7/20/2018 Substation AM Fire Update

Substation Fire Update - AM

Friday, July 20^th

Fire Information:        (503)597-8076

Email Address:            substationfire2018.fireinfo@gmail.com

More information at: http://www.centraloregonfire.org/; https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Facebook:                    www.facebook.com/substationfire2018

MORO, OR

Although gusty winds and uphill fire runs fanned the Substation Fire to 70,421 acres, crews made progress on Thursday, reaching 15% containment by the end of the day.  Handcrews, air resources, and heavy equipment continued working to mitigate the fire’s spread and reinforce containment lines, while engines and structural firefighters implemented point protection tactics to protect structures.

Significant winds are forecasted over the weekend; hot and dry conditions will continue.  Evacuation notices remain in effect.  Firefighters on the ground, supported by air resources, made progress that allowed the evacuation levels for Biggs, Moro, and Grass Valley to be reduced from Level 3 (GO) to Level 2 (Set).  All residents and persons planning to travel to the area should check for the latest information regarding possible closures of roads and other areas, including Deschutes River access.  The potential for reduced visibility due to smoky conditions poses an ongoing hazard, drivers are advised to keep their lights on and increase following distances. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect for the airspace above the fire.  This includes a prohibition on personal drones or radio-controlled aircraft that can interfere with firefighting operations.  Remember – “If you fly, we can’t!”

Additional resources arrived throughout the day, bringing the total number of personnel to 278.  Today, crews will continue to focus on minimizing risk to the community, protecting agricultural resources, and transitioning as possible to evaluation of fire damage.  Management of the fire was transitioned to the Pacific Northwest National Incident Management Team in the early afternoon.

Across the region, fuels are extremely dry and you have a critical role in fire prevention.  Avoid parking in dry grass, discard cigarette butts in closed containers and be aware of local restrictions on campfires or fire use.

Total personnel: 278 Firefighters

Evacuations: 1,165 homes in evacuation status

Size of fire: 70,421