Grizzly Fire--Evening Update

[Prineville, Ore.] The Grizzly Fire was reported around 2 pm Monday afternoon, burning near Grizzly Mountain Road approximately nine miles northwest of Prineville.  The fire is burning on private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Crook County Fire and Rescue, BLM Prineville District lands, and the Crooked River National Grassland. Initially reported at fifteen acres, the fire has quickly grown to over 200 acres, burning in cheat grass, sagebrush and juniper.

The Crook County Sheriff has issued a Level 3 Evacuation for approximately twelve residences along Grizzly Mountain Road and a Level 1 Evacuation for an additional twelve homes along McCoin Road. Level 3 Evacuation means EVACUATE immediately, leave NOW.  Level 1 Evacuation means BE READY for the potential of evacuation. 

Resources from the USFS are assisting ODF, BLM Crook County Fire and Rescue, and the Grassland in suppression efforts.  Two task forces of structural engines from the Central Oregon Interface Task Force are working to provide structure protection for homes threatened by the fire.  These task forces are comprised of resources from structural fire departments throughout central Oregon. 

Firefighters will staff the fire during the night, working to flank the fire and hold existing firelines. Currently nine engines, one five person hand crew, three helicopters, four Single Engine Air Tankers, two large air tankers and additional overhead are working to put the fire out.  A local Type 3 interagency Incident Management Team will take control of the fire at 6 a.m. on July 4^th.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

For additional information visit centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com and follow Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center’s Fire Information Twitter feed @centralORfire.