August 27 wildfire morning update

Working through the evening yesterday, firefighters kept the Willow Fire from crossing Willow Creek and halted the fire's spread with an effort that included helicopters, air tankers, engines, and hand crews.

The fire size is now estimated at about 150 acres with 30 percent containment.

Crews will continue to suppress the fire today using three helicopters, a hotshot crew, multiple engines and other resources. Full containment is expected by tomorrow night.

The Willow Fire, located about 8 miles northwest of Madras (2 miles northeast of Pelton Dam), was reported yesterday at 1:30 pm. The emergency response includes Jefferson County and federal resources, using both structural and wildland firefighters.

The fire is deemed to be human-caused but remains under investigation.

The Lower Valley Fire, located about 8 miles west of Terrebonne off Lower Bridge Road, has been reassessed at about 50 acres. An updated containment estimate was unavailable this morning.

Firefighters worked through the night to strengthen containment lines and will continue working the fire this morning with a suppression effort that includes multiple engines, hand crews and aircraft.

The fire's cause remains under investigation.

REMINDER: Central Oregon remains in extreme fire danger and all public lands are under some level of public use restrictions.

For information about fire restrictions on federally-managed lands in Central Oregon, visit: http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com/2016/08/fire-restrictions-begin-in-central.html

For information about fire restrictions on state-protected lands in Central Oregon, visit: http://odfcentraloregon.blogspot.com/

Central Oregon Fire Update

Wildland and structural firefighters combined forces twice today to tackle two new wildfires in Central Oregon.

The Lower Valley fire was reported at noon today, burning about 8 miles west of Terrebonne off Lower Bridge Road, apparently started as a result of a fire that started on a hay truck. Numerous engines responded from the Forest Service and BLM, along with a structural task force made up of engines from Crook County, Sisters, Cloverdale and Redmond. Helicopters, heavy air tankers and single engine air tankers helped knock the fire down. As of this evening, the crews had stopped the forward progress of the fire and were beginning to put a hoselay around the perimeter and mop up. The fire reached about 75 acres.


The Willow Fire, burning about 8 miles northwest of Madras (2 milles NE of Pelton Dam), was reported at 1:30. As of this evening, the fire had grown to 70 acres. Crews initially focused on the east side of the fire, with structural and wildland crews working together to keep the fire from moving toward homes. Crews this evening are now working on the west side of the fire, which remains active on about 20 percent of the line. Cool temperatures this evening and rising relative humidity will help decrease fire behavior and help firefighters’ efforts. The cause of this fire is human-caused, with the specific cause under investigation. 


Central Oregon is under a Red Flag Warning tomorrow for gusty winds and low relative humidity. Fires that ignite under windy conditions can grow very quickly. Fire officials want to remind everyone that public use restrictions are now in place in Central Oregon and that campfires are limited to a short list of developed campgrounds. For a copy of that list, visit http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/prineville/fire/alerts.php

FIRE RESTRICTIONS BEGIN IN CENTRAL OREGON THIS WEEK

 Central Oregon – With hot and dry conditions expected to continue, increasing numbers of wildfires around the northwest, and fire suppression resources already responding to a high number of human-caused wildfires around Central Oregon, the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management, the Deschutes National Forest and the Ochoco National Forest, including the Crooked River National Grassland, are implementing campfire restrictions. 

Effective 12:01 a.m. August 26, 2016 (Friday), open fires, including charcoal fires and portable campfires, will be prohibited, except in the following designated campgrounds: 

Crescent Ranger District: Contorta Flat, Contorta Point, Crescent Lake, Simax Group, Spring, Sunset Cove, Trapper Creek, Whitefish Horse Camp, Windy Group Site, Industrial Mushroom Camp (Little Odell Butte).

Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District: Crane Prairie, Cultus Lake, Elk Lake, Fall River, Fall River Guard Station, Gull Point, Lava Lake, Little Cultus Lake, Little Fawn, Little Fawn Group, Little Lava Lake, Mallard Marsh, North Twin, Point, Quinn Meadow Horse Camp, Quinn River, Rock Creek, Sheep Bridge, South, South Twin, West South Twin, Big River Group, Bull Bend, Wyeth, Cinder Hill, East Lake, Little Crater, Newberry Group, Ogden Group, Paulina Lake, Prairie.

