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 28, 2020

White River Fire Update:  Thursday, Aug. 28, 2020

The White River Fire moved significantly yesterday, crossing control lines to the east and spotting across the river to the south. It moved from national forest land to state and private lands. The fire threatened structures in Pine Grove, leading to a Level 3 “GO” Evacuation Order from the Wasco County Sheriff. A Level 3 Order means EVACUATE NOW.

Yesterday several crews on the ground and aircraft moved to initial attack, working spot fires lofted embers out to 2000 feet.  Fire managers used several firefighting aircraft to help suppress fire where conditions allowed and were effective. Local firefighting resources assisted with structural protection near the community of Pine Grove.

Because of the fire’s proximity to Pine Grove, the Governor declared a Conflagration Act enabling the State Fire Marshall to bring 15 structural protection engines to the fire. Also, the incoming Type 1 team (PNWIIMT 3) has added capacity including structural protection managers.

In addition to  initial attack on the fire yesterday, fire crews continued to scout, evaluate, and implement primary control line options and evaluate and implement alternative opportunities. They will continue those activities today. The fire is now 9,791 acres.  There are 614 personnel working the fire.

Air quality:   The monitor in Madras, OR shows moderate air quality for the area.  With increased fire activity during athe day, air quality may move from moderate to poor. 

Flight Restriction:   A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect prohibiting people from flying in the area.

White River Fire Closures:   The Mt Hood National Forest increased the closure area around the fire.  For the latest closure information and specifics on closed campgrounds, recreation areas, trails and roads, see the forest Facebook page and Inciweb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7013 /

 

Evacuations:   The Wasco County Sheriff has issued the following Evacuation notices as of Thursday night, Aug. 27, 2020:

n  Level 3 – GO: The area east from Bear Springs Ranger Station along Hwy 216 through Pine Grove to the intersection of Endersby Rd and 216, also included are all of Endersby Rd, Linns Mill Rd and Kelly Springs Rd, including the community of Pine Grove.  EVACUATE NOW. 

n  Level 2 – GET SET Area from Back Walters Rd / Walters Rd / Kelly Springs Rd Intersection to Eldersby Rd / 216 Intersection along Victor Rd to the Claymier Lane/ Old Wapinita Hwy Intersection to Old Wapinita Hwy/ Wapinita Hwy/Reservation Road to Reservation Rd/Back Walters Rd Intersection.

n  Level 2 – Get Set: All residences on Smock Road west of the intersection of Smock Road and Ayres Road to include all residences on Barber Lane and Farlow Road.

n  Level 1 – Be Ready: The area east from Bear Springs Ranger Station along Hwy 216 through Pine Grove to the intersection of Endersby Rd and 216, also included are all of Endersby Rd, Linns Mill Rd and Kelly Springs Rd.

n  Level 1 – Be Ready: All residences on Smock Road west of the intersection of Smock Road and Ayres Road to include all residences on Barber Lane and Farlow Road.

n  Level 1 – Be Ready: The Sportsman’s Park.