We've Moved

We have designed a new website that will soon be taking the place of this blog. The new site is available now and we encourage you to add it to your bookmarked sites.

It will continue to be your one-stop-shop for all things wildfire and prescribed fire in central Oregon and it also has helpful information on smoke. This site will soon automatically redirect to that site but we will try to continue posting information here for the time being but we look forward to continuing to provide you with up-to-date fire information on the new website at: http://www.centraloregonfire.org/

Industrial Fire Precaution Level to Raise on Tuesday

The public is also reminded to use caution on public lands for the upcoming holiday week

Central Oregon – Hot and dry temperatures have prompted fire officials for the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland along with the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management to raise the Industrial Fire Precaution Level from I to II.

The fire danger level remains at HIGH in Central Oregon and fire officials and fire officials will raise the Industrial Fire Precaution Level to II 12:01 a.m. on July 3. A Level II or “Partial Hoot Owl” means the use of power saws and equipment maintenance may only happen between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Fire officials encourage the public to be diligent with all ignitions sources on public lands. Ensuring all cigarette butts are properly extinguished in an ashtray or dish of water and spark arrestors are in place on all motorized equipment. Additionally, all motorized recreationists should park in areas cleared of vegetation – the undercarriage of a vehicle can be hot enough to start a fire.

While fire restrictions are not yet in place on most public lands in Central Oregon, the public is encouraged to make sure campfires are built in areas void of light fuels such as grass and that you have an adequate amount of water to ensure that it is ‘dead out’ when you leave the area or go to bed at night. Be sure to ‘Know Before You Go’ if you can have a campfire as seasonal campfire restrictions are already in place on portions of the Deschutes, John Day and Crooked Rivers as well as on BLM-administered lands along Lake Billy Chinook.

Officials want to remind the public that using explosive target material, such as Tannerite, and the use of explosives and fireworks continue to be prohibited on all federal lands. Discharging fireworks on federal public lands is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and a sentence of up to six months in jail. 

For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes and follow us on twitter @CentralORFire. 

-End-

Update for the Boxcar and Jack Knife Fires, June 27 9:00 a.m.

Boxcar Fire:   100,207 acres      Containment: 85%             Reported: June 21, 7:48 a.m.             Cause: Lightning

Jack Knife Fire:  15,676 acres   Containment: 90% Reported: June 22, 8:11 a.m.             Cause: Lightning

Maupin, Oregon – Despite gusty winds and low relative humidity yesterday, firefighters continued to improve containment lines and mop up. Estimated containment of the Boxcar Fire has increased to 85%, with 95% containment accomplished for the Jack Knife Fire. There was no significant growth of the fires yesterday. The small increase in acreage is due to more accurate mapping.

Crews and air resources are targeting any remaining hotspots near firelines, but mopping-up and patrolling are the major activities occurring today. Many resources are being released to support fire suppression efforts throughout the nation.

A local Type 3 Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Shannon Prather will shadow NWIMT #13 and begin managing the Boxcar Fire tomorrow at 7:00 a.m.  The Jack Knife fire will enter patrol status. Unless conditions change, this will be the final daily Update specific to these fires. Fire information will continue to be available through the Central Oregon Fire Management Service, through the contact sites provided above.

Overall, smoke in the fire area is minimal, with few sources well within the fire’s perimeter. Areas along the South East flank continue to have some residual heat beneath juniper trees. Smoke will continue to decrease as fuels are consumed.

Today’s weather will be similar to yesterday (82 degrees), with an expected weak cold front moving in at 2:00 p.m., affecting weather conditions until approximately 10:00 p.m.  Winds are anticipated to increase to 20 mph on the ridge tops and relative humidity will be less than 20%. Fire Behavior Analyst Dean Warner cautions that, “If any new fire is detected or created, rates of spread will be surprisingly fast.  If fire establishes in concentrated fuel, expect fire to burn intensely.”

As summer progresses, raising temperatures and drying grass, brush and trees, we ask the community and visitors to stay particularly vigilant in being fire safe.