Sisters Ranger District: Allen Springs, Allingham, Blue Bay, Camp Sherman, Candle Creek, Cold Spring, Driftwood, Gorge, Graham Corral, Indian Ford, Jack Creek, Link Creek, Lower Bridge, Lower Canyon Creek, Perry South, Pine Rest, Pioneer Ford, Riverside, Scout Lake, Sheep Spring, Smiling River, South Shore, Three Creek Lake, Three Creek Meadow, Three Creek Horse Camp, Whispering Pine.

Paulina Ranger District: Sugar Creek, Wolf Creek.

Lookout Mtn. Ranger District: Antelope Flat Reservoir, Deep Creek, Ochoco Divide, Ochoco Forest, Walton Lake and Wildcat. 

Crooked River National Grassland: Skull Hollow and Haystack Reservoir.

Prineville BLM: Big Bend, Castle Rock, Still Water, Lone Pine, Palisades, Chimney Rock, Cobble Rock, Post Pile, and Poison Butte.  

These restrictions do not apply to Wilderness areas on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Prineville BLM.

In addition to campfire restrictions, smoking is restricted to an enclosed vehicle or building, in a designated campground, in boats on lakes and rivers, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable material. Portable cooking stoves or lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel may be used in all areas. 

Officials want to remind the public that using explosive target material, such as Tannerite, explosives, and fireworks continue to be prohibited on all federal lands. 

The Prineville BLM, Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland have already moved to an Industrial Fire Precaution Level III (IFPL). The IFPL applies to permitted and industrial operations, including woodcutting, on federal lands. 

IFPL III is considered a “partial shutdown” and restricts the use of chainsaws to loading sites on tractor/skidder operations to between the hours of 8 p.m. to 1 p.m. Only cable yarding systems that use non-motorized systems are allowed. Industrial welding and mechanized loading operations are also restricted to the hours of 8 p.m. to 1 p.m. Industrial and permitted operations may request a waiver from the Forest Service or BLM depending on land ownership at the activity location. It is the responsibility of all operators to know and follow the requirements of the current fire precaution level.

More information about both IFPL and Public Use Restrictions can be found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/centraloregon/home/?cid=fsbdev3_035880

Public use restrictions help protect the land, resources, and visitors. Officials carefully consider the current fire situation, fuel moisture and predicted weather before making the decision to implement fire restrictions. Every year lightning-caused fires place a heavy demand on our firefighting resources, and put our wildlands, our firefighters, and our communities at risk. Fires caused through carelessness or negligence only increase the threat to life and livelihood, and place an even greater burden on already busy firefighters.  Every fire that’s prevented protects our communities and helps our firefighters remain available, rested, and safe. 

Sheridan Fire and Pine Mountain Fire now Contained!

Firecrews on the Sheridan Fire burning near Sunriver and the Pine Mountain Fire east of Bend are reporting 100 percent containment on both fires today. The acreage for both fires remains the same.

Containment doesn't mean "out" so you can expect to see engines and firefighters still working in the area, along with smoke in the interior of the fire from some of the logs or brush that may still be smoldering. It's also not unusual for an occasional pocket of unburned fuel inside the fireline to burn and put up smoke.

Some of the firefighters left the Sheridan Fire and headed to fires in Washington and eastern Oregon; others will head home, rest and be ready to go out to the next new start.

Containment Continues to Rise on Sheridan and Pine Mountain Fires

Firefighters successfully held both the Sheridan and Pine Mountain fires through the heat of the day today, and continued to improve containment lines. As of this evening, the Sheridan Fire reached 80% containment and the Pine Mountain Fire had reached 95% containment.

The Deschutes National Forest will reopen Forest Road 40 and Forest Road 45 (River Summit Road) on Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. and the Besson Day Use Area will also reopen.

As a reminder, Central Oregon has had numerous human caused fires, and fire officials are asking the public to report any suspicious activity on public lands by calling the Oregon State Police at 503-375-3555 or if it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 when they can do so safely.

Please remember when you head outdoors, that Central Oregon is currently in the peak of its fire season and the fire danger level is EXTREME. 

Forest Roads 40 and 45 Will Reopen to the Public on Monday: Area Closure around Sheridan Fire remains in effect

Forest Roads 40 and 45 Will Reopen to the Public on Monday

Area Closure around Sheridan Fire remains in effect

BEND– The Deschutes National Forest will reopen Forest Road 40 and Forest Road 45 (River Summit Road) on Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. Besson Day Use Area will also reopen.

