InciWeb Articles & Incidents for Washington and Oregon

After three days with no additional perimeter growth and well-established control lines, the ODF Incident Management Team 2 will be handing management of the Graham Fire back to Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District Wednesday morning. Control lines around the fire’s perimeter have been mopped up to at least 50 feet. However, local residents may still expect to see occasional smoke from pockets of unburnt fuel smoldering in the fire’s interior. If residents see flames or spot fires they are advised to call 911. Resources on the fire today include: 10 hand crews, 2 helicopters, 17 engines, 1 dozer, 3 water tenders and 338 personnel. Containment is estimated at 85%. ODF’s Central Oregon District will continue the use of additional engines and fire crews to achieve 100% containment. The District strategies will include daily engine patrols and mop up operations. The Graham Fire was a hot, fast-moving wildfire driven by strong winds, dry conditions and...

Maupin, Oregon – Firefighters have accomplished significant containment on both the Boxcar and Jack Knife Fires, burning south and east of Maupin in Wasco and Sherman Counties. Estimated containment for the Boxcar Fire is 47% and for the Jack Knife Fire is 65%. The Boxcar Fire is now 95,850 acres. Yesterday heavy smoke lingered in the area due to an inversion holding warm air and smoke low to the ground. Smoke increased midafternoon due to fire activity on the Fire’s eastern flank between Highways 197 and 97. Fire crossed over the dozer line and an additional spot fire was detected in the area. Aerial resources assisted firefighters with water and retardant drops to suppress this burning. Those sites will be tied back into the main fire containment perimeter today. On the southern edge of the Boxcar Fire, firefighters burned out remaining fuels to increase containment along South Junction Road and the Deschutes River corridor. Night shift crews monitored the south and east...

Maupin, Oregon – Firefighters have accomplished significant containment on both the Boxcar and Jack Knife Fires, burning south and east of Maupin in Wasco and Sherman Counties. Estimated containment for the Boxcar Fire is 47% and for the Jack Knife Fire is 65%. The Boxcar Fire is now 95,850 acres. Yesterday heavy smoke lingered in the area due to an inversion holding warm air and smoke low to the ground. Smoke increased midafternoon due to fire activity on the Fire’s eastern flank between Highways 197 and 97. Fire crossed over the dozer line and an additional spot fire was detected in the area. Aerial resources assisted firefighters with water and retardant drops to suppress this burning. Those sites will be tied back into the main fire containment perimeter today. On the southern edge of the Boxcar Fire, firefighters burned out remaining fuels to increase containment along South Junction Road and the Deschutes River corridor. Night shift crews monitored the south and east...

CULVER, Ore. - Strong containment lines and diligent mop up operations have kept the perimeter of the Graham Fire in check. After two days with no new fire growth, the Jefferson County Sherriff has lowered the evacuation level to 1 (READY) and is allowing residents to return to their homes. The fire has burned 2,175 acres and is estimated at 65% containment. Fire managers are focused on strengthening control lines and continuing mop up operations. Mop-up involves firefighters digging out hot spots and extinguishing all remaining heat. Crews start on the fire perimeter and move toward the center. It’s hard, methodical and dirty work but technology makes it more efficient. Firefighters use heat seeking cameras with infra-red technology to identify where the heat is hiding below ground. “We will be judged by how well we leave this fire for the local district and residents. Mop up is hard dirty work. But it’s critically important to do it well. When we mop up right, we can hand the...

Fire officials to hold Graham Fire Community Meeting Sunday June 24th 6:00 pm June 24, 2018 CONTACTS: Marcus Kauffman 541-580-7480 marcus.kauffman@oregon.gov Ashley Lertora 503-338-8442 Ashley.M.Lertora@oregon.gov WHO: Oregon Incident Management Team 2, ODF Central Oregon, Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue and Jefferson County Sherriff WHAT: Graham Fire Community Meeting WHEN: SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2018 6:00-7:30 PM WHERE: CHINOOK VILLAGE STORE, 8241 SW JORDAN RD, CULVER OR WHY: The Graham Fire Incident Management Team will hold a community meeting to discuss current fire status. Residents are invited to hear from fire managers and local officials about the fire and learn what they can do to protect their homes and lands. Fire managers will be on hand to explain planned operations and describe what to expect. Media are welcome to attend. For more information visit: Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5855/ Central Oregon Fire Info :...

