6/25/2017 Oak Springs Fire Update

Oak Springs Fire on Deschutes River near Maupin

Maupin, Ore. – A fire located on BLM and private lands along the Deschutes River, approximately 3 miles north of Maupin is now named the Oak Springs Fire. It previously was fire #326. The fire has grown to approximately 375 acres. Originally reported to have jumped the river, the fire actually is only on the west side of the river canyon.

Firefighters worked into early morning on the fire to protect structures and take advantage of favorable conditions knowing today would bring significant drying to fuels and the potential for winds. Those efforts are paying off as the firefighters look at the possibility of having good containment on the fire this evening.

BLM wants all river rafters to be aware that helicopters will be dipping water out of the river to help fight the fire. Boaters may experience delays and should use caution when they see helicopters in the area.  In addition, the road to Oak Springs Fish Hatchery will be closed to the public today.

Resources on the fire include rural fire protection resources from Oak Springs, 2 helicopters (1 Type 1 and 1 Type 2), a twenty person hand crew, the Prineville Hotshots, 3 engines and miscellaneous overhead.

The fire is currently under investigation.

The public should be aware that given current hot weather, fuels continue to dry out rapidly. Over the next couple days abundant lightning with little moisture is expected making the potential for additional fire starts very high.