Roadside hazards related to firefighting efforts have been cleared along these main routes to allow safe passage for vehicles; however, firefighters may still be working in the area and may utilize or work on these roads. Please use caution while traveling, reduce speed and do not attempt to pass fire traffic.

As a reminder, an area closure remains in effect while firefighters strengthen containment lines on the Sheridan Fire west of Sunriver, Oregon. In addition to the area closure, Wanoga and Edison sno-parks are closed to the public while they are being used to stage firefighting personnel and equipment for the Sheridan Fire.

All roads shown in green (see attached map) remain open to the public.

As the area surrounding the fire becomes safe for public use, closures will continue to be reassessed and lifted as areas become safe for public use.

The Sheridan Fire started on August 17, 2016 about 2 miles west of Sunriver, OR and swiftly grew to 191 acres in the first 24 hours. Aggressive firefighting efforts have kept the fire within planned containment lines. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

-USFS-

Public Urged to Report Suspicious Activity Related to Central Oregon Wildfires

Central Oregon – In the past month, Central Oregon has had numerous human caused fires. Now, Oregon State Police along with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office believe that several of those fires were intentionally started. Specific details will not be released while investigations are ongoing.

While an investigation by all cooperating agencies is in progress, we would like to urge the public to report suspicious activity on public lands by calling the Oregon State Police at 503-375-3555 or if it is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Central Oregon is currently in the peak of its fire season and the fire danger level is EXTREME with very dry fuels and continued hot and dry weather in the forecast. The public is reminded that every wildfire puts our firefighters, visitors, residents and properties in danger.

In addition to the arson fires, our firefighters have responded to numerous abandoned or escaped campfires. Campfires should never be left unattended and should be cold to the touch whenever they are left. Additionally, please properly dispose of cigarette butts, park only in areas clear of vegetation, and in general use caution while working and recreating.

-End-

Firefighters Make Progress on all Three Central Oregon Wildfires

Central Ore. – Firefighters reported significant progress today on all three wildfires burning in Central Oregon:

• Crews on Incident #516 on Tumalo Mountain across from Mount Bachelor ended the day with a report of “no smoke, no heat,” and the fire is fully contained.
• The day shift on the Pine Mountain Fire burning east of Bend continued the work started by the night shift and held the fire at 252 acres today; the fire is now 60% contained. The Observatory and nearby campground are open.
• Finally, fire crews on the Sheridan Fire burning near Sunriver also made gains; the Sheridan Fire remains about 200 acres and is also 60% contained. The Level 1 Evacuation for Fall River Estates and the Fall River Fish Hatchery lifted this afternoon. Fire Officials are keeping the 40, 45 and 4220 Roads closed due to the high number of hazard trees. Visitors in Sunriver trying to get to the Cascade Lakes Highway can head west from Sunriver on the 42 Road, or north from Sunriver on the 41 Road.

Much of Central Oregon is under a Red Flag Warning tomorrow for low relative humidity and increasing wind. This means that wildfires that start are very likely to spread rapidly. Low RH and wind, combined with continued warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.  Please continue to use caution when recreating out in the woods and rangelands – make sure campfires are out when someone isn’t there to watch them, dispose of cigarettes properly, and avoid parking over vegetation.

Area Closure Remains in Effect on Sheridan Fire

Wanoga and Edison Sno-parks as well as Besson Day Use Area remain closed

BEND– The Deschutes National Forest reminds the public that an area closure remains in effect for the Sheridan Fire near Sunriver, Oregon.

Forest Road 45 (River Summit Road) between Cascade Lakes Highway and the junction of Forest Road 40 and 41 is within the closure as is Forest Road 40 from the junction of Forest Road 45 and 41 and Forest Road 4040. To access the Cascade Lakes area from Sunriver the public is encouraged to use Forest Road 42 (Fall River Road).

Besson Day Use Area has been closed to all traffic at this time. Boaters wishing to use Besson as a take-out point could use the Sunriver Resort Marina as an alternative for a $5 fee. Wanoga and Edison Sno-parks remain closed as well.

All roads shown in green (see attached map) remain open to the public.

Forest Road 41 (Conklin Road) remains open, but the public is asked to use extra caution on this road as firefighting traffic will be present. Please reduce speed and do not attempt to pass vehicles while on this road.