Effective fire suppression tactics have increased containment and lowered the risk to structures in the Three Rivers Subdivision. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s resources will be released around noon today. The Oregon Department of Forestry team will remain with local resources to continue mopping up and monitoring any remaining hot spots. Resources on the fire today are: 7 Hand crews, 6 Helicopters, 33 Engines, 1 Dozer, 8 Water tenders and 395 personnel. The estimated containment is 60% and 2,143 acres. Today’s warmer temperatures and lower relative humidity may cause the fire to show more activity. Fire fighters are seeing juniper trees torch in the interior of fire. Air attack resources are available today to drop water on those trees if needed. Lake Chinook Chief Don Colfels said, “Given the intensity of the fire and the strong winds driving it east, the fire had potential to leave dozens of families without a home today. Thanks to the work of our local crews, the...

Good progress being made to secure firelines on Boxcar and Jack Knife Fires Maupin, Oregon – Firefighters, with assistance from Rural Fire Protection Association (RFPA), local ranchers, and aerial resources, completed several burnout operations yesterday, halting fire spread in several areas. The Boxcar Fire is estimated to be 87,000 acres, including the previously referenced “South Junction Fire” that has merged into it. A burnout operation was completed along Bakeoven Road and fire line was constructed on the southeast edge of Maupin using bulldozers. Air tankers laid down retardant and helicopters dropped water on hot spots to help secure these lines. Fire backed down to the Deschutes River access road on the western flank of the fire, crossing the road and burning into the Harpham Flat campground and day use area. There was no infrastructure damage to Harpham, although visitors should use caution and avoid burned areas as there could be hot ashes left by burned stumps or...

Good progress being made to secure firelines on Boxcar and Jack Knife Fires Maupin, Oregon – Firefighters, with assistance from Rural Fire Protection Association (RFPA), local ranchers, and aerial resources, completed several burnout operations yesterday, halting fire spread in several areas. The Boxcar Fire is estimated to be 87,000 acres, including the previously referenced “South Junction Fire” that has merged into it. A burnout operation was completed along Bakeoven Road and fire line was constructed on the southeast edge of Maupin using bulldozers. Air tankers laid down retardant and helicopters dropped water on hot spots to help secure these lines. Fire backed down to the Deschutes River access road on the western flank of the fire, crossing the road and burning into the Harpham Flat campground and day use area. There was no infrastructure damage to Harpham, although visitors should use caution and avoid burned areas as there could be hot ashes left by burned stumps or...

The Wasco County Sheriff has implemented a Level 1 Notification to residents living in the area bounded by Hwy 97, Bakeoven Raod, the Deschutes River and the South River Road. This alerts residents to be aware that there is a fire burning (Boxcar and South Junction Fires, in this case) and to be attentive to potentially changing conditions. They are not being asked to evacuate. However, especially if people or animals require difficult, complex actions to evacuate, they should consider and make advance plans about what would be necessary if conditions were to

Bakeoven Road is closed east of Maupin due to firefighting activity. Firefighters have anchored fireline near Maupin and are burning out in order to remove fuel between the road (which is serving as a control line) and the Boxcar Fire. The duration of this closure is

Firefighting efforts being coordinated to safely accomplish control and minimize acres burned Maupin, Oregon – Hundreds of lightning strikes on June 20 and 21 caused nearly 70 wildfires throughout central Oregon. The Boxcar and South Junction Fires are in Wasco County near Maupin. The Jack Knife Fire is in Sherman County, along the John Day River northeast of Kent. Initial attack resources from the Central Oregon Fire Management Service, the Rural Fire Protection District, Maupin Fire Department, Mt. Hood National Forest, The Dalles Fire Department, and local ranchers have been fighting these fires since their detection. Strategic use of retardant and heavy helicopters has protected values at risk. As the fires have grown to large sizes and complexity, a Type 2 Incident Management Team (Northwest Incident Management Team #13) has taken over command of these fires as of 6:00 a.m. today. Boxcar Fire Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5862/ Estimated Acreage: 23,000...

