8/2/2014 10:38 am Bridge 99 Fire Update

Saturday, August 2, 2014 10:00 a.m. For Immediate Release

Sisters, OR – Transfer of command of the Bridge 99 Complex took place this morning at 6:00 a.m. to a local Type III Incident Management Team (IMT).

Multiple small fires were reported in the area yesterday as a result of recent lightning. One of these fires, named the Castle Fire, is estimated to be 10 acres in size and is located approximately 4 air miles north of the Bridge 99 Fire. The Castle Fire has been absorbed into the Bridge 99 Complex and will be managed by the Type III IMT. Additional crews, including two, 20-person Interagency Hotshot Crews, and 4 Redmond Smokejumpers have been assigned to help fight the new fire. A Type I heavy helicopter and a VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker) worked yesterday to drop water and retardant on the fire. The Castle Fire is estimated at 10% contained.

The overall containment of the Bridge 99 Complex is 95%. Three fires are now included in the Complex: the Bridge 99 Fire, The Bear Butte 2 Fire and the Castle Fire.
Secure fire line exists around the perimeter of the Bridge 99 Fire. Due to the location and terrain of the Bear Butte 2 Fire, a “confine” strategy is being used. This strategy will utilize natural barriers within the landscape to hamper spread of the fire. Contingency lines have been completed along the southern portion of Mt. Jefferson Wilderness to further secure the area. Both the Bridge 99 Fire and the Bear Butte 2 Fire will continue to be monitored by local resources.

A new Forest Closure Order (06-01-05-14-007) has been issued to provide for public and firefighter safety. In addition to the previous area closure, Monty Campground has been closed along with Jefferson County Road 64 (SW Montgomery Road) north of Perry South Campground. A level 1 evacuation notice has been issued for Perry South Campground, which remains open. Descriptions on evacuation levels are included at the bottom of this document.

For detailed information on the fire including maps, area, road and trail closure information, along with photos, please visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/
Visitors to National Forest System lands are reminded that the fire season is upon us. Public Use Restrictions (PUR) are currently in effect on the Deschutes National Forest and the Ochoco National Forest, including the Crooked River National Grassland. Effective as of July 25, 2014, open fires, including charcoal fires, are prohibited, except in designated campgrounds. More information on PUR’s can be found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/centraloregon/alerts-notices/?aid=24143
Future Fire Information Updates will be released if any significant events associated with the Bridge 99 Complex occur.

Start date: 7/13/14
Castle Fire: 8/1/14
Cause: Lightning
Estimated Fire Size:  Bridge 99 Fire: 5,084 acres; Southern portion Bear Butte 2 Fire: 615 acres;
Castle Fire: approx. 10 acres; Total complex acres: approx. 5,709
% Contained: 95%
Estimated Containment Date: Bridge 99: 7/31 Bear Butte 2: NA Castle: 8/6
Fire Information: (541)549-3219
E-mail: bridge99fire@gmail.com

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.