Forest officials will work with the incident management team fighting the Sheridan Fire to reassess the area and road closures early next week. As the area surrounding the fire becomes safe for public use, closures will be lifted.

The Sheridan Fire started on August 17, 2016 about 2 miles west of Sunriver, OR and swiftly grew to 191 acres in the first 24 hours. Aggressive firefighting efforts have kept the fire within planned containment lines. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

-USFS-

Firefighters Now Working Multiple Fires in Central Oregon

Central Ore. – Firefighters had a late night response to a new fire that started southeast of Pine Mountain. East Butte Lookout reported the new start at 8:30 p.m. at 1-acre and by this morning, the fire had reached 300 acres. Crews worked overnight with a dozer, successfully getting dozer line around 80 percent of the fire. Firefighters will work with helicopters and Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) to secure the remaining side of the Pine Mountain Fire (Incident #518).  Additional firefighters will work to hold and improve the dozer line put in last night.

An unknown number of people were evacuated from the Pine Mountain Observatory and nearby campground last night; the fire is approximately 2 miles from the Observatory. The cause of this fire is under investigation.

Firefighters will continue mopping up the Sheridan Fire (200 acres) burning near Sunriver, Oregon, as well as Incident #516 (1 acre plus several small spot fires) on Tumalo Mountain across from Mount Bachelor. The cause of these fires remains under investigation.

Fire officials have determined that the main roads (FS 40, 45 and 4220) through the Sheridan Fire will remain closed at this time due to hazardous trees and continued heavy fire traffic. The roads will remain closed until the snags are removed and the road is safe for travel. The Deschutes River remains open between Harper’s Bridge and the Sunriver Resort Marina; however, the closure could be reinstated if helicopters need to use the spot for dipping. The Level 1 Evacuation Notice remains in effect for homes in the Fall River Estates subdivision and the Fall River Fish Hatchery.

Continued hot and dry weather will challenge firefighters working on existing fires and increase the potential for a new start to spread rapidly. Fire officials are asking everyone to use caution when recreating out in the woods and rangelands – make sure campfires are out when someone isn’t there to watch them, dispose of cigarettes properly, and avoid parking over vegetation.

Pine Mountain Fire last night

Officials will now delay opening FS Road 45

Fire officials have decided to delay opening FS Road 45 on the Sheridan Fire until conditions can be better evaluated tomorrow. All road closures on the Sheridan Fire will remain in effect until further notice.

Firefighters Tackle New Fire in Central Oregon

Central Ore. – Resources on the Sheridan Fire burning near Sunriver, Oregon were bumped over to help with a new start on Tumalo Mountain across from Mount Bachelor. Incident #516 started this afternoon and had the potential to grow rapidly. Fortunately there were engines, handcrews and helicopters nearby – resources that could be sent over from the Sheridan. An airtanker out of Redmond supported the efforts and the main fire was held this afternoon at an acre with numerous spots spread out over a 6-acre area. Firefighters handled several spot fires around the main fire as well. Crews will continue working on building the fireline overnight and mopping up any hotspots. The cause of this fire is under investigation.

Firefighters continued working on the Sheridan Fire as well, and the fire is now 35% contained. The fire did not grow although the fire smoldered and occasionally torched trees within the fire perimeter. Firefighters also found and quickly suppressed two ¼ acre spots fires that started outside the fireline. The fire remains staffed with about 275 personnel, and crews will continue mopping up over the next several days. The cause remains under investigation.

The road closures for the Sheridan will remain in effect until tomorrow morning. At 5:00 a.m. the 45 Road that runs from Sunriver toward Mt. Bachelor will open to through traffic; this afternoon fire officials made the decision to keep the 40 and 4220 Roads closed due to the high number of until the hazard trees in the area. The roads will remain closed until the snags are removed and the road is safe for travel.

The Deschutes River remains open between Harper’s Bridge and the Sunriver Resort Marina; however, the closure could be reinstated if helicopters need to use the spot for dipping.

Continued hot and dry weather will challenge firefighters working on existing fires and increase the potential for a new start to spread rapidly. Fire officials are asking everyone to use caution when recreating out in the woods and rangelands – make sure campfires are out when someone isn’t there to watch them, dispose of cigarettes properly, and avoid parking over vegetation.

