Friday, July 28, 2017

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update - July 28


Redmond, Oregon – The Emerson Fire northeast of Madras has been more accurately mapped at 10,529 acres and is now 60% contained. Firefighters will continue mop-up efforts today and the Type 3 incident management team in charge of the incident will transfer command back to the Ochoco National Forest tomorrow for final clean-up and monitoring.

Firefighters near Sisters responded to a hold-over fire from the lighting storm on July 26. The fire near Trout Creek Butte was contained at .10/acre.

As a reminder we are in EXTREME fire danger in Central Oregon. Fire officials want to remind the public that hot and dry weather conditions are forecasted to continue as we move into our peak fire season. Fire restrictions are now in place on public lands, limiting campfires to only designated campgrounds. The public is asked to avoid driving or parking over dry grass and properly extinguish cigarette butts before disposing of them. As a reminder, fireworks and exploding targets are always illegal on public lands. 

This will be the last daily update from Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center until we respond to more fire activity. Until then, stay up-to-date with fire activity by following our Twitter account @CentralORFire.


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Thursday, July 27, 2017

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update - July 27, 11:00 a.m.


Redmond, Oregon –Approximately 150 lighting strikes were recorded across Central Oregon yesterday and firefighters responded to 9 new fires—all held to under ½ acre—on public lands. While the storms have passed, firefighters expect to be responding to new fires from those strikes in the coming days and weeks.

Firefighters will continue constructing and improving containment lines on the Emerson Fire, 5 miles northeast of Madras today. Firefighters expect to see minimal growth on the fire today that is estimated to be 10,619 acres burning on private land and the Crooked River National Grassland. Containment remains at 30%. This fire was determined to be human caused.

As we reach the peak of fire season, fire officials want to remind the public that hot and dry weather conditions have created extreme fire conditions throughout Central Oregon. Fire restrictions are now in place on public lands, limiting campfires to only designated campgrounds. The public is asked to avoid driving or parking over dry grass and properly extinguish cigarette butts before disposing of them. As a reminder, fireworks and exploding targets are always illegal on public lands. 


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Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update - July 26, 9:00 p.m.



Redmond, OregonFirefighters spent the afternoon chasing several new starts ignited by lightning storms that passed through Central Oregon on Wednesday. As of press time, firefighters had responded to—and contained—9 new fires, all under ½ acre. They also provided assistance on a fire that started at the Willamette Pass ski area on the Willamette National Forest and assisted Bend Fire with an incident.

Over 100 lightning strikes have blanketed Central Oregon since 1:00 p.m. and lightning was forecasted to continue well into the night. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for “abundant lightning and gusty winds” that remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. tonight.

Firefighters continued constructing and improving containment lines on the Emerson Fire, burning approximately 5 miles northeast of Madras on private land and the U.S. Forest Service managed Crooked River National Grassland. There was minimal growth on the Emerson Fire today that is now estimated to be 10,619 acres and 30% contained. Previous estimates of the fire placed containment at 40% but that number was revised after fire officials were able to see the fire from the air. A Type 3 incident management team comprised of Prineville Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service firefighters has command of the fire and will continue working with Jefferson County Rural Fire District to manage the blaze. This fire was determined to be human caused.

As we reach the peak of fire season, fire officials want to remind the public that hot and dry weather conditions have created extreme fire conditions throughout Central Oregon. Fire restrictions are now in place on public lands, limiting campfires to only designated campgrounds. The public is asked to avoid driving or parking over dry grass.

Fireworks and exploding targets are always illegal on public lands. 


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Emerson Fire Grows Overnight