All roads in the vicinity of Maupin are open and the Deschutes River is open to recreation. When entering burned areas remember that hillsides can become unstable due to reduced vegetation. Rocks may dislodge and become a hazard along roadways. If precipitation occurs, flash flooding can move large amounts of soil and debris. Always be aware of potential hazards when moving through recently burned areas.

Closures:

A Level 1 Evacuation Notification continues to be in place for the area bounded by Hwy 97, Bakeoven Road, the Deschutes River, and the South Junction Road. Residents should be aware of the local wildfires and consider how they would evacuate should conditions change.

Rising fire danger prompts public use restrictions in Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District

[Prineville, Ore,] The Central Oregon District off the Oregon Department of Forestry is implementing Regulated-Use Closure effective at 12:01 a.m., Friday June 29, 2018. These lands include private, municipal and state lands protected by the Central Oregon District. “Recent fire activity has shown a significant potential for rapid fire growth,” says Rob Pentzer, Assistant District Forester. “We are looking to reduce potential fire starts from high risk activities.” The public use restrictions included in the Regulated-Use Closure are intended to limit preventable ignitions, allowing firefighters to focus on fires started by lightning.

Activities below are restricted by this closure. Additional restrictions and the full proclamation can be accessed at www.Oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx

• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling in a motorized vehicle, except on federal and state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one operational 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, except all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles which must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor in good working condition.

• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads.

• Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in designated areas.

• Chainsaw use is prohibited, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Chainsaw use is permitted at all other hours, if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one axe, one shovel, and one operational 8 ounce or larger fire extinguisher. In addition, a fire watch is required at least one hour following the use of each saw.

• Mowing of dried grass with power driven equipment is prohibited, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

• Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited, except on improved roads and except for vehicle use by a landowner and employees of the landowner upon their own land while conducting activities associated with their livelihood.

• The use of fireworks and blasting is prohibited.

Beginning July 1, 2018 open burning including burn barrels in Hood River and Wasco counties will be prohibited.

The public is also reminded that the use of tracer ammunition or exploding targets is illegal within the District during fire season. As of January 1, 2017 sky lanterns and other luminaries are prohibited in Oregon.

For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update – June 26, 9:00 p.m.

Redmond, Oregon –Firefighters responded to two incidents this afternoon, the first was approximately one and a half miles east of Sunriver and the other was immediately adjacent to Prineville.

Incident #477 east of Sunriver was held at ½ an acre this afternoon. Firefighters responded with two engines and two crews and were able to call the fire contained and controlled by the end of the day. The cause of this fire is under investigation.

The Barnes Butte Fire, incident #480, was under the joint command of firefighters from Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) and Crook County. The fire ignited just outside of Prineville and but was held to 16 acres with the help of 5 Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), 5 helicopters, 8 engines, one hand crew and one hotshot crew. Firefighters will continue mopping up around the fire perimeter, which will be monitored by Crook County through the night. The cause of this fire is under investigation.

The public is reminded to be careful with any ignitions on public lands. Central Oregon recently moved to 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.

-End-

Boxcar and Jack Knife Fire Update, June 26, 9:00 a.m.

June 26, 2018  9:00 a.m. Update

 Boxcar Fire:   99,500 acres   Containment: 60%      Reported: June 21, 7:48 a.m.     Cause: Lightning

Jack Knife Fire:  14,772 acres   Containment: 80%   Reported: June 22, 8:11 a.m.   Cause: Lightning

 Maupin, Oregon – Despite gusty winds yesterday, cooler weather helped firefighters continue to build and improve containment lines. Estimated containment for the Boxcar Fire has increased to 60% and for the Jack Knife Fire to 80%.

 The Boxcar Fire is now 99,500 acres.  More than 100 miles of containment line on the fire are being monitored by firefighters who mop-up hotspots as they are found. Emphasis is still being directed in the Deschutes River Canyon where heat can persist under juniper trees and sage brush. Steep, rocky, inaccessible terrain is a challenge for firefighters in this area. A BLM jet boat transported firefighters up river yesterday to assess structures and develop contingency plans, should fire activity increase.


