Oregon Department of Forestry - Central Oregon District

Lewis Rock Fire July 4th Evening

 ODF Wildfire Evening Update

[John Day, Ore.]  No new fires were reported on lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) John Day Unit today.  Firefighting efforts for the Unit focused on the Dixie Creek Fire located approximately three acres northwest of Prairie City and the Lewis Rock Fire burning near Mitchell.

The Dixie Creek Fire was reported Saturday evening burning in timber, grass, and brush on lands protected by ODF and Prairie City Rural Fire Department.  The fire quickly grew to an estimated 570 acres before firefighters and aircraft were able to stop forward progress.  Overnight the fire was lined by dozers and wet lined where it was possible.  Today firefighters were able to achieve 25% containment with no fire growth. 

The High Desert Interagency Type 3 Team, Incident Commander Tim Boyce, spent Sunday integrating with the existing organization on the Dixie Creek Fire.  They will take command of the fire Monday morning at 6:00 a.m.

Fire behavior on the Lewis Rock Fire burning near Mitchell challenged firefighters throughout the day.  Isolated tree torching sent embers across the fireline throughout the day, sparking spot fires ahead of the fire up to a quarter of a mile.  Additional growth on the fire today increased the acreage to approximately 300 acres.  Aircraft was used throughout the day to moderate fire behavior and support crews on the ground.  180 firefighters worked to suppress the fire today.

Tonight, dozers and hotshot crews continue to work on fireline construction, taking advantage of reduced temperatures, moderating winds and increasing humidity.  ODF continues to work with the Wheeler County Sheriff to review risk to homes near the fire and the community of Mitchell.  There is currently no need to implement evacuation notices at this time.  Monitor the Wheeler County Sheriff’s facebook page for changes, https://www.facebook.com/WheelerCountySheriffsOffice.

Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team 3, led by Incident Commander Link Smith, will be in-briefed by the John Day Unit at 12:00 p.m. on Monday.  Additional resources have been requested to staff the fire.  

Today firefighters continued to make progress securing the Bologna Fire, burning on private ownership and Prineville District Bureau of Land Management lands near Spray.  Containment improved to 85%.  One crew and one engine will continue mop-up work securing the fire Monday.

Regulated-Use Closure is in effect for the Central Oregon District.  Fireworks and campfires (including cooking fires) are not allowed within the district boundary.  For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.