Firefighting efforts being coordinated to safely accomplish control and minimize acres burned Maupin, Oregon – Hundreds of lightning strikes on June 20 and 21 caused nearly 70 wildfires throughout central Oregon. The Boxcar and South Junction Fires are in Wasco County near Maupin. The Jack Knife Fire is in Sherman County, along the John Day River northeast of Kent. Initial attack resources from the Central Oregon Fire Management Service, the Rural Fire Protection District, Maupin Fire Department, Mt. Hood National Forest, The Dalles Fire Department, and local ranchers have been fighting these fires since their detection. Strategic use of retardant and heavy helicopters has protected values at risk. As the fires have grown to large sizes and complexity, a Type 2 Incident Management Team (Northwest Incident Management Team #13) has taken over command of these fires as of 6:00 a.m. today. Boxcar Fire Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5862/ Estimated Acreage: 23,000...

News ReleaseDate: June 23, 2018 at 10:00 A.M.Release: ImmediateContact: Ashley Lertora, 503-338-8442, Justin de Ruyter, 360-431-3869Graham Fire Daily UpdateThe Oregon Department of Forestry Type 1 Team and Oregon State Fire Marshall Green Team took unified command of the fire on Friday at 6:00pm. Fire crews have made good progress battling the Graham Fire. The fire is estimated at approximately 2,055 acres and is burning in brush, timber and grass south of the Metolius River arm of Lake Billy Chinook near Culver, Oregon. Fire crews completed a burnout operation yesterday and will began mop up operations on Saturday. Today’s firefighting resources include: 7 hand crews, 26 Engines, 2 dozers, 4 water tenders, approximately 375 personnel and containment is estimated at 50%. Aircraft resources assigned to this fire are available to all fires in the area as needed.Crews have set up fire camp at the Sisters Rodeo Grounds. Please use caution on Highway 20 near the rodeo grounds due to the...

With two large fires burning in Central Oregon at the start of the day firefighting resources were busy, but with continued initial attack activity and the addition of two new large fires during the day many additional resources were engaged in responding to incidents. A Type 2 federal team (Gales) has been assigned to manage the Boxcar, South Junction and Jack Knife fires. The team will take over management from the Type 3 and 4 teams managing the fires at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning. Fire Summaries Boxcar Fire:Fire began 3 miles south of Maupin, OR23,000 acres (10% containment)Deschutes River Access Road is closed and Highway 197 remains closed south of Maupin to the junction with Highway 97.86 personnel currently assigned to the incident. People have been asked to stay out of the Wapinita, Harpham Flat, Longbend and Devel's Canyon campgrounds.Burn out operations off of roads are helping to improve and hold lines around the fire.South Junction Fire:Located approximately 18 miles north...

News Release: Graham Fire Friday June 21, 2018 10:00 a.m. Contact: Christie Shaw, Oregon Department of Forestry 541-263-0661 Justin Deruyter, Oregon State Fire Marshal 360-431-3869 Residents of Three Rivers subdivision are still under evacuation due to the Graham Fire. ODF Team 2, a type 1 team, will be taking over command tonight at 1800 from the local Type 3 Team, Incident Commander Caldwell. Incident Command Post will be set up at the Sisters Rodeo Grounds. The Oregon State Fire Marshal Green Team will be handling structure protection. The fire is estimated to be approximately 2,000 acres at this time. The Graham Fire was reported late Thursday afternoon, a wind-driven fire burning in brush, timber and grass south of the Metolius River arm of Lake Billy Chinook near Culver, Oregon. The fire has burned private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry and Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue, as well as Bureau of Land Management ownership. It is estimated around 2,000 acres....

