White River Fire
Update: Thursday,
Aug. 28, 2020
The White
River Fire moved significantly yesterday, crossing control lines to the east
and spotting across the river to the south. It moved from national forest land
to state and private lands. The fire threatened structures in Pine Grove,
leading to a Level 3 “GO” Evacuation Order from the Wasco County Sheriff. A
Level 3 Order means EVACUATE NOW.
Yesterday
several crews on the ground and aircraft moved to initial attack, working spot
fires lofted embers out to 2000 feet. Fire managers used several
firefighting aircraft to help suppress fire where conditions allowed and were
effective. Local firefighting resources assisted with structural protection
near the community of Pine Grove.
Because of
the fire’s proximity to Pine Grove, the Governor declared a Conflagration Act
enabling the State Fire Marshall to bring 15 structural protection engines to
the fire. Also, the incoming Type 1 team (PNWIIMT 3) has added capacity
including structural protection managers.
In addition
to initial attack on the fire yesterday, fire crews continued to scout,
evaluate, and implement primary control line options and evaluate and implement
alternative opportunities. They will continue those activities today. The fire
is now 9,791 acres. There are 614 personnel working the fire.
Air
quality:
The monitor in Madras, OR shows moderate air quality for the area.
With increased fire activity during athe day, air quality may move from
moderate to poor.
Flight
Restriction: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect
prohibiting people from flying in the area.
White River Fire
Closures: The Mt Hood National Forest increased the closure area
around the fire. For the latest closure information and specifics on
closed campgrounds, recreation areas, trails and roads, see the forest Facebook
page and Inciweb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7013
/
Evacuations:
The
Wasco County Sheriff has issued the following Evacuation notices as of Thursday
night, Aug. 27, 2020:
n Level 3 – GO: The
area east from Bear Springs Ranger Station along Hwy 216 through Pine Grove to
the intersection of Endersby Rd and 216, also included are all of Endersby Rd,
Linns Mill Rd and Kelly Springs Rd, including the community of Pine
Grove. EVACUATE NOW.
n Level 2 – GET SET
Area from Back Walters Rd / Walters Rd / Kelly Springs Rd Intersection to
Eldersby Rd / 216 Intersection along Victor Rd to the Claymier Lane/ Old
Wapinita Hwy Intersection to Old Wapinita Hwy/ Wapinita Hwy/Reservation Road to
Reservation Rd/Back Walters Rd Intersection.
n Level 2 – Get Set:
All residences on Smock Road west of the intersection of Smock Road and Ayres
Road to include all residences on Barber Lane and Farlow Road.
n Level 1 – Be Ready:
The area east from Bear Springs Ranger Station along Hwy 216 through Pine Grove
to the intersection of Endersby Rd and 216, also included are all of Endersby
Rd, Linns Mill Rd and Kelly Springs Rd.
n Level 1 – Be Ready:
All residences on Smock Road west of the intersection of Smock Road and Ayres
Road to include all residences on Barber Lane and Farlow Road.
n Level 1 – Be Ready:
The Sportsman’s Park.