 

New Fire Starts on SW Side of Tumalo Mountain

Bend, Ore - Numerous firefighters are headed to Tumalo Mountain, across from Mount Bachelor to suppress a new wildfire that started about an hour ago. Incident #516 is approximately 1/4 acre, but burning actively. Two helicopters and one heavy airtanker are on the way to support the firefighters.


Cascade Lakes Highway is open at this time, and vehicles should move through the area with caution. Please avoid stopping on the highway to watch fire operations.

CORRECTION: Road closures in Sheridan Fire will be lifted tomorrow 8/20/16

SUNRIVER, ORE – Information of the lifting of road closures was released a day early - Forest Road 45 and Forest Road 40 (Spring River Road) will remain closed to through traffic near the Sheridan Fire southwest of Sunriver, OR. The closure will remain in effect until tomorrow.

The Deschutes River remains open and the Level 1 evacuation notice remains in effect for homes in the Fall River Estates subdivision and the Fall River Fish Hatchery; fire officials will evaluate the evacuation notice today to determine when it can be lifted.

Main Roads near Sheridan Fire Now Open to Traffic

Sunriver, ORE – Forest Road 45 and Forest Road 40 (Spring River Road) will reopen to through traffic near the Sheridan Fire southwest of Sunriver, OR. The area closure remains in effect around Forest Road 40 and Forest Road 45 as firefighting efforts continue.

The public should use caution when driving on these roads and should expect increased traffic due to fire personnel and equipment in the area. Officials encourage using alternate routes whenever possible.

The Deschutes River remains open and the Level 1 evacuation notice remains in effect for homes in the Fall River Estates subdivision and the Fall River Fish Hatchery; fire officials will evaluate the evacuation notice today to determine when it can be lifted.

 

Firefighters Continue to Make Progress on Sheridan Fire

 Firefighters continue to hold and improve the perimeter of the Sheridan Fire burning 2 miles west of Sunriver, Oregon. The fire did not grow overnight and remains 200 acres and 25 percent contained. Fire crews will hold and improve the containment line today, and mopup any hotspots near the line. In addition, firefighters will patrol outside the fireline looking for any spot fires. The cause remains under investigation.

The Deschutes River has re-opened between Harper’s Bridge and the Sunriver Resort Marina; however, the closure could be reinstated if helicopters need to use the spot for dipping. The road closures remain in effect; and fire officials will consider opening main roads to through traffic tomorrow. Fire Officials will evaluate conditions today and determine if the Level 1 Evacuation for Fall River Estates subdivision and properties near the Fall River Fish Hatchery can be lifted.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for much of Central Oregon today for low humidity and high winds. These conditions will challenge firefighters working on existing fires and increase the potential for a new start to spread rapidly. Fire officials are asking everyone to use caution when recreating out in the woods and rangelands – make sure campfires are out when someone isn’t there to watch them, dispose of cigarettes properly, and avoid parking over vegetation.

 

 

 

 

 

-End-

Evening fire update for August 18

CENTRAL OREGON— An aggressive firefighting response today prevented new growth on the Sheridan fire, as crews kept the fire within planned containment lines.

A new mapping effort has assessed the current fire size at about 200 acres with around 25 percent containment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This morning, a wind gust carried burning embers across containment lines creating a two-acre spot fire in unburned fuel near the Sheridan fire. A quick response from firefighters that included helicopter and air tanker support contained the new fire and kept it from growing.

A Type 3 incident management team took command of the fire at 6 a.m. this morning and will continue working through the night and into tomorrow to strengthen planned containment lines. Smoke is expected to accumulate overnight and linger tomorrow morning in the fire vicinity, but dissipate throughout the day.

The Deschutes River remains closed between Harper’s Bridge and the Sunriver Resort Marina as a public safety precaution. Helicopters are dipping water out of the river for the fire suppression effort.

A Level 1 evacuation notice remains in effect for homes in the Fall River Estates subdivision and properties near the Fall River Fish Hatchery. This evacuation notice affects an estimated 70 homes in the area.

Deschutes County residents can sign up to receive alerts by visiting this website: https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736723736#/signup

Around 250 personnel remain engaged in the firefighting effort, which includes support from the Sunriver Fire Department, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Forest Service and the BLM, among other agencies.

