Firefighters stage in Tygh Valley to battle fire in Warm Springs

From Javin Dimmick with Northwest Incident Management Team 8:

Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander Kevin Stock, assumed management of the S-503 Fire yesterday morning. 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. This fire is being managed as a full suppression fire.

General Updates 

The S-503 Fire continues to burn in timber and grasses on the Confederated Tribe of the Warm Springs Reservation and privately owned in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Firefighters are focused on securing areas of concern including structures, residences, and values at risk. Night shift continued line construction on the southern portion of the fire tying into a large meadow. In addition, resources secured line around two spot fires over the S-560 and S-570 Roads.

Today, firefighters will continue to strengthen lines on the fire’s northern (one mile south of Hwy 216) and eastern flanks (four miles west of Hwy 3), including securing the heel of the fire in the northwestern corner of the fire perimeter.  

On the southern and western flanks of the fire (approximately two miles east of Hwy 26), resources are constructing a direct fireline where feasible while securing and holding the existing containment line. Predicted afternoon winds and potential thunderstorms may test the eastern flank today.

Initial attack activity is expected to increase as lightning activity moves through the area. Northwest Incident Management Team 8 will assist the Confederated Tribe of the Warm Springs Reservation with any new fire starts.

Weather:  Today, the weather will be mostly cloudy with patchy smoke in the morning with afternoon cumulus buildups. Temperatures will range from 86 – 89 degrees with a minimum relative humidity of 26-29%. Winds will be west to southwest 4 – 8 mph increasing to 7-14 mph with gusts to 16 mph in the afternoon.
Acreage: 6, 201 (approximately 535 acres is private in-holdings protected by Oregon Department of Forestry)
Containment: 10%
Resources-251:  2 – type 1 hotshot crews, 5 - type 2 initial attack crews, 1 heavy helicopter, 1 light helicopter, 16 engines, 4 dozers, 5 water tenders, and 53 overhead.

Closures and Evacuations: The Wasco County Sherriff’s Office has lowered all residences west of Kelly Springs Rd/Back Walters Rd from Level 3 evacuation to Level 2 - Get Set. Anything east of Kelly Springs to Reservation Rd, including Walters Corners and the community of Pine Grove, remain 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.”