Yesterday afternoon, as firefighters were completing fireline on the East flank of the Boxcar Fire, some active fire between Highway 197 and Bakeoven Road was suppressed with helicopter water drops.  Overall, smoke in the fire area was minimal in comparison to past days, with a few sources well within the fire’s perimeter.  The smoke will continue to decrease as time passes and the fuels are consumed.



The Jack Knife Fire remains at 14,772 acres. Firefighters continued to search for hotspots yesterday.  Little to no heat or smoke was found within the fire perimeter. In order to be closer to their assigned area, firefighters have been staying at a satellite camp in the town of Moro.  As the Jack Knife Fire shifts to patrol status, fewer firefighters are needed and will base from the primary Fire Camp in Maupin.


The Boxcar (including South Junction) and Jack Knife Fires are full suppression fires, with priorities of protecting firefighter and public safety and limiting impact to structures, natural and cultural resources.  The response to these fires has been a cooperative effort by local ranchers, the Central Oregon Fire Management Service, and the Ashwood-Antelope Rural Fire Protection Association. Lightning ignited over 70 fires across Central Oregon June 20 and 21.  Of the hundreds of lightning strikes, only 4 became large wildfires.


Today’s weather will be warmer than yesterday (82 degrees) with lower relative humidity (20%).  Winds will be approximately 10 mph from the north/northwest.  This will be a relatively benign weather day, with opportunity to complete firefighting tasks.  However, with the onset of summer, warming temperatures and unseasonably dry grassy fuels, we ask the community and visitors to stay vigilant in being fire safe. Just one spark can start a wildfire. Dragging trailer chains, leaving campfires unattended, parking in dry grass, discharging firearms or fireworks, tossing cigarettes, and using mechanical equipment without spark arrestors are all known causes of wildfires.


Closures:

·         The John Day River camping closures associated with the Jack Knife Fire have been lifted today.

·         A Level 1 Evacuation Notification continues to be in place for the area bounded by Hwy 97, Bakeoven Road, the Deschutes River, and the South Junction Road. Residents should be aware of the local wildfires and consider how they would evacuate should conditions change.

Graham Fire Final Update June 26, 2018 7:00 A.M.

After three days with no additional perimeter growth and well-established control lines, the ODF Incident Management Team 2 will be handing management of the Graham Fire back to Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District Wednesday morning. Control lines around the fire’s perimeter have been mopped up to at least 50 feet. However, local residents may still expect to see occasional smoke from pockets of unburnt fuel smoldering in the fire’s interior. If residents see flames or spot fires they are advised to call 911.

Resources on the fire today include: 10 hand crews, 2 helicopters, 17 engines, 1 dozer, 3 water tenders and 338 personnel. Containment is estimated at 85%.

ODF’s Central Oregon District will continue the use of additional engines and fire crews to achieve 100% containment. The District strategies will include daily engine patrols and mop up operations.

The Graham Fire was a hot, fast-moving wildfire driven by strong winds, dry conditions and light flashy fuels that burned in the wildland urban interface in and around the community of Three Rivers. The firestorm torched trees and produced 100’ flame lengths. Thanks to the responsive efforts of local wildland and structural suppression forces as well as prior defensible space created by local residents, the fire was held to 2,175 acres.

Team 2 fire managers leave behind an excellent safety record. More than 300 personnel were assigned to the incident and no injuries were reported.

ODF’s Central Oregon District will continue to provide occasional updates on the fire status. The new public information contact is Jamie Knight: 541-963-3168, Jamie.Knight@oregon.gov.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5855/

Central Oregon Fire Info : http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ODFCentralOregon/

###

Boxcar Fire and Jack Knife Fire Update 6/25

June 25, 2018  9:00 a.m. Update

 

Boxcar Fire:   95,850 acres            Containment: 47%           Reported: June 21, 7:48 am         Cause: Lightning

Jack Knife Fire:  14,772 acres       Containment: 65%           Reported: June 22, 8:11 am         Cause: Lightning

 

Maupin, Oregon – Firefighters have accomplished significant containment on both the Boxcar and Jack Knife Fires, burning south and east of Maupin in Wasco and Sherman Counties.  Estimated containment for the Boxcar Fire is 47% and for the Jack Knife Fire is 65%.

