7/16/2014 5:30 PM Central Oregon EVENING Fire Update

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

4550 SW Airport Way

Prineville, OR  97754

Contact:  Media Desk:  541-416-6811

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FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For Immediate Release:  July 16, 2014, 05:30 p.m.

Central Oregon EVENING Fire Update

           

Central Oregon –Predicted wind across Central Oregon challenged firefighters today as existing fires pushed into containment lines. While no additional fires have started, high winds and dry fuels contributed to the growth of several fires in the area.

The Red Flag Warning for high winds and low relative humidity that was issued by The National Weather Service in Pendleton is still in effect through 11 p.m. Friday.

Resources from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Indian Affairs, BLM, and the Forest Service, and numerous contract companies are engaged throughout the area and adjacent areas.

Fire Name	Location	Size	Activity
Bridge 99 Complex	Bridge 99 - ½ mile east of Lower Bridge Campground, 9 miles north of Camp Sherman off of FS Rd. 1490 Bear Butte 2 (formerly #318) – adjacent to Jefferson Creek and west of Park Creek drainage within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Deschutes NF	~1,500 acres (combined numbers)	The Bridge 99 Fire is on Green Ridge burning in steep terrain. The burnout that was completed in the early morning hours to protect the Green Ridge Fire lookout has thus far been successful in keeping the structure secure. The fire has jumped a fire line to the north and firefighters are bringing water into the area from the air and on the ground. There’s also increased fire activity in the south end of the fire. Firefighters are responding with aerial resources and additional ground support. Bear Butte 2 fire (formerly #318) was 460 acres as of this morning but is actively burning into a remote area of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness and onto Warm Springs Reservation. 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 tonight 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	Jack Knife jumped fire lines and over the John Day River today. Expect increase in acreage reported in the AM. The fire has pushed east due to predicted winds out of the west today. Helicopters continue to support firefighting efforts on the ground. 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. At this point, there are no closures on the river.
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	4,319 acres	Multiple fires are being managed as a complex. A Type II Incident Management Team took over this incident on 7/15. For more information, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3961/ Fire Information Phone #: 541-462-3140 Email: watermancomplex2014@gmail.com 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 and Wildwood campgrounds  have been closed.
Pine Creek	#364 – 700 acres 11 miles south of Fossil, in the Carrol Rim Area #368 – 350 acres; 15 miles south of Fossil, south east of Coffin Point Prineville BLM	5,000 acres	Pine Creek is considered one incident, though it is two fires . Pine Creek fire jumped containment lines and has made significant runs to the east due to the predicted winds this afternoon. Zero containment.
Birch Creek	2 miles NE of Spanish Peak and 8 miles SW of Dayville Private protected land	45 acres	The fire is 100% lined and has held within those lines.
Oscar Canyon	In the North Fork Wilderness Study Area 17 miles east of Post, OR. Prineville BLM	315 acres	Oscar Canyon fire was mapped by firefighters, which is why the acreage has increased. Firefighters have held the fire within containment lines and have been assisted by a helicopter working the area. It is 40% contained.
Center Fire (Formerly the Bonneview Ranch Fire (297)	3 miles NE of Post. Private and Prineville BLM	1,500 acres	Fire is approximately 25 % contained and firefighters have been able to stop forward progression of this fire. The Post/Paulina Rural Fire Protection Association were initial responders to this fire and have received assistance from federal resources.
Shaniko Butte	12 miles north of the town of Warm Springs.	12,198	Oregon Incident Management Team 1 took over management of this fire at 6:00 a.m. today. For information on this fire, contact the Shaniko Butte incident at 541-553-8190. Aerial resources could possibly use the Deschutes River as a water source for the firefighting effort. River users should be alert to the possibility of helicopters dipping water from the Deschutes River.
#347	8 miles north of Antelope	Estimated at 1,500 acres	Fire was reported 7/14/2014 at 9:14 a.m. Fire has been managed to this point by South Sherman County, which has the lead for suppression efforts. Now that the fire has grown and resources have become available, the BLM is assisting with a task force of engines in addition to two state air tankers with a lead plane. The Oregon Department of Transportation has issued the following advisory: ODOT: Central Ore.: Motorists are advised that wildfire is approaching US97 northeast of Madras at about milepost 69 (below the Cow Canyon Grade) near the intersection of Highway 216 to Antelope.  Use extreme caution in the area or avoid if possible for the time being.

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