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| Lewis Rock Fire. Photo taken Wednesday Evening |
Lightning Sparks Fires Within ODF’s
Central Oregon District
Today will be slightly cooler than the last few days, but
temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90’s across the area with moderate
winds. The warm temperature and wind is
likely to fan any smoldering embers in already dry wildland fuels. Additional thunderstorms are likely on the
eastern edge of the District which may impact fire behavior and start additional
fires. In an effort to reduce active
fires on the landscape ODF firefighters are working closely with rural fire
departments and federal partners in suppression action. Wildfires impact air and water quality for
communities across the region.
The Lewis Rock Fire, located two miles south of Mitchell
in the John Day Unit, challenged firefighters late Wednesday evening. Erratic winds from passing thunderstorms did
not allow for retardant drops from large air tankers, however overnight bulldozers
were able to complete fireline around 95% of the fire. Remaining fireline will be constructed today by
contract hand crews. Seven engines and
two tenders will be working to provide water to secure the fire perimeter. The fire is 58 acres and 0% contained. Four air tankers are being used today to keep
the fire inside last night’s dozer line.
Residences in the Dollarhide area were placed on a Level 2-Be set evacuation
notice by the Wheeler County Sheriff late Wednesday night. As a precaution, in anticipation of this
afternoon’s thunderstorms, the town of Mitchell and surrounding community will be
placed on a Level 1-Be Ready evacuation notice.
For current evacuation information visit https://www.facebook.com/WheelerCountySheriffsOffice.
in the John Day Unit, challenged firefighters late Wednesday evening. Erratic winds from passing thunderstorms did
not allow for retardant drops from large air tankers, however overnight bulldozers
were able to complete fireline around 95% of the fire. Remaining fireline will be constructed today by
contract hand crews. Seven engines and
two tenders will be working to provide water to secure the fire perimeter. The fire is 58 acres and 0% contained. Four air tankers are being used today to keep
the fire inside last night’s dozer line.
Residences in the Dollarhide area were placed on a Level 2-Be set evacuation
notice by the Wheeler County Sheriff late Wednesday night. As a precaution, in anticipation of this
afternoon’s thunderstorms, the town of Mitchell and surrounding community will be
placed on a Level 1-Be Ready evacuation notice.
For current evacuation information visit https://www.facebook.com/WheelerCountySheriffsOffice.
to a single tree. The Prineville Unit caught
one fire at less than a 1/10 of an acre and spent much of Wednesday evening working
to locate reported fires or assisting cooperators.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon
District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.