 

The Boxcar Fire is now 95,850 acres. Yesterday heavy smoke lingered in the area due to an inversion holding warm air and smoke low to the ground. Smoke increased midafternoon due to fire activity on the Fire’s eastern flank between Highways 197 and 97.  Fire crossed over the dozer line and an additional spot fire was detected in the area.  Aerial resources assisted firefighters with water and retardant drops to suppress this burning. Those sites will be tied back into the main fire containment perimeter today.  On the southern edge of the Boxcar Fire, firefighters burned out remaining fuels to increase containment along South Junction Road and the Deschutes River corridor. Night shift crews monitored the south and east portions of the fire, continued protection of structures, and accomplished an additional ½ mile of burning-out along the River corridor, leaving approximately one mile to complete today.  Prineville District BLM River Rangers will transport firefighters via jet boat to otherwise inaccessible areas to continue to secure the fire’s edge along the river.  Aerial resources are available to the fire as needed.

 

The Jack Knife Fire grew to 14,772 acres as ground crews made great progress burning to containment lines and continuing to secure the Fire’s north and south edges down to the John Day River. Firefighters will be working throughout the day to cool hot spots on the perimeter and improve containment.

 

Today’s weather will be cooler (78 degrees) with higher relative humidity (30%). Strong, gusty winds out of the north/northwest are expected in the fire area and could push Boxcar Fire activity towards the east. Crews will continue efforts to contain and secure this perimeter, keeping the Fire west of Bakeoven Road.

 

As a reminder, Deschutes River recreation sites are open to the public.  Recreationists are encouraged to use caution in the fire area. Fire-blackened sites can still contain hot spots from burning stumps or heated rocks.  Rocks that have rolled down from steep canyon slopes have been reported on the road.

 

Closures:

·         On the John Day River, river miles 68 through 55 are closed to camping.

·         A Level 1 Evacuation Notification is in place for the area bounded by Hwy 97, Hwy 216, the Deschutes River, and the South Junction Road. Residents are encouraged to be aware of the threat in their area and consider how they would evacuate should conditions change.

 

Cold trailing on the Jack Knife Fire perimeter

Firefighters on the Jack Knife Fire are cold trailing the perimeter to check for hot spots. Cold trailing means firefighters are carefully inspecting and feeling the ground with the back of their hands for heat to detect any fire, digging out every live spot, and trenching any live edge. (Photo by Roland Lane).

6/24/2018 Photos of Harpham Flat Recreation Site and Boat Launch in Boxcar Fire taken 6/23/2018

6/24/2018 Graham Fire Update 8:30 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE

Graham Fire June 24, 2018   8:30 A.M.  Update

 

 As fire suppression tactics have increased containment and lowered the risk to structures, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s resources will be released around noon today.  The Oregon Department of Forestry team will remain with local resources to continue mopping up and monitoring any remaining hot spots. 

Resources on the fire today are: 7 Hand crews, 6 Helicopters, 33 Engines, 1 Dozer, 8 Water tenders and 395 personnel.  The estimated containment is 60% and 2,143 acres.  

Today’s warmer temperatures and lower relative humidity may cause the fire to show more activity.  Fire fighters are seeing juniper trees torch in the interior of fire.  Air attack resources are available today to drop water on those trees if needed.

Lake Chinook Chief Don Colfels said, “Given the intensity of the fire and the strong winds driving it east, the fire had potential to leave dozens of families without a home today. Thanks to the work of our local crews, the support of other Central Oregon Agencies and state support from ODF and OSFM we were able to bring this fire to the more manageable state it is today. Additionally, because this community has worked hard to create defensible spaces many homes have been completely burned around and left intact”.

A public meeting is planned for Sunday, June 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the Chinook Store, 8241 SW Jordan Road in Culver. Residents are invited to hear from local officials to learn more about the fire and what they can do to protect their homes and lands in the future. 

Public information contact is Ashley Lertora; 503-338-8442.

