FIRE RESTRICTIONS: - Fire Season terminated 12:01 p.m. October 24, 2022.
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: - Regulated Closure Terminated for October 14, 2022
IFPL Map MH1 IFPL: - IFPL not in effect MH4 IFPL: - IFPL not in effect
ADDITIONAL INDUSTRIAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS: - Terminated for John Day and Prineville Units

Friday, August 5, 2016

Red Flag Warning Across Central Oregon District

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of the Central Oregon District for scattered thunderstorms producing dry lightning and gusty winds starting later this afternoon.  Warm temperatures over the last few weeks have dried fuels and driven ERC (measurement related to how well fuels will burn based on moisture content) to Extreme levels. In preparation for this event the District is bringing in a strike team of engines (five engines and a strike team leader) from western Oregon to work with local District resources.  These engines should arrive mid-afternoon today. 
A Type 1 helicopter was planned to arrive in the District this afternoon, but was brought in early this morning to provide support for the Neal Creek Fire.  Fire managers have planned an infrared flight for early Saturday morning to detect fires before temperatures heat up and fires begin to spread.  This flight will be in response to the storm pattern, and could be cancelled if storms do not occur.  Additionally, several contract dozers have been placed on standby throughout the District to respond as needed. 

With the potential for multiple starts from thunderstorms across the landscape these resources will support the safe and aggressive initial attack action the District has been using all summer.  Keeping fires small reduces firefighter exposure, landowner costs and limits damage to resources.