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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 12, 2021Media Contact:Tamara Schmidt Cell: 541-891-6758tamara.schmidt@usda.gov Lightning starts two new large fires in South Central Oregon today LAKEVIEW, Ore. – This afternoon’s thunderstorm activity, including dry lightning, in Klamath and Lake counties resulted in two new large fires that the agencies of the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) are actively fighting. The Patton Meadow Fire was reported just before 3:30 p.m. and was caused by lightning.  The fire is estimated to be more than 2,000 acres.  It is burning a mile and a half northwest of Booth State Scenic Corridor Park, approximately 14 miles west of Lakeview. Fire behavior is running and torching in mixed conifer on remote, rugged steep terrain on the Fremont-Winema National Forest Lakeview Ranger District, as well as on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protected private lands.  The fire moved down the mountain tonight onto the valley floor west of...

   Devil’s Knob Complex Evening Update Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Kevin Stock August 12, 2021 Notice of Public Meeting at the Tiller Volunteer Fire District, Saturday, August 14th, 7:30 PM A Red Flag Warning will be in effect tomorrow from 2 – 11 PM. An Excessive Heat Warning will extend through Saturday for all of southwest Oregon The Devil's Knob Complex is a group of 40 plus lightning caused fires with the majority burning on the Tiller Ranger District, Umpqua National Forest with a number of fires burning on private lands protected by Douglas Forest Protective Association. The fires were started from thunderstorms on July 29th and August 1st. The Devil’s Knob Complex is situated between the Rough Patch Complex and Jack Fire to the north, which is being managed by Northwest Incident Management Team 13 and the Skyline Ridge Complex to the southwest, which is being managed by Oregon Department of Forestry Team 1. The Devil's...

DREW W. HYER GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF P.O. BOX 338 POMEROY, WA 99347-0338  (509) 843-3494 · FAX (509) 843-1347 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: POMEROY, Washington – August 12, 2021 GREEN RIDGE FIRE – EVACUATION LEVELS CHANGE FOR GARFIELD COUNTYEffective August 12, 2021, The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has placed the Grouse Flats area for Garfield County to a Level 1.Evacuation Levels are evaluated daily based on current and forecasted fire activity.  Again, the change in current evacuation levels is precautionary. Level 1: READY - Level 1 evacuations are an Alert. Residents should be aware of a danger that exists. Now is the time to “Get Ready”. Residents with special needs, or those with pets or livestock, should take note and prepare for relocating family members, pets and livestock. Refine your evacuation plans and gather the things you will need if you must evacuate. LEVEL 2— Be SET to evacuate at a moment notice. This level indicates there is significant...

DREW W. HYER GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF P.O. BOX 338 POMEROY, WA 99347-0338  (509) 843-3494 · FAX (509) 843-1347 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: POMEROY, Washington – August 12, 2021 GREEN RIDGE FIRE – EVACUATION LEVELS CHANGE FOR GARFIELD COUNTYEffective August 12, 2021, The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has placed the Grouse Flats area for Garfield County to a Level 1.Evacuation Levels are evaluated daily based on current and forecasted fire activity.  Again, the change in current evacuation levels is precautionary. Level 1: READY - Level 1 evacuations are an Alert. Residents should be aware of a danger that exists. Now is the time to “Get Ready”. Residents with special needs, or those with pets or livestock, should take note and prepare for relocating family members, pets and livestock. Refine your evacuation plans and gather the things you will need if you must evacuate. LEVEL 2— Be SET to evacuate at a moment notice. This level indicates there is significant...

An in-person public meeting is scheduled for August 14, 2021 at 7:30 pm in the parking lot of the Tiller Volunteer Fire Department, Tiller, Oregon. Fire managers will provide updates on the fires and an opportunity for the public to ask questions. If you are unable to attend in-person, please direct your questions or comments to 541-900-6133. These will be included in the recorded event. The recording will be posted to the incident Facebook page. Managers from both the Devils Knob and Skyline Ridge Complexes will remain available after the presentations and Q&As for individual discussions at different displayed

 Bomberos Refuerzan Líneas de Control en el Incendio Poole Creek   CANYONVILLE, Oregon: Se construyo una línea de control que se extiende desde el eje Este bordeando el incendio Poole Creek y uniéndose con Stouts Creek Road. Esta línea de control encierra un sitio enorme de fuego, que los bomberos han estado combatiendo desde el inicio de la semana. Este sitio, conecta con la línea de control norteña más importante. El objetivo es mantener el incendio entre las dos crestas centrales, con supresión activa para cualquier otro incendio que se inicie más allá de las líneas de control. Durante la noche de ayer, los bomberos se dieron a la limpieza en el área planeada para operaciones de quemas. Así mismo, en el flanco Este, los bomberos limpiaron un cuarto de acre de fuego.   En general, el porcentaje de contención del Incendio Complex permanece a un 23 por ciento. El numero de acres incrementados en dicho incendio, ha sido generado por el crecimiento del incendio Poole...

