7/28/2019 Central Oregon Evening Fire Update

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update – July 28, 9:00 p.m.

Redmond, Oregon –Firefighters responded to three new incidents on the Deschutes National Forest today, the largest is the McKay Butte Fire, northeast of McKay Butte.

The McKay Butte Fire (Incident #527), south of Forest Road 9735 was reported around 3:00 pm by Lava Butte Lookout and quickly grew to 15 acres. A heavy air tanker, two single engine air tankers (SEATs) and a Type 3 helicopter responded in addition to multiple engines and dozers. A Level 1 (BE READY) evacuation notice was issued by US Forest Service Law Enforcement and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for the McKay Crossing, Ogden, and Prairie Campgrounds on the Forest as a result of active fire behavior. Firefighters have been working to put in containment lines around the fire and will continue that work throughout the evening and into the night. The fire is now estimated at 90 acres. 

Two fires—the first near Black Butte and the other west of La Pine off of Burgess Road—were contained at under .3 acre. 

All fires are under investigation. 

The public is reminded to be careful with any ignitions on public lands. Central Oregon is in HIGH fire danger, meaning fuels are very receptive to ignitions. If you are recreating on public lands, remember to remain diligent about ensuring all fires are ‘dead out’ and cold to the touch, all spark arrestors are properly installed, and trailer chains are secured.