Multiple roads surrounding the fire are closed to public traffic. Road closures are in place at:

Forest Road 42/4220 junction

Forest Road 42/4230 junction

Forest Road 46/45 junction

Forest Road 40/4230 junction

Forest Road 40/41 junction

Forest Road 42/4240 junction

Forest Road 40/4270 junction

A map of the current National Forest road closures and area closure in place surrounding the Sheridan Fire can be found here: http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com/2016/08/map-of-deschutes-national-forest-road.html

The Sheridan fire was first reported yesterday at 4:30 p.m. by the Lava Butte Lookout. The fire started near the junction of Forest Roads 40 and 45, about 2 miles west of Sunriver in lodgepole pine forest, and spread about a mile to the southwest throughout yesterday evening.

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Multi-Agency Media Release: Protect Our Communities by Preventing Human Caused Wildfires

Map of Deschutes National Forest road closures surrounding the Sheridan Fire

August 18 Morning Update

Firefighters made good progress suppressing the Sheridan fire through the night last night, completing dozer lines around the fire and conducting burnout operations into the early morning hours.

A new assessment of fire size estimates the Sheridan fire is around 169 acres and 10 percent contained, burning in predominantly lodgepole pine forested terrain.

The fire started near the junction of Forest Roads 40 and 45, about 2 miles west of Sunriver, and grew to the south and southwest through the evening. Reported yesterday at 4:30 p.m. by the Lava Butte Lookout, the fire's cause remains under investigation.

A Type 3 incident management team took command of the fire at 6 a.m. this morning and will continue working throughout the day to further containment of the fire. The incident command post is located at Wanoga Sno Park.

The team reports the fire still has potential to move to the south or southeast. They will focus firefighting efforts around the southeast flank this morning.

Around 250 personnel are engaged in the firefighting effort this morning, which includes 10 engines, 4 dozers, 4 water tenders, and multiple crews and aircraft. The wildfire response is a multi-agency effort, with support from Sunriver Fire Department, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Service and BLM, among others.

A Level 1 evacuation notice remains in effect for homes in the Fall River Estates subdivision and properties near the Fall River Fish Hatchery.

Multiple roads surrounding the fire are closed to public traffic. Road closures are in place at:


Forest Road 42/4220 junction
Forest Road 42/4230 junction
Forest Road 46/45 junction
Forest Road 40/4230 junction
Forest Road 40/41 junction
Forest Road 42/4240 junction
Forest Road 40/4270 junction

Smoke impacts to the surrounding area are expected to remain in effect throughout the morning.


Sisters area fires:

Six small fires were also reported yesterday evening in the Sisters area. Five fires were spotted near Forest Road 16, about 4 miles south of Sisters, and one fire reported northeast of Black Butte near Forest Road 11.

All fires were 1/10th of an acre of less.

Crews successfully contained one of those fires by yesterday evening and continued working on the rest into the night and continue this morning. These fires remain under investigation.

Crews working through the night on multiple starts on Deschutes NF

Fire crews responded to multiple starts this afternoon across the Deschutes National Forest and will work through the night tonight to contain them. All fires are currently under investigation. 

The largest of today's fires, now called the Sheridan fire, was estimated at around 300 acres as of this evening. The fire was first reported around 4:30 pm by the Lava Butte Lookout, and it was burning near the intersection of Forest Road 40 and 45, about 2 miles west of Sunriver.

The fire spread at a moderate pace to the south and southeast through predominantly lodgepole pine forest. A Level 1 evacuation notice remains in place for the Fall River Estates and homes near the Fall River Fish Hatchery, south of the fire. Road blocks remain in place on forest roads surrounding the fire.

Crews will work through the night to conduct burnout operations along dozer lines in order to strengthen containment lines around the fire. A local Type 3 incident management team will take command of the Sheridan fire tomorrow morning at 6 am.

Firefighters also responded to 6 small fires in the Sisters area. Five of those fires are located between 4 and 9 miles south of Sisters and one is located about half a mile northeast of Black Butte. Each fire was 1/10th acre or less when reported.

Crews will work through the night to suppress each of those fires. One fire, located south of Sisters, was already contained as of this evening.

Fire danger throughout Central Oregon remains EXTREME due to very dry fuel conditions.

Paulina Fire Update, August 4 (FINAL UPDATE)

With another night of cool air and colder temperatures, fire fighters remain successful in holding the containment lines. The Paulina Fire stays at 80% containment and managers are pleased with secure buffer around the fire.

The Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) Type III team plans to transition fire management back to the local unit by the end of the day. In addition to all the Level I evacuations being lifted, Forest Road 9735 is now open. Some localized closures adjacent to the fire line will remain until all activities subside.

