Growing Crew Strengthens Containment Lines at Warm Springs fire

From Javin Dimmick with Northwest Incident Management Team 8:

S-503 Fire is burning in timber and grasses on the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation and privately owned in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Cooler temperatures and higher humidity allowed firefighters to strengthen the containment lines around the S-503 Fire last night, June 22 and 23. Improvements included patrolling and cooling hotspots along the fire’s edge and creating a 50 foot cold and black perimeter.

The number of people fighting the fire has expanded to 360.

Today, June 23, resources will use direct firefighting tactics where possible. They will concentrate on the timbered areas with residual heat. Resources from the S-503 Fire will remain available to assist the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation with any new fire starts. Weather: Today’s temperature is forecasted for the upper 80’s with afternoon winds from the west reaching 20 MPH.

The relative humidity is expected to reach 26-30%. Red Flag warnings are posted for areas to the east for abundant lightning. The biggest concern is the possibility of thunderstorms drifting west, causing gusty and erratic winds, along with the chance Firefighters will be kept informed of any developments.

The incident command post is located at the Wasco County Fairgrounds and a base camp is located off Ashby Rd also in Tygh Valley. A spike camp is located in Bear Springs Campground.

Resources-360: 2 – type 1 hotshot crews, 5-type 2 initial attack crews, 1-heavy helicopter, 1-light helicopter, 39-engines, 6-dozers, 10-water tender, and 76 overhead.

Closures and Evacuations: The Wasco County Sherriff’s Office has determined all residences west of Kelly Springs Rd/Back Walters Rd remain at evacuation Level 2 - Get Set. Anything east of Kelly Springs to Reservation Rd, including Walters Corners and the community of Pine Grove, also remains at Level 2 - Get Set.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the S-503 Fire, a temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire area. Please consult the “Notice to Airman” for specifics. Wildfires are a “No Drone Zone.”