EVACUATION LEVEL LOWERED FOR THE DESOLATION FIRE

Friday, September 15, 2017

Re:         Press Release – For immediate distribution

From:    Crook County Sheriff’s Office

EVACUATION LEVEL LOWERED FOR THE DESOLATION FIRE

The Crook County Sheriff’s office has continued to coordinate with fire managers on the Desolation Fire as well as the Ochoco National Forest.  Due to current and expected conditions on the Desolation Fire, we are lowering the evacuation levels as follows:

Level 2 (Set) to Level 1 (Ready)

Level 1: Means "BE READY" for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

The Desolation fire stayed within planned containment lines through yesterday evening 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 2252 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.

Forecasts call for cooler conditions with the chance of rain, 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.

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.

In the event of an actual EMERGENCY:  Please Dial 911

For more information please contact:

Crook County Public Information Officer

Crook County Health and Human Services / Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

541-233-8504 – Work Cell

vryan@h.co.crook.or.us