Redmond, Oregon –The Emerson Fire, burning approximately 6 miles northeast of Madras, continued to grow overnight and is now estimated to be 10,600 acres. Firefighters were able to make good progress through the evening utilizing existing roads and dozers to put in fire line. The fire is now 40% contained at this time.
The Central Oregon Type 3 team assumed command of the incident this morning. Resources currently on the scene include several engines, two dozers, four contact crews and two hot shot crews, one water tender and miscellaneous overhead.  Aerial resources will be available as needed today, and more resources and crews have been ordered.  The Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Jefferson County Rural Fire District are working together to contain this incident.
Crews will be working to construct fireline to contain and secure the perimeter. The fire is burning in a mix of grass and brush on private land and the Crooked River National Grassland. Challenges today include high temperatures, afternoon wind and storms, powerlines and steep terrain.  The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning “abundant lightning and gusty outflow winds” that will be in effect from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. today.
No homes are threatened at this time. The highway remains open; however motorists should use caution due to fire suppression vehicles and crews working in the area. If smoke affects visibility, motorists should reduce speed and turn on headlights.
As we reach the peak of fire season, fire officials want to remind the public that hot and dry weather conditions have created extreme fire conditions throughout Central Oregon. Fire restrictions are now in place on public lands, limiting campfires to only designated campgrounds. The public is asked to avoid driving or parking over dry grass. Fireworks and exploding targets are always illegal on public lands. 


The Emerson fire began as two separate fires (incident #638) along Highway 97 north of Madras that eventually burned together. The fires were reported at 3:30 p.m. on July 25.

Information will also continue to be posted on the Central Oregon Fire Information Blog at http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com/ and you can follow Central Oregon wildfires on Twitter @CentralORFire.


Tuesday, July 25, 2017

New Fires on the Grassland


Contact:  Media Desk:  541-316-7711                            Email:  Centralorfireinfo@gmail.com
Twitter: @CentralORfire                                                    Blog:  CentralORfireinfo.blogspot.com

 

Two new fires are burning on the Grassland north of Madras.  A 450 acre fire (#639) near milepost 87 on Highway 97 is reported to be burning on private land at the R2 Ranch.  Another fire (#638), approximately 1500 acres in size, is burning on the Crooked River National Grassland, just south of milepost 87.

The fires burning in brush and grass were reported around 1600.  The fires are putting up very visible columns of smoke.

 
 
 
Resources currently at the fires include three heavy air tankers, two Single Engine Air Tankers, one type 3 helicopter, eight engines, two dozers and other firefighters. 
 
 

The causes of the fires are under investigation.

The public should be aware of continued drying of fuels throughout Central Oregon and the current fire restrictions. 

Remember: Be Prepared For Fire Restrictions!

Fire restrictions are in place across Central Oregon public lands. "Know Before You Go" where to camp if you want a campfire and what to bring with you. Be firewise and stay fire safe!



Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Fire Restrictions Begin Friday

Industrial Fire Precaution Level III will also be implemented 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 and Industrial Fire Precaution Level III.

Effective 12:01 a.m. July 21, 2017 (Friday), open fires, including charcoal briquette 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.

Additionally, the Prineville BLM, Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland will move 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.  

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


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The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2015, the BLM generated $4.1 billion in receipts from activities occurring on public lands.

Sunday, July 9, 2017

07/09/2017 4:45 p.m. Lone Pine Fire Update


Contact:  Media Desk:  541-316-7711           Email:  Centralorfireinfo@gmail.com

Twitter:  @CentralORfire                              Blog: CentralORfireinfo.blogspot.com

 

 

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For Immediate Release:  July 9, 2017 at 4:35 p.m. 
 

Lone Pine Fire Continues to Burn on Crooked River National Grassland


Madras, Ore– The Lone Pine Fire began burning just before noon on the Crooked River National Grassland approximately 2 miles east of Gray Butte. The fire was burning primarily brush and grass when it began.

Visitors to Skull Hollow Campground, which was near the fire, were made aware of the fire, but were not evacuated. However, a portion of Lone Pine Road was closed to allow for fire traffic.

By late afternoon, the fire had burned approximately 1,000 acres, though estimates of its size varied.

Resources dispatched to the fire include 3 single-engine air tankers with retardant, 2 helicopters dropping water, 10 engines, and a water tender. By mid-afternoon the right flank of the fire had a retardant line around it, which helped with suppression efforts.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Crook County Health Department warned that people who have chronic respiratory or heart issues should avoid the area or stay inside to avoid the smoke.  The public needs to be aware that driving or parking on dry grass can easily start a wildfire in Central Oregon’s current fuel conditions.