News Release: Graham Fire Friday June 21, 2018 12:00 a.m. Contact: Christie Shaw, Oregon Department of Forestry 541-263-0661 The Graham Fire was reported Thursday afternoon, burning in brush, timber and grass south of the Metolius River arm of Lake Billy Chinook near Culver, Oregon. The fire has burned private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry and Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue, as well as Bureau of Land Management ownership. Aerial resources, including Single Engine Air Tankers and heavy air tankers assisted on-the-ground firefighters to slow the spread of the fire. A Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) local Type 3 Team, Incident Commander Caldwell, assumed command of the fire at 11:00 p.m. Thursday night. The fire is estimated to be approximately 2,000 acres at this time. Numerous lightning caused fires in Central Oregon, including three large fires spread firefighting resources thin today challenging firefighters in their suppression efforts. ...

Before implementation of prescribed fire, the effects are analyzed through the NEPA process. During this process concerns and issues are identified and appropriate design criteria and mitigation are developed to minimize impacts to wildlife. For example, areas that are known to be regularly used for big game fawning and calving are identified on maps and measures to minimize impacts from the prescribed fire are discussed among an interdisciplinary team to ensure the measures and objectives are understood. After a Decision is signed for the NEPA document, preparation of the prescribed fire begins. This involves field reconnaissance to identify where to place hand lines and containments areas (roads, scabby flats, or other natural low fuels barriers). Following direction in the NEPA document, areas that were determined to be high value wildlife habitat are avoided or implemented with the previously identified mitigation or design criteria, which may also include timing restrictions....

Soap Lake Fire June 14, 2018 10:00 AM FINAL UPDATE Grant County – Thanks to the great work done by the local firefighters and the team work displayed by the mobilization resources the Soap Lake Fire is 100% contained. The fire will be transferred back to the local fire district at 12:00 PM today. “It was a great effort by everyone involved” said Richard Parrish, Northeast Washington Incident Management Team (NEWIMT) Incident Commander. The fire burned 2,063 acres and destroyed one small outbuilding. No injuries were reported during the multi-day operation. NEWIMT would like to thank the community for its support of the fire suppression efforts. The Soap Lake Fire started June 11, 2018, at 4:30 PM along State Route 17 four miles north of Soap Lake. Grant County Fire District 7 responded and quickly requested mutual aid from surrounding communities as the fire grew rapidly with the strong winds that were present at the time. Firefighters from numerous state, federal and local...

Soap Lake Fire Incident Update June 13, 2018 8:00 PM Grant County – Firefighters completed line construction and were successful today keeping the fire within its established perimeter. Strong gusty winds tested the fire lines this afternoon and despite the challenging conditions the fire line held up well. Crews continued to be demobilized throughout the day and the rest are scheduled leave tomorrow. The fire has burned 2,063 and is now 90% contained with no new growth. The Soap Lake Fire started June 11, 2018, at 4:30 PM along State Route 17 four miles north of Soap Lake. Grant County Fire District 7 responded and quickly requested mutual aid from surrounding communities as the fire grew rapidly with the strong winds that were present at the time. Firefighters from numerous state, federal and local agencies battled the fire through the night and into the early morning hours. Their efforts saved numerous homes and outbuildings that were threatened. Level 2 & 3 evacuation orders...

Soap Lake Fire Incident Update June 13, 2018 8:00 AM Grant County – Firefighters are back on the fire line this morning working to strengthen and hold containment lines. Night shift crews reported some smoke and hot spots inside the fire perimeter overnight. Day Shift resources will be working to cool those hot spots and respond to any other areas of concern. Firefighters will also be using GPS devices to more accurately map the fire perimeter. All evacuation orders have been lifted for residents in the area. The Soap Lake Fire started June 11, 2018, at 4:30 PM along State Route 17 four miles north of Soap Lake. Grant County Fire District 7 responded and quickly requested mutual aid from surrounding communities as the fire grew rapidly with the strong winds that were present at the time. Firefighters from numerous state, federal and local agencies battled the fire through the night and into the early morning hours. Their efforts saved numerous homes and outbuildings that were...