###

6/24/2018 Graham Fire Community Meeting Sunday, June 24 6 p.m.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

June 24, 2018

 

CONTACTS:     Marcus Kauffman 541-580-7480

marcus.kauffman@oregon.gov

 

                        Ashley Lertora 503-338-8442

                        Ashley.M.Lertora@oregon.gov

 

WHO: Oregon Incident Management Team 2, ODF Central Oregon, Lake Chinook Fire, Jefferson County Sherriff and local elected officials (invited)

 

WHAT: Graham Fire Community Meeting

 

WHEN: SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2018  6:00-7:00 PM

 

WHERE: CHINOOK STORE, 8241 SW JORDAN RD, CULVER OR

 

WHY: The Graham Fire Incident Management Team will hold a community meeting to discuss current fire status. Residents are invited to hear from fire managers and local officials about the fire and learn what they can do to protect their homes and lands. Fire managers will be on hand to explain planned operations and describe what to expect. Media are welcome to attend.

 

For more information visit:

 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5855/

Central Oregon Fire Info : http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ODFCentralOregon/

 

 

###

Good Progress Being Made to Secure Firelines on Boxcar and Jack Knife Fires

Maupin, Oregon – Firefighters, with assistance from Rural Fire Protection Association (RFPA), local ranchers, and aerial resources, completed several burnout operations yesterday, halting fire spread in several areas. 

The Boxcar Fire is estimated to be 87,000 acres, including the previously referenced “South Junction Fire” that has merged into it.  A burnout operation was completed along Bakeoven Road and fire line was constructed on the southeast edge of Maupin using bulldozers.  Air tankers laid down retardant and helicopters dropped water on hot spots to help secure these lines. Fire backed down to the Deschutes River access road on the western flank of the fire, crossing the road and burning into the Harpham Flat campground and day use area. There was no infrastructure damage to Harpham, although visitors should use caution and avoid burned areas as there could be hot ashes left by burned stumps or rocks. Firefighters were able to halt fire spread to the south by burning along the South Junction Road from Shaniko Junction to South Junction Campground on the Deschutes River. They were also able to use Highway 197 as a containment line from Shaniko Junction to Criterion, keeping the fire west of the highway as the South Junction Fire joined the Boxcar. The RFPA continues working to stop progression of the fire to the east, preserving important grazing resources.

Firefighters on the Jack Knife Fire, approximately 10,000 acres, 11 miles southeast of Grass Valley, were able to stop eastward progress of the fire at the John Day River. They have constructed and are improving containment lines at Wilson Point on the north edge of the Fire and Adobe Point on the south.  The Fire’s western edge is bounded by disked agricultural fields.

Today’s weather will be hot and dry with temperatures in the mid-90s and relative humidity below 20%.  Although tomorrow’s weather is forecast to be much cooler (70’s), the weather change will arrive with strong 20-25 mph North-Northeast winds blowing from about 10 pm and through the night.

Closures:
• The Deschutes River remains open for boating and recreation. Camping is discouraged between Trout Creek and Maupin including the following camping and day use sites: Harpham Flat, Long Bend, Wapinitia and Devil’s Canyon. Boat ramps are still open for launching and takeout, but vehicles should not be parked at the launch sites and a shuttle service should be utilized. 
• On the John Day River, river miles 68 through 55 are closed to camping.
• Level 1 evacuation is in place for the area bounded by Hwy 97, Hwy 216, the Deschutes River, and the South Junction Road.  Residents are encouraged to be aware of the threat in their area and prepare for evacuation should conditions change.

6/23/2018 7 pm Graham Fire Update

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

Graham Fire June 23, 2018   7:00 P.M.  UPDATE

 

Fire fighters continue to make progress in extinguishing hot spots around the perimeter of the fire.  Today they focused their attention on the first, tomorrow they will work in another fifty feet. Higher temperatures and lower humilities are forecasted in the coming days and could make the fire more active.

The Jefferson Sheriff’s office will lower the evacuation level from Level 3 (GO) to Level 2 (READY) status for the Three River’s Subdivision effective today at 6:00 p.m.   Residents will be allowed to come and go but should remain aware that fire conditions can rapidly change.   