As operations wind down, crews and resources will begin to be demobilized and become available for other potential incidents.  Fire managers are grateful to the local community for their cooperation and support throughout the incident.

This is the final update on this fire.

Paulina Fire Update, August 3, 8:00 a.m.

Firefighters made significant progress yesterday afternoon and evening on the Paulina fire northeast of La Pine. Multiple aerial resources, dozers, and engines were able to line the fire by the late evening.

“Overnight humidity recovery and cooler temperatures helped with overnight firefighting efforts” stated Incident Commander Trainee Mike Aizpitarte. Additional handcrews, engines, dozers, and water tenders arrived at the Incident Command Post at the La Pine Highschool late last night and early this morning.

Firefighting strategy for today’s operational period will focus on securing the existing control lines while continuing to provide for firefighter and public safety.

Smoke may be visible on Highway 97 north of La Pine and in the surrounding area. Drivers are asked to proceed cautiously with the additional fire traffic in the area. Level I campground closures and Forest Road 9735 closure remain in effect.

With Extreme Fire Danger, the Deschutes National Forest would like to remind visitors and recreationalist to be aware of dry forest vegetative conditions. An escaped and abandoned campfire could spread quickly to the surrounding area.

Paulina Fire is 10% Contained

CENTRAL OREGON – Firefighters were able to quickly respond to a new wildfire that was reported at 3:37 p.m. on the Deschutes National Forest. The Paulina fire, burning near Forest Road 9735, 7 miles northeast of La Pine, is now 50 acres and 10 percent contained.

A Level 1 evacuation notice was issued for campgrounds along lower Paulina Lake Road including McKay Crossing, Ogden Group and Prairie campgrounds. The only road closure associated with this fire is Forest Road 9735, which is closed to all traffic except fire personnel.

Numerous aerial resources including two  CL-415s (also known as “scoopers), two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATS), and one helicopter worked the fire today, aided by two bulldozers, seven engines that worked the blaze through the afternoon and into the evening. A local Type 3 team took command of the fire late this afternoon and made great progress even while being challenged by gusty winds.

Firefighters will continue constructing containment lines tomorrow and will work to secure them with the help of two additional 20-person crews.

The cause is undetermined at this time.

For up-to-the-minute wildfire information, follow us on Twitter @CentralORFire.  

Fryrear Fire is 80% Contained

Firefighters remain on scene monitoring through the afternoon

SISTERS – Firefighters continued containment efforts on the 8.4 acre Fryrear Fire approximately 7 miles east of Sisters on Fryrear Road. The fire is now 80% contained and Fryrear Road will reopen to all traffic at 7:00 p.m.

Firefighters responded quickly to the wildfire that was reported at 5:11 p.m. on Monday. Aerial resources were able to halt the forward progress of the blaze, while bulldozers were able to safely put in containment lines around the fire. Firefighters were then able to safely engage and begin containment efforts. Mop up efforts have been completed around the 8.4 acre fire and firefighters will monitor the fire area to ensure it remains inactive while gusty afternoon winds pass through the area.

COFMS (BLM, ODF & USFS) and Cloverdale resources jointly fought the fire that was burning on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed and private lands. The cause is undetermined at this time.

This is the final update for the Fryrear Fire. For up-to-the-minute wildfire information, follow us on Twitter @CentralORFire. 

-End-

Firefighters Quickly Respond to Wildfire on Fryrear Road

Fryrear Fire is 70% contained as of this morning

SISTERS – Firefighters worked through the night to contain an 8.4 acre the Fryrear Fire approximately 7 miles east of Sisters on Fryrear Road between Highway 20 and Highway 126. The fire is now 70% contained.

Two heavy air tankers and two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) responded quickly to the blaze while engines on the ground worked to protect structures in the nearby Cascade Estates area. The swift aerial response allowed bulldozer operators to put a containment line around the fire, which firefighters then began securing. Mop-up efforts continued through the night with a 20-person crew and several engines working on containment. Firefighters will continue mop-up efforts until 100% containment is reached, which is expected today.

The wildfire was reported at 5:11 p.m. Monday and grew quickly. COFMS (BLM, ODF & USFS) and Cloverdale resources have responded.

For up-to-the-minute wildfire information, follow us on Twitter @CentralORFire. 

-End-