8/19/2017 Nena Springs PM Update

9pm Nena Springs Fire Update - Aug. 19 Office: (541) 460-7525 Email: NenaFire2017@gmail.com InciWeb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5489 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTWSFireMgt/

Nena Springs Fire calms down allowing firefighters to gain ground Warm Springs OR – A taskforce of State Fire Marshal Engines will be working tonight to extinguish any remaining hotspots within a 100 foot radius of structures. They will have a strong emphasis in the South Junction/ Culpus Bridge area. Fire managers are assessing evacuation levels tonight and will make recommendations to reduce evacuation levels when it is safe to do so. Interior pockets of juniper, grass and other shrubs are burning on the Nena Springs Fire.  These interior pockets may pose a risk to firefighters and containment lines in the future if they flare up. To remove this risk, the Warm Springs Hotshot crew constructed a handline today along the steep S-220 Road and successfully connected it to a dozer line that was constructed last night. Tomorrow, if conditions allow, the Warm Springs Hotshot crew will burn these islands of grass within the new containment lines in order to create a secure perimeter. Airtankers were used today to drop three retardant loads. These were placed in front of small fires that occurred yesterday where the fire crossed the Warm Springs Rivers. One load was also placed along Oak Creek where a four acre spot fire established last night. Firefighters worked these areas today to reinforce the retardant line. They are also extinguishing any heat in these areas to ensure the fire does not go beyond its current footprint.  In total, the fire great 2,132 acres today. This afternoon around 3pm, a firefighter assigned to the Nena Springs Fire suffered a minor medical event during firefighting operations near the Kah-Nee-Ta Resort golf course.  That individual, an adult male working for the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, was evaluated by fellow firefighters and paramedics from American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance. The Red Cross Evacuation Center at the Warm Springs Community Center will remain open through the weekend for those who would like additional support. River Rafters: The Fire is burning in Segment 1 on the west side of the Lower Deschutes River. While the river is currently open, fire personnel and equipment are working close to the river extinguishing hot spots between South Junction and Whiskey Dick. Boaters should use caution. Please stay off of recently burned areas as they may still be hot and contain unexpected holes. If you have questions, please contact the BLM Prineville District office at 541-416-6700. Evacuation Notices: Charley Canyon, Webster Flat Road, South Junction, Culpus Bridge, and Wolf Point Subdivision are at a Level 2 Evacuation Notice. The Kah-Nee-Ta Resort & Spa is at a Level 1 evacuation notice. Evacuation Center: The Red Cross established an evacuation center at the Warm Springs Community Center for residents that have been evacuated. Road Closures: Webster Flat Road is closed to all traffic.