A public meeting is planned for Sunday, June 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the Chinook Village Store.  Local residents are invited to hear from local officials to learn more about what they can do to protect their homes and lands. 

Public information contact is Ashley Lertora 503-338-8442

###

Helicopter Pulls Water from the Deschutes River on Boxcar Fire

6/23/2018 Noon Boxcar, South Junction and Jack Knife Fires Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Firefighting efforts being coordinated to safely accomplish control and minimize acres burned

Maupin, Oregon – Hundreds of lightning strikes on June 20 and 21 caused nearly 70 wildfires throughout central Oregon. The Boxcar and South Junction Fires are in Wasco County near Maupin. The Jack Knife Fire is in Sherman County, along the John Day River northeast of Kent. Initial attack resources from the Central Oregon Fire Management Service, the Rural Fire Protection District, Maupin Fire Department, Mt. Hood National Forest, The Dalles Fire Department, and local ranchers have been fighting these fires since their detection. Strategic use of retardant and heavy helicopters has protected values at risk. As the fires have grown to large sizes and complexity, a Type 2 Incident Management Team (Northwest Incident Management Team #13) has taken over command of these fires as of 6:00 a.m. today.

Boxcar Fire Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5862/

Estimated Acreage: 23,000 acres Containment: 10% Reported June 21, 07:48 am, lightning

The Boxcar Fire is the largest of the three incidents with an estimated 23,000 acres burned. Firefighters have been challenged by gusty winds which have pushed the grass and brush fire south and east. Hwy 197 is closed between milepost 67 (the intersection with Hwy 97) and Maupin.

·         In the Maupin area, firefighters will be anchoring south of Maupin to build and secure containment lines to the north and east.

·         On the western flank, the fire is approaching the Deschutes River south of Maupin. Firefighters will be looking for places to safely engage to protect river recreation, private properties and cultural sites.

·         Firefighters engaging the Boxcar Fire on the east flank will work to stop easterly progression by using Highway 97 as containment line.

South Junction Fire

Estimated Acreage: 5,000 acres Containment: 0% Reported June 21, 3:00 pm, lightning

·         This fire has made significant runs to the north and south from its origin west of Hwy 197 approximately 18 miles north of Madras.

·         It will likely join the Boxcar Fire today and, after that happens, both will be referred to as the “Boxcar Fire”.

·         Firefighters are coordinating with local ranch resources on containment lines.

Jack Knife Fire Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5864/

Estimated Acreage: 2,000 acres Containment: 0 Reported June 22, 8:11 am, Lightning

This fire is burning 5 miles northeast of Kent and 11 miles southeast of Grass Valley.

·         The Jack Knife Fire has reached the John Day River in several locations. Fire has spread north to Wilson Point and south to Adobe point.

·         Approximately 10 ranches and outbuildings are scattered along the fire perimeter. Structure protection measures are in place for ranch homes and historical structures along the river.

·         Fire officials will scout opportunities for containment on this fire today.
 

Closures:

·         Hwy 197 is closed from south of Maupin from the town of Maupin to milepost 67, the junction with Hwy 97.

·         People can still use the Deschutes River for boating and recreation. Camping is being discouraged between Trout Creek and Maupin. This involves Harpham Flat, Longbend, Wapinita and Devil’s Camp. Boat ramps are still open for launching and takeout, but vehicles cannot be parked at the launch sites and a shuttle service should be utilized.

·         Periodically the River may be closed by local Rangers in order to facilitate helicopter water dips.

·         On the John Day River, river miles 68 through 55 are closed to camping.

6/23/2018 Graham Fire Update

Date: June 23, 2018 at 10:00 A.M.

