Firefighters continue to burn out fuels at Warm Springs; 95 percent contained
From Northwest Incident Management Team 8:
Firefighters and engine crews have been working on cooling hot spots and advancing into the interior of the fire’s containment line for several days now. There are still some interior pockets of fuel that will consume themselves while being monitored. Firefighters are continuing to mop-up areas of heat to the provided mop-up standards to create a cold, black perimeter around the fire’s edge. This buffer will secure the fire from moving out of the existing footprint which has remained the same.
Fire Personnel are at 145.
One of the main priorities of the team and firefighters is the safety of personnel that work along with securing the fire line.
The Pacific Northwest is going through a historic heatwave with the National Weather Service issuing an “Excessive Heat Warning”. Firefighters are well informed with extra guidance for heat-related illnesses, watch-out situation metrics and cooling tents to care for the firefighters during the anticipated record temperatures. In the coming days as the temperature rises and with a dropping relative humidity, there is an increased potential for fire activity.
Firefighting resources are prepared to respond to new starts today on the Warm Springs Reservation and surrounding areas.
Acreage: 6,679 (approximately 535 acres is private in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry).
Containment: 95%
Weather: Today temperatures are predicted to reach historic highs. The weather will be sunny and hot with temperatures near 106 degrees in the lower elevations and 100 degrees around 3,200 ft. The relative humidity is very low today with northeast winds 5-9 mph with gusts 17-22 mph in both the valleys and ridges this afternoon.
Resources: 145 Total: 3-type 2 initial attack crews, 5-type 2 hand crews, 2-camp crews, 1-heavy helicopters, 1-light helicopter, 11-engines, 1-dozer, 8-water tenders, and 7 overhead personnel.
Closures and Evacuations: Evacuation Level 1 - Get Set, as determined by the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office remains for all residences west of Kelly Springs Rd/Back Walters Rd plus anything east of Kelly Springs to Reservation Rd, including Walters Corners and the community of Pine Grove.
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.”
