assistance toward containment and property protection along with federal resources.

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