Bull Springs Fire Final
[Bend, Ore.] The Bull
Springs Fire, west of Bend, was reported late Sunday afternoon burning in slash,
Ponderosa Pine, juniper, and brush. This
wind driven fire grew quickly, burning 211 acres before fire fighters were able
to stop the spread. Two outbuildings
were destroyed by the fire, and nearly 200 residences were placed in a Level 3
(GO) evacuation Sunday evening.
Coordination between Bend Fire Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s
Office, Oregon Department of Forestry, and federal resources from Central
Oregon Fire Management Service were the key to catching this fire Sunday
evening and protecting structures and homes in the fire area. Aided by dozers from Taylor Northwest, fire
crews were able to get line around the fire’s perimeter and focus on any spot fires
outside the fireline.
Firefighters have
continued to work in the fire area, monitoring for spot fires, and extinguishing
heat and flames within the perimeter.
Additional crews from the Department of Corrections and the US Forest
Service Prineville Hotshots have aided in this work. As of Wednesday afternoon the fire is
estimated to be 95% contained. Fire
managers anticipate completing the mop-up work on Thursday with five engines
and the Department of Corrections crew. The fire will continue to be monitored
and checked in the coming weeks to ensure the fire is out. The Deschutes County Sheriff lifted all
evacuation orders Wednesday morning.
The cause of the fire
has been determined to be a rekindled debris burn. Heat can hold in burn piles and even under
soil for many weeks with no visible smoke.
With limited recent moisture in Central Oregon vegetation and wildland
fuels are very dry, making them susceptible to ignition and rapid fire spread,
especially on windy days. Please check
burn piles and burn areas from any debris burning completed this winter or
spring to ensure there is no residual heat or fire.
Below are some tips
to reduce the risk of a fire getting out of control.
·
Check weather forecasts. Avoid burning on windy days or when wind is
forecast to be erratic or increasing.
·
Check with local fire department and county
restrictions to be certain burning is allowed and what restrictions should be
followed.
·
Never leave a fire unattended. Be certain the fire is completely out prior
to leaving.
·
Have a water source and shovel available while
burning.
·
Keep debris piles small. Add material gradually as the pile burns
down.
·
Ensure burned piles are cold prior to adding new
material for future burning.
·
Contact 911 immediately if the fire gets out of
control.
For additional
information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and
unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.