8/30/2017 Central Oregon Fire Update

COIDC Morning Update, August 30

Redmond, OR – The McKay Fire, located east of Hwy 97 and north of County Road 21 near McKay Butte, is currently estimated at 1,364 acres. Last night, crews and operators were able to get a line around the entire fire and will work to hold and improve those lines today. Also, crews will be monitoring and patrolling for any spots across the line. Firefighters are requesting that the public stay out of the fire area between Forest Service roads 9735 and 9720.  There are currently 12 engines, 2 dozers, 2 IA Crews, and 2 water tenders working on this fire for a total of 110 personnel. Although aviation resources are available, the ability for these resources to be utilized may be limited due to visibility.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level One (pre-evacuation) notification for the Elk Lake Area due to the Nash Fire, burning in the Willamette National Forest. The following areas in the Level One are as follows: Elk Lake Resort, Elk Lake Campground (CG), Point CG, Little Fawn CG, Mallard Marsh CG, Sunset View Day Use Area, Beach Day Use Area, and Quinn Meadows Horse Camp. Currently, the Cascade Lakes Hwy, FS 46, remains open.

Level One (pre-evacuation) means “Be Ready” for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. For information on these evacuation notifications, you can call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at 541-693-6911.

Two fires yesterday south of Lava Butte triggered the evacuation of the Lava River Cave and Lava Lands Visitor Center in the Deschutes National Forest.  All containment lines held overnight and crews will continue to mop up these fires today. Those visitor facilities have reopened to the public today.

For information on air quality, visit http://www.deq.state.or.us/aqi/  or http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

For road conditions and closures due to wildfires, visit tripcheck.com.

For more information, follow us at http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com/ or on Twitter at @CentralORFire. For the Central Oregon Fire Information hotline, please call 541-316-7711.