 

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07/09/2017 1:15 p.m. New Fire on Crooked River National Grassland


 

Contact:  Media Desk:  541-316-7711           Email:  Centralorfireinfo@gmail.com

Twitter:  @CentralORfire                              Blog: CentralORfireinfo.blogspot.com

 

 

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For Immediate Release:  July 9, 2017 at 1:15 p.m.

  

New Fire on Crooked River National Grassland


Madras, Ore– A new fire (#496) is burning approximately ¾ of a mile from milepost 14 on Hwy 26 near Lone Pine Road on the Crooked River National Grassland.

The fire burning in brush and grass was reported just before noon. It has quickly grown to 150 acres and is putting up a very visible column of smoke.

Resources currently at the fire include 3 single-engine air tankers, 2 helicopters dropping water, 7 engines, and 1 water tender and other firefighters.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The public should be aware of continued drying of fuels throughout Central Oregon and the current High Fire Danger and take precautions with campfires and driving and parking on dry grass.

  

 

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07/09/2017 9:45 a.m. New Fire near Sisters


Contact:  Media Desk:  541-316-7711           Email:  Centralorfireinfo@gmail.com

Twitter:  @CentralORfire                              Blog: CentralORfireinfo.blogspot.com


FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For Immediate Release:  July 9, 2017 at 9:45 a.m.
 

New Fire near Sisters

 

Sisters, Ore– A fire was reported before 1 a.m. this morning burning just off of Forest Service Road 11 (Indian Ford), west of Sisters.

The fire is approximately 5 acres and has a hose lay and line around it at this time. Currently fire crews are mopping up the fire with 3 engines, 2 fire crews and 2 water tenders. Forward progression of the fire was stopped early through line construction as well as conducting burnout operations between the fire and Forest Service Road 11.  Early on the fire had active fire behavior, including group torching, due to downslope winds.

Mop up and patrol of the fire will continue throughout the day and into tomorrow. The public should avoid the area if possible due to slowdowns on Forest Service Road 11, east of Black Butte due to fire engines and crews working on the road.

Response to the fire included Sisters-Camp Sherman, Cloverdale and Black Butte Ranch Fire Districts as well as Forest Service firefighters.

The public should be aware of continued drying of fuels throughout Central Oregon and the current High Fire Danger and take precautions with campfires and driving and parking on dry grass.

 

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Thursday, July 6, 2017

Crews Keep Up Efforts as Grizzly Fire Command Transitions to Local Unit


As high temperatures, low humidity and a red flag warning continue today, crews remain diligent with patrolling and mop up throughout the Grizzly Fire area. The 195-acre fire area was reported at 75% containment last night with firefighters targeting 95% containment by the end of the day. The COFMS Type 3 Incident Management Team is planning to transition command back to the local unit, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District, this evening. Through the weekend, firefighters will continue monitoring and extinguishing any final hot spots.


The Grizzly Fire was reported on Monday July 3rd in the afternoon, burning near Grizzly Mountain Road approximately nine miles northwest of Prineville.  The fire area is on private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Crook County Fire and Rescue, and the Crooked River National Grassland.  The fire is human caused and under investigation.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Firefighters Continue Mop Up on Grizzly Fire Prineville

Crews will continue extinguishing hot spots and smoldering areas throughout the Grizzly Fire. As they work towards full mop up of the fire area, firefighters will continue today focusing on the perimeter and areas around private residences and structures. Yesterday, firefighters were successful at getting water to the southwest section and further securing the fire line. The fire area is estimated at 195 acres and is currently at 50 % containment.


The COFMS Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the fire Tuesday morning with joint delegation from Crook County Fire and Rescue and Oregon Department of Forestry. The Grizzly Fire was reported around 2 pm Monday afternoon, burning near Grizzly Mountain Road approximately nine miles northwest of Prineville. The fire area is on private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Crook County Fire and Rescue, and the Crooked River National Grassland. The fire is human caused and under investigation. All evacuation notices have been lifted by the Crook County Sherriff.


Contact: Lauren DuRocher,
Public Information Officer 541-728-3854

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Crews Make Progress on the Grizzly Fire As Wind Subsides

Winds subsided last night allowing crews to gain ground on the Grizzly Fire. Firefighting efforts were successful yesterday and no structures have been lost. Crews will continue work today to further secure the containment lines particularly in the southwest section where steep terrain has created some challenges. The fire is approximately 200 acres with interior pockets still burning. All evacuation notices have been lifted by Crook County.