Release: Immediate

Contact: Ashley Lertora, 503-338-8442, Justin de Ruyter, 360-431-3869

 

Graham Fire Daily Update

 

The Oregon Department of Forestry Type 1 Team and Oregon State Fire Marshall Green Team took unified command of the fire on Friday at 6:00pm. Fire crews have made good progress battling the Graham Fire. The fire is estimated at approximately 2,055 acres and is burning in brush, timber and grass south of the Metolius River arm of Lake Billy Chinook near Culver, Oregon. Fire crews completed a burnout operation yesterday and will began mop up operations on Saturday. Today’s firefighting resources include: 7 hand crews, 26 Engines, 2 dozers, 4 water tenders, approximately 375 personnel and containment is estimated at 50%. Aircraft resources assigned to this fire are available to all fires in the area as needed.

 

Crews have set up fire camp at the Sisters Rodeo Grounds. Please use caution on Highway 20 near the rodeo grounds due to the additional fire traffic in the area.

 

The fire burned two residential structures and five out buildings, but many more were saved by local firefighting resources. Further information regarding structure losses is not available at this time.

 

Due to ongoing fire danger Level 3 evacuations remain in effect for the Three Rivers subdivision. A staffed road block has been established near the Chinook Village Store restricting access to all except emergency personnel and credentialed media. For further information regarding evacuations, please refer to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Facebook site or call Jefferson County Sheriff at 541- 475-6520.

 

Interested media are to report to the Lake Chinook Fire Station at 11700 Graham Rd where a Public Information Officer will be available 10:30 am—7:00 pm.

 

There are three structure task forces from Clackamas, Marion, Washington, Lane and Multnomah counties and have been mobilized under the Conflagration Act and will provide 24-hour structure protection threatened by the fire. The fire is burning on private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry and Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue, as well as Bureau of Land Management ownership.

 

The cause of the fire is attributed to the lightning storm that passed through the area last Wednesday.

 

Updated information for the Graham Fire is available on InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5855/

 

###

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch - Fire Update June 22, 9:15 pm

A Day of Rapid Change for Fires in Central Oregon

With two large fires burning in Central Oregon at the start of the day firefighting resources were busy, but with continued initial attack activity and the addition of two new large fires during the day many additional resources were engaged in responding to incidents. A Type 2 federal team (Gales) has been assigned to manage the Boxcar, South Junction and Jack Knife fires. The team will take over management from the Type 3 and 4 teams managing the fires at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Fire Summaries

Boxcar Fire:

• Fire began 3 miles south of Maupin, OR
• 23,000 acres (10% containment)
• Deschutes River Access Road is closed and Highway 197 remains closed south of Maupin to the junction with Highway 97.
• 86 personnel currently assigned to the incident. People have been asked to stay out of the Wapinita, Harpham Flat, Longbend and Devel's Canyon campgrounds.
• Burn out operations off of roads are helping to improve and hold lines around the fire.

South Junction Fire:

• Located approximately 18 miles north of Madras, OR.
• The fire is 5,000 acres and growing with the fire continuing to push both north and south. Rural Fire Protection Associations and local ranchers are actively engaged in fighting the fire along with federal and state resources. Large pockets of fuel are within the perimeter of the fire.
• Highway 97 currently is closed at milepost 70. Please follow closure on ODOT Tripcheck.
• The fire is a threat to the railroad on the west, Highway 197 on the east and South Junction campground on the southwest.

Jack Knife Fire:

• Located 5 miles NE of Kent, Oregon.
• 2,000 acres (0% containment)
• 10 single residences are threatened and the fire has reached the John Day River on the west side of the river.
• 3 hand crews and 2 engines are assigned to the fire with air tankers doing retardant drops. Retardant is helping to keep the fire on the west side of the river and will continue to be used to prevent the spread of the fire to the east side of the river.

Graham Fire:

• Located 15 miles north of Sisters, Oregon.
• 2,055 acres (50% containment)
• 100 structures threatened in the Three Rivers Subdivision and it remains under a Level 3 (GO) evacuation order by the Jefferson County Sheriff. 
• 136 personnel are assigned to the fire.
• Burn out operations will continue during the evening to secure containment lines around the fire.

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch - Fire Update, June 22, 3:45 pm

Fire activity continues to be brisk across Central Oregon as firefighters addressed two large incidents, responded to other emerging incidents and continue to put out small lightning-caused fires.

