FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September
14, 2017
Desolation fire holds through the night
Central Oregon – The Desolation fire stayed within planned containment lines through
yesterday evening’s gusty winds as firefighters worked through the day and into
the night to keep the fire north of Highway 26 and protect adjacent private
residences. An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 1,568 acres and
showed that most of yesterday’s fire growth occurred to the north and still
within Mill Creek Wilderness. The fire is still 0 percent contained.
A Level 2 evacuation notice remains in effect
for residents in the Mark’s Creek area. The Level 2 evacuation urges residents
to stay alert and be prepared to leave if the need arises.
Around 195 firefighters are assigned to the
fire and will continue working today on completing burnout operations along
Forest Road 200, between the fire and private homes along Highway 26, with
plans to continue northeast along Forest Roads 250 and 300 toward Cortez Creek.
Crews with logging equipment will also continue working along Forest Road 27 to
create a fuel break in the event the fire should move to the north. A structure
protection group is working to remove fuels directly surrounding private homes.
Forecasts call for cloudy, cooler conditions
with the chance of rain starting today, which should help moderate fire
behavior. Smoky conditions will continue today in the fire vicinity and along
Highway 26 in the Ochoco Divide area due to fire suppression burnout operations
and the wildfire. Motorists should use caution when travelling through the
area. Residents who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions should monitor
air quality and stay indoors or consider travelling to town until the air
clears.
There will be a community information meeting
today at 5 pm at the Eastside Church, 3174 NE Third Street, in Prineville to
share updates about the fire.
A temporary closure order remains in effect
for all of Mill Creek Wilderness and Forest Service land north of the
wilderness up to and including Forest Roads 27, 2730 and 2745.
For more information, call (541) 316-7711 or
follow us online at http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com/ or on Twitter at @CentralORFire
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