8/14/15 County Line 2 Update

The fire was mapped last night at 36,154 acres and remained active overnight - acreage today is expected to increase. Firefighters have been focusing on structure protection, and more resources have been ordered to support the local firefighters. About 350 personnel are currently working the fire.

There is a Level 3 evacuation in place for Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and associated staff buildings, along with homes in the Wolf Point subdivision. A Level 3 means residents are informed that they are in danger and are asked to leave. At this time, the buildings are not immediately threatened; however, there is very limited access and if afternoon winds push the fire into these areas, a rapid evacuation would be extremely difficult. 

Main concerns today are the expected winds, which could reach 30 mph; this combined with light, grassy fuel increase the potential for rapid fire growth this afternoon. Many parts of the fire are in remote terrain, which will hamper firefighter efforts to access the fireline.

The fire HAS reached the Lower Deschutes River between Warm Springs and Mecca Flat, but has NOT jumped the river. BLM manages recreation access to the river and will continue to monitor the river side of the fire and will update the Lower Deschutes Boater Pass website if there area changes to river access.

The river remains OPEN at this time. There are no campground closures at this time; however, the BLM is asking anyone who launches in Segment 1 to float north all the way through White Horse Rapids before camping. Launching and camping at Mecca and Trout Creek are still allowed. The BLM also wants to remind users to avoid stopping or walking in newly burned areas as there may be hot stump holes and rolling rock. There may also be some irritated snakes warming themselves in the black.

In addition, helicopters may be using the river as a dip site. All river users should use caution, avoid passing under the helicopters and take photos from a distance. BLM River staff may hold rafters up temporarily if needed for safety.