Ochoco Complex Fire Update 7/24

Ochoco Complex Fire Update

July 24, 2014

Fire Information:  541-416-0286; 541-447-6859

OchocoComplex@gmail.com

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3972/

Summary: Lightning swept across the area July 13 starting many fires across the Forest and neighboring BLM land.  Four of these fires are now being managed as the Ochoco Complex.  Great Basin Management Team 6, under the direction of Incident Commander Tracy Dunford assumed command of the fire at 6 pm, July 19, 2014. 

• Antelope Springs Fire: Located near Antelope Spring, about 3 miles east of Forest Road 22 along Forest Road 900, near the Forest’s northern border -  21 acres, 100% contained;Broadway Fire: Located south of Forest Road 22, near Peterson Lava -  5 acres, 100% contained; Fox Fire: Located approximately 3 miles northwest of the North Fork Wilderness Study Area, near Forest Road 4230 and 17 miles east of Post, Oregon -  9,978 acres, 29% contained; Lava Fire: Located near the junction of Forest Roads 22 and 4210, near the northwest corner of Big Summit Prairie - 191 acres, 95% contained.

Current Situation: Afternoon thunder storms yesterday dropped nearly a quarter inch of rain over the complex.  The wetting and cooling effects of this precipitation allowed firefighters to use direct attack fire suppression tactics on much of the fire.  A fire containment line has been constructed completely around the Lava Fire, and firefighters will continue to mop up with the assistance of hose lays. Fire resources on the Fox Fire have made good progress establishing anchor points and working on timber stringers in the side drainages of the Crooked River that continue to burn. They have made good progress on building containment line on the northwest side of the fire.  Fire activity in the Crooked River side drainages has the potential to continue moving east and south today.  Helicopters will drop water on the fire front all day, as well as assisting with mapping and reconnaissance of the fire area.

Closures:  A Closure Order is in effect (for the full closure order and map, visit Inciweb athttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3972/);  and all open fires are now prohibited on the Prineville District of  BLM, Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, and the Crooked River National Grasslands, except in designated campgrounds.  For more information, visithttp://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/centraloregon/home/?cid_=fsbdev3_035880.

Highway 26 east of Prineville is now open to the public, with a reduced speed limit, headlights on, and no stopping in burned areas.