Lewis Rock Fire July 4th Evening

 ODF Wildfire Evening Update

[John Day, Ore.]  No new fires were reported on lands protected
by Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) John Day Unit today.  Firefighting efforts for the Unit focused on
the Dixie Creek Fire located approximately three acres northwest of Prairie
City and the Lewis Rock Fire burning near Mitchell.

The Dixie Creek Fire was reported Saturday evening
burning in timber, grass, and brush on lands protected by ODF and Prairie City
Rural Fire Department.  The fire quickly
grew to an estimated 570 acres before firefighters and aircraft were able to
stop forward progress.  Overnight the
fire was lined by dozers and wet lined where it was possible.  Today firefighters were able to achieve 25% containment
with no fire growth. 

The High Desert Interagency Type 3 Team, Incident
Commander Tim Boyce, spent Sunday integrating with the existing organization on
the Dixie Creek Fire.  They will take
command of the fire Monday morning at 6:00 a.m.

Fire behavior on the Lewis Rock Fire burning near Mitchell
challenged firefighters throughout the day. 
Isolated tree torching sent embers across the fireline throughout the
day, sparking spot fires ahead of the fire up to a quarter of a mile.  Additional growth on the fire today increased
the acreage to approximately 300 acres.  Aircraft
was used throughout the day to moderate fire behavior and support crews on the
ground.  180 firefighters worked to
suppress the fire today.

Tonight, dozers and hotshot crews continue to work on fireline
construction, taking advantage of reduced temperatures, moderating winds and
increasing humidity.  ODF continues to
work with the Wheeler County Sheriff to review risk to homes near the fire and
the community of Mitchell.  There is
currently no need to implement evacuation notices at this time.  Monitor the Wheeler County Sheriff’s facebook
page for changes, https://www.facebook.com/WheelerCountySheriffsOffice.

Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team
3, led by Incident Commander Link Smith, will be in-briefed by the John Day
Unit at 12:00 p.m. on Monday.  Additional
resources have been requested to staff the fire.  

Today firefighters continued to make progress securing
the Bologna Fire, burning on private ownership and Prineville District Bureau
of Land Management lands near Spray. 
Containment improved to 85%.  One
crew and one engine will continue mop-up work securing the fire Monday.

Regulated-Use Closure is in effect for the Central
Oregon District.  Fireworks and campfires
(including cooking fires) are not allowed within the district boundary.  For additional information on ODF’s Central
Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.