9/19/2014 South Steens Complex Update

Firefighters continue working toward full-suppression on the Bone Creek Basin and Blitzen wildfires on Steens Mountain - together known as the "South Steens Complex." Thursday was a less-active burning day, with no major weather or 'outside the norm' fire events.
The Bone Creek Basin fire grew to approximately 14,800 acres and is 50 percent contained. Aggressive use of air and ground resources helped secure extensive fire line along the north and west perimeters, while the east and south sides remained in check from progress made on Wednesday.
The Blizten fire also showed slower fire spread throughout the day and was heavily supported by air resources in hard-to-reach drainages. A successful burnout secured part of the northwest perimeter, and to the north and east, the fire did not gain any ground toward Riddle Brothers Ranch or South Steens Campground. The Blitzen fire is approximately 4,000 acres and 10 percent contained.
Closures remain in place for the:
- southern portion of the Steens Mountain Loop Road from its intersection at Hwy 205 to the "turkey foot" junction near the East Rim Overlook - Riddle Brothers Ranch, and- South Steens Campground.
Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 3, Incident Commander Tim Keith, assumed management of the South Steens Complex Wednesday evening and will post a mid-morning fire update each day, beginning Saturday, at these online locations:
Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4116/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southsteenscomplex
Email updates will also continue.
Fire danger is VERY HIGH and public use restrictions are in effect across Harney County. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level is a level three, which prohibits all personal woodcutting on public land. Use extreme caution when traveling through and recreating in the outdoors this time of year. To report a wildfire, call 541-573-1000. For fire information, call 541-573-4519.