Wildfire Season and the Great American Eclipse

During the peak of fire season, on August 21^st, central Oregon will experience the Great American Eclipse.  The path of totality will cut across Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District, impacting each of the three units.  Visitor estimates range greatly, but one thing we are certain of is that there will be an influx of people in the area, typically resulting in an increase in human caused fires.

For the past year the District has been coordinating with our partners in preparation for the event, focusing on what role each entity will fill.  Our partners include federal, state, and local government agencies as well local fire departments and non-governmental organizations.  Working with our partners we will be able to coordinate the response in an efficient manner, and supporting our partners in their efforts as well.  The most important tool we have available right now is communication, both between our partners and with the public.  Currently we are focusing our efforts on fire prevention in hopes that landowners and the public will be vigilant and thoughtful in their activities to reduce human caused wildfires. While we can plan for the eclipse, it is impossible for us to know where a wildfire might occur.  As the time nears we will have more definitive plans based on the conditions and needs that are identified including additional aerial resources and firefighters. 

The Central Oregon District will be participating in the complete and coordinated effort to protect forestland and natural resources throughout fire season.  If you have any questions about fire season restrictions or eclipse preparation in your area please call your local ODF Office:

• John Day—541-575-1139   
• Prineville—541-447-5658   
• The Dalles—541-296-4626

Continue to monitor this site, along with our Twitter Feed (@ODF_COD) and Facebook (facebook.com/ODFCentralOregon) for wildfire information leading up to and during the 2017 Solar Eclipse.

Check out these resources as well from other state agencies who are busy preparing for the eclipse:

• OEM: www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2017-Total-Solar-Eclipse.asp
• OSFM: www.oregon.gov/osp/sfm/Pages/eclipse.aspx
• OPRD: oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=v.page&id=60
• OSP: www.oregon.gov/osp/Pages/Solar-Eclipse-2017--Information.aspx
•  TripCheck

Crews Keep Up Efforts as Grizzly Fire Command Transitions to Local Unit

Contact: Lauren DuRocher, Public Information Officer

                 541-728-3854

Prineville – As high temperatures, low humidity and a red flag warning continue today, crews remain diligent with patrolling and mop up throughout the Grizzly Fire area. The 195 acre fire area was reported at 75% containment last night with firefighters targeting 95% containment by the end of the day. The COFMS Type 3 Incident Management Team is planning to transition command back to the local unit, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District, this evening. Through the weekend, firefighters will continue monitoring and extinguishing any final hot spots.

The Grizzly Fire was reported on Monday July 3^rd in the afternoon, burning near Grizzly Mountain Road approximately nine miles northwest of Prineville.  The fire area is on private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Crook County Fire and Rescue, and the Crooked River National Grassland.  The fire is human caused and under investigation.

For up-to-the-minute wildfire information, follow @ODF_COD on Twitter, www.ODFcentraloregon.com or. www.facebook.com/ODFcentraloregon. Information can also be found at http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com.   

Firefighters Continue Mop Up on Grizzly Fire

Contact: Lauren DuRocher, Public Information Officer
                 541-728-3854
 Prineville– Crews will continue extinguishing hot spots and smoldering areas throughout the Grizzly Fire.  As they work towards full mop up of the fire area, firefighters will continue today focusing on the perimeter and areas around private residences and structures. Yesterday, firefighters were successful at getting water to the southwest section and further securing the fire line. The fire area is estimated at 195 acres and is currently at 50 % containment.

The COFMS Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the fire Tuesday morning with joint delegation from Crook County Fire and Rescue and Oregon Department of Forestry. The Grizzly Fire was reported around 2 pm Monday afternoon, burning near Grizzly Mountain Road approximately nine miles northwest of Prineville.  The fire area is on private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Crook County Fire and Rescue, and the Crooked River National Grassland.  The fire is human caused and under investigation. All evacuation notices have been lifted by the Crook County Sherriff.

For up-to-the-minute wildfire information, follow @ODF_COD on Twitter, www.ODFcentraloregon.com or. www.facebook.com/ODFcentraloregon. Information can also be found at http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com.   

Crews Make Progress on the Grizzly Fire As Wind Subsides

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                              July 4, 2017        

Contact: Lauren DuRocher, Public Information Officer

                 541-728-3854
    

Prineville – Winds subsided last night allowing crews to gain ground on the Grizzly Fire. Firefighting efforts were successful yesterday and no structures have been lost. Crews will continue work today to further secure the containment lines particularly in the southwest section where steep terrain has created some challenges. The fire is approximately 200 acres with interior pockets still burning. All evacuation notices have been lifted by the Crook County.

The COFMS Type 3 Incident Management Team is taking command of the fire this morning with joint delegation from Crook County Fire and Rescue and Oregon Department of Forestry. Additional resources are arriving today to help with continued suppression work and mop up activities. Aerial support is available if needed.

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, and the Crooked River National Grassland.  The fire is human caused and under investigation.

For up-to-the-minute wildfire information, follow @ODF_COD on Twitter, www.ODFcentraloregon.com or. www.facebook.com/ODFcentraloregon. Information can also be found at http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com.  

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.