Boxcar Fire

The Boxcar Fire, which started 3 miles south of Maupin is now estimated to be 18,000 acres and is burning primarily in brush and grass. For most of the day the fire moved south and east away from Maupin and the Deschutes River corridor; however, around 3 p.m. the fire jumped Bakeoven Canyon and was moving back north and west toward Maupin threatening homes. Dozer line has been put in on the top of canyon protecting recreation areas along the Deschutes River.

 

Campers have been asked to leave four campgrounds (Wapinita, Harpham Flat, Longbend, and Devil's Canyon) located south of Maupin.The campgrounds are not officially closed; however, in the interest of safety people are being asked to not camp in the area at this time. At this moment, rafters can still access Harpham Flat to launch boats into the river, but depending on wind direction people need to be prepared with

 

Highway 197 from the junction with Highway 97 is closed up to Maupin. The public should go to the Oregon Department of Transportation's Trip Check www.tripcheck.com website to get the latest updates. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) will begin managing the fire after a transition with the Type 3 Team currently on the fire.

 

Graham Fire

The Graham Fire, four miles south of the Metolius River arm of Lake Billy Chinook, near Culver, Oregon. The fire is burning primarily on private land protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry and Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue. The fire is still estimated to be 2,000 acres. Numerous homes are threatened in the Three Rivers Subdivision and a Level 3 (GO) is still in place by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department for the subdivision. For more information on the Graham Fire people can go to inciweb.nwcg.gov.

 

People still can access the Forest Service's  Monty and Perry South campgrounds on the Metolius arm if they come from Camp Sherman along the Metolius River rather than from coming through Culver and Lake Billy Chinook17.

 

Jack Knife

The Jack Knife Fire was reported late this morning and is burning in an area 3 miles west of the John Day River and 5 miles northeast of Kent, Ore. The approximately 1,000 acre fire  is burning in grass and brush. Aerial resources, primarily air tankers, are helping with the fire along with 3 engines, 3 smokejumpers and a 20-person handcrew. There are several structures, primarily outbuildings, threatened.

 

Several small fires were reported near Crane Prairie, west of Bend. The fires were responded to and were contained.

6/22/2018 10 am Graham Fire Update

News Release:  Graham Fire

Friday June 21, 2018

10:00 a.m.

 

Contact:  Christie Shaw, Oregon Department of Forestry

                541-263-0661

                Justin Deruyter, Oregon State Fire Marshall

                360-431-3869

 

Residents of Three Rivers subdivision are still under evacuation due to the Graham Fire.  ODF Team 2, a type 1 team, will be taking over command tonight at 1800 from the local Type 3 Team, Incident Commander Caldwell. Incident Command Post will be set up at the Sisters Rodeo Grounds.  The Oregon State Fire Marshall Green Team will be handling structure protection.  The fire is estimated to be approximately 2,000 acres at this time.

The Graham Fire was reported late Thursday afternoon, a wind-driven fire burning in brush, timber and grass south of the Metolius River arm of Lake Billy Chinook near Culver, Oregon.  The fire has burned private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry and Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue, as well as Bureau of Land Management ownership. It is estimated around 2,000 acres. 

Residents of the Three Rivers subdivision are under a level three (GO!) evacuation.  Residents and the public are reminded not to cross roadblocks into evacuation areas.  Some structures may have been damaged by the fire, but due to safety concerns firefighters have not been able to investigate all areas of the fire.  For further information regarding evacuations, please refer to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Facebook site or call Jefferson County Sheriff at 541-475-6520.  Oregon State Fire Marshall is working on assessing properties within the fire boundary.

Multiple resources are on scene and firefighters will continue to mop up around structures, flank the edge of the fire and try to contain the fire that is pushing to the northeast through Big Canyon.  Additional resources have been ordered and are arriving today.  Warm temperatures are anticipated in the next few days along with the return of windy conditions which will continue to push firefighters working on the fire.

Updated information for the Graham Fire is available on InciWeb-https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5855/

 

6/22/2018 Graham Fire Vicinity with Tax Lots 3 am