Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update - June 21, 8:25 p.m.

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update – June 21, 8:25 p.m.

Redmond, Oregon –  Two Central Oregon fires, both started by lightning yesterday, grew significantly today drawing on local firefighting resources and requiring additional firefighting power.

The Boxcar Fire, which started 3 miles south of Maupin moved both east and west of Highway 197 causing Highway 197 to be closed at times. Visitors to the area should pay attention to any signage on the highway due to the potential of road closures in the area. A Type 3 Team currently is managing the approximately 7,000 acre fire. A Type 2 Team will take over management of the fire tomorrow evening. The fire is expected to continue to grow due to winds and the light brushy fuels in the area.

The Graham Fire, located near Fly Creek, approximately 7 miles west of Cove Palisades State Park, grew to 750 acres during the day. The fire threatened the Three Rivers Subdivision for much of the afternoon and by early evening the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department had ordered a Level 3 evacuation (Get Out) for the entire subdivision.

The Boxcar Fire had 3 20-person handcrews, 7 engines, 2 dozers and a water tender working on the fire throughout the day. The Graham Fire had 2 20-person handcrews, 5 engines, 2 dozers and a water tender. Both fires shared 3 helicopters, 3 heavy air tankers, 5 single engine air tankers. A very large air tanker (VLAT) is expected to help on both fires tomorrow.

Firefighters managed many additional small lightning caused fires throughout the day.

The next update on the fire will be tomorrow morning at 8 a.m.

-End-