The COFMS Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the fire this morning with joint delegation from Crook County Fire and Rescue and Oregon Department of Forestry. Additional resources are arriving today to help with continued suppression work and mop up activities. Aerial support is available if needed.

The Grizzly Fire was reported around 2 pm Monday afternoon, burning near Grizzly Mountain Road approximately nine miles northwest of Prineville.  The fire is burning on private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Crook County Fire and Rescue, and the Crooked River National Grassland.  The fire is human caused and under investigation.
 
For more information about For additional wildfire information, follow @centralorfire on Twitter,  @ODF_COD on Twitter, www.ODFcentraloregon.com or. www.facebook.com/ODFcentraloregon.

Contact: Lauren DuRocher, Grizzly Fire, Public Information Officer
                 541-728-3854

Monday, July 3, 2017

Firefighters tackle new fire on the west side of Grizzly Mountain north of Prineville, OR

The Grizzly Fire was reported around 2 pm Monday afternoon, burning near Grizzly Mountain Road approximately nine miles northwest of Prineville.  The fire is burning on private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Crook County Fire and Rescue, BLM Prineville District lands, and the Crooked River National Grassland. Initially reported at fifteen acres, the fire has quickly grown to over 200 acres, burning in cheat grass, sagebrush and juniper.

The Crook County Sheriff has issued a Level 3 Evacuation for approximately twelve residences along Grizzly Mountain Road and a Level 1 Evacuation for an additional twelve homes along McCoin Road. Level 3 Evacuation means EVACUATE immediately, leave NOW.  Level 1 Evacuation means BE READY for the potential of evacuation. 

More than 75 firefighters from the USFS, ODF and BLM are working together in suppression efforts; joined by resources from Crook County Fire and Rescue and two task forces of structural engines from the Central Oregon Interface Task Force. These task forces are comprised of resources from structural fire departments throughout central Oregon. In addition, firefighters were supported today by 3 helicopters, 4 Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and 2 heavy airtankers. Efforts were successful in preventing any homes or buildings from being lost. 
Additional fire crews will staff the fire during the night, taking advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures and decreased fire behavior to flank the fire and hold and improve existing firelines. A local Type 3 interagency Incident Management Team will take control of the fire at 6 a.m. on July 4th.  The fire is human-caused, but the specific cause remains under investigation.
 
 
 

Saturday, July 1, 2017

Sheep Springs Fire Smoke Still Visible As Crews Continue Mop Up


Crews Continue Mop Up Operations on the Sheep Springs Fire While Maintaining Firefighter Safety
 
As crews continue mop up operations on the Sheep Springs Fire, interior pockets of vegetation will burn creating smoke in the area. Yesterday, final burnout operations were successful at completing blackened line around the perimeter. The entire fire size is approximately 700 acres with sections of the interior currently unburned. As fire progresses into these unburned sections, pockets of vegetation will continue to burn.
Over the next few days, the objective is to secure the containment lines while maintaining firefighter safety. Crews are extinguishing fire and hot spots along the perimeter and are being attentive to overhead hazards such as snags. Fire officials are managing the Sheep Springs Fire for full suppression using existing roads to create containment lines.
There are currently no closures in effect for the Sheep Springs Fire. There will be increased fire traffic in the Metolius Basin area and around the town of Sisters. Access to roads around the fire perimeter may be limited this weekend as crews continue to work in the area.
The Sheep Springs Fire, burning in an area previously burned by the B & B Fire in 2003, is located in an area predominantly covered in snags, which are often structurally weakened and pose a serious hazard for fire personnel. Due to the extremely hazardous nature of the incident’s location, Deschutes National Forest leadership and fire officials are implementing tactics that, most importantly, provide for firefighter and public safety.
A local Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the fire on Tuesday morning. The fire, a result of two lightning-struck trees, is burning approximately 20 miles north of Sisters in the Brush Creek drainage less than a mile northeast of Sheep Springs Campground and roughly a half mile west of Forest Road 12.