Milli Fire
August 30, 2017 Daily Update
Yesterday afternoon, the fire became very active on the private land within the fire perimeter. Crews worked through the night to monitor the area, backburning as needed to keep fire intensity down. With forecasted westerly winds today, crews will continue to focus work in this area, watching for spot fires and mopping up.
Taking advantage of a short period of clear skies yesterday, a reconnaissance helicopter flew the fire to look for possible spot fires outside the fireline. No spot fires were found. The south side of OR 242 was actively burning down slope and is expected to burn to OR 242 today. The southwest corner of the fire did have an active burn area putting up a smoke column.
The Southwest Area T1 Incident Management Team today is preparing to transition management of the Milli Fire to the Central Oregon Type 2 IMT8. The Oregon T2 IMT will be briefed this evening and assume command Thursday afternoon, August 31.
The Milli Fire Helibase moved locations yesterday, it is now located just outside of Sisters. The new location positions the aircraft closer to the fire and fire camp, will improve radio and phone communications, and places the aircraft inside the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) area that is in place for the fire.
Very Unhealthy and Hazardous air quality was reported throughout the night. Expect similar air quality conditions today. High temperatures, low relative humidity with many fires in the area are contributing to the smoke in Central Oregon.
Good progress is being made on rehabilitation to the contained areas on the southeast side of the fire. Crews, dozers, excavators and wood chippers continue to work in the area beginning to return control lines to a more natural state.
Level 1 and 2 evacuation levels are still in place for some communities around the Milli Fire. Questions on evacuation levels need to be directed to the Deschutes County Sheriff's office at 541-693-6911. Current evacuation levels: Level 2– Crossroads subdivision, Edgington Road, Remuda Road, Peterson Burn Road, Wildwing and Three Creeks Road residences returned to Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation Notice on 8/23/17, allowing residents to return to their homes. Level 1 – Tollgate subdivision, all areas between OR 242 and US 20, west of Cold Springs Cutoff (Forest Road 1018) which includes Black Butte Ranch.
Links
Road Closures - US 20 is open east and westbound. However, single lane traffic with a pilot car will create significant delays. OR 242 is closed east of Cascade Crest to the junction of FR 15. For further information see www.tripcheck.com
Forest Closures- For further information go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices
Smoke monitoring- Information is available at: oregonsmoke.blogspot.com
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