Join us for a virtual community briefing tonight, Thursday, August 12, beginning at 6:30 pm.  You may submit questions in advance by emailing them to 2021.middlefork@firenet.gov, or within the comment section of the livestream. If you know people who are not on Facebook and would like to watch, please note that you can still access this facebook page and live stream without an account. Simply click "not now" or "cancel" when facebook asks for a log in. The direct link to the live stream is:

Join us for a virtual community briefing tonight, Thursday, August 12, beginning at 6:30 pm.  You may submit questions in advance by emailing them to 2021.middlefork@firenet.gov, or within the comment section of the livestream. If you know people who are not on Facebook and would like to watch, please note that you can still access this facebook page and live stream without an account. Simply click "not now" or "cancel" when facebook asks for a log in. The direct link to the live stream is:

Umatilla National Forest to further reduce area closure PENDLETON, Ore. (August 12, 2021) –  With continued reduced initial attack on new fires across the Forest, Umatilla National Forest officials will further reduce the area closure on Friday, Aug. 13, reopening access to most of the Umatilla National Forest lands in Oregon. National Forest lands within proximity to active large wildfires (the Lick Creek, Green Ridge and Elbow Creek fires) will remain closed to public entry. The modified closure prohibits access to all Umatilla National Forest lands in Washington state (on both the Pomeroy and Walla Walla Ranger Districts) and closes lands surrounding the Elbow Creek Fire on the Walla Walla Ranger District in Oregon, which encompasses lands south and east of where Alder Creek intersects with Forest Service Road 62 to the Forest boundary, as displayed on the enclosed map. Public entry is prohibited in the areas identified in the closure, which includes lands, roads, trails and...

Smoke Discussion Today higher smoke impacts will be observed for communities around Oakridge, Lowell, and McKenzie Bridge due to stagnant air conditions and poor ventilation. Unhealthy air quality with periods of Very Unhealthy can be expected throughout the day. If possible, it is recommended to remain indoors as much as possible in these areas. If you do spend time outside, try to minimize duration and take frequent breaks indoors or in an air-conditioned vehicle. The La Pine community and surrounding area will see Moderate to USG conditions most of the day. Potential for Unhealthy conditions exist in the late afternoon due to being downwind of active wildfires. Bend can expect USG and Moderate in the morning hours but clearing skies by the afternoon. All communities from Springfield east along highway 126 can expect periods of Unhealthy air quality in the morning and some clearing by the afternoon. Eugene residents will see Moderate to USG air quality early then steadily...

Smoke Discussion Today higher smoke impacts will be observed for communities around Oakridge, Lowell, and McKenzie Bridge due to stagnant air conditions and poor ventilation. Unhealthy air quality with periods of Very Unhealthy can be expected throughout the day. If possible, it is recommended to remain indoors as much as possible in these areas. If you do spend time outside, try to minimize duration and take frequent breaks indoors or in an air-conditioned vehicle. The La Pine community and surrounding area will see Moderate to USG conditions most of the day. Potential for Unhealthy conditions exist in the late afternoon due to being downwind of active wildfires. Bend can expect USG and Moderate in the morning hours but clearing skies by the afternoon. All communities from Springfield east along highway 126 can expect periods of Unhealthy air quality in the morning and some clearing by the afternoon. Eugene residents will see Moderate to USG air quality early then steadily...

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update Thursday, August 12, 2021, 10:00 a.m. Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black Troy Hagan, Incident Commander Green Ridge Fire Statistics:  Size:  26,648 acres Containment:  15% Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla Reported: July 7, 2021 Cause: LightningLick Creek Fire Statistics:Size:  80,421 acres Containment:  96% Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA Reported: July 7, 2021 Cause: Lightning  Containment on the Lick Creek Fire Increases to 96% Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: The Green Ridge Fire grew to 26,648 acres on Wednesday and remains 15% contained. Wednesday was the second successful day of firing operations in Division M on the northern edge of the fire. The firing operations are removing unburned pockets of fuel between established fire lines and the fire’s perimeter south of the 22 (4022) Road. If weather conditions allow, firefighters will continue with firing operations again today. Crews...

 Fire Crews Strengthen Control Lines on Poole Creek Fire CANYONVILLE, Ore.—A new control line has been built from the east ridge flanking the Poole Creek Fire, tying it to Stouts Creek Road. The new line corrals a large spot fire that firefighters battled earlier in the week. It connects to the main northern control line. The goal is to keep the fire boxed in between the two main ridges, with active suppression of any new fire starts beyond control lines. Crews mopped up after last night’s planned burn-out operations. They also mopped up a quarter-acre spot fire on the fire’s east flank. Overall containment on the Complex remains at 23 percent. Acreage increases on the Complex come from growth on the Poole Creek Fire, now at 3,640 acres. The number of personnel has reached 1,280. Thick smoke yesterday grounded most air operations, but moderated temperatures and fire behavior. Smoke will linger today. There is a Red Flag Warning for hot, dry and unstable conditions but winds...

Approx. Fire Size (acres): Knoll: 540Gales and Elephant Rock: 6,850 Kwis: 1,083 Ninemile: 389 Knoll Fire and Middle Fork Complex Virtual Community Briefing via Facebook Live Today at 6:30 pm at www.facebook.com/KnollFire Questions can be emailed in advance to 2021.middlefork@firenet.gov, or asked in the comments during the meeting. The incident command post for Knoll Fire and the Middle Fork Complex is repositioning to the Eugene area to better provide support to firefighters on the fires under their command. The firefighters will still be based at camps closer to the fires where they are working. Crews will continue to be provided with the services they need to be successful like food, showers, and supplies. Kwis Fire: Yesterday and last night, crews and equipment prepared fire line along Forest Road 5871 south of the fire and implemented strategic burnout operations to strengthen that containment line. Poor visibility due to smoke prevented aircraft from...

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update Thursday, August 12, 2021, 10:00 a.m. Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black Troy Hagan, Incident Commander Green Ridge Fire Statistics:  Size:  26,648 acres Containment:  15% Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla Reported: July 7, 2021 Cause: Lightning Lick Creek Fire Statistics:Size:  80,421 acres Containment:  96% Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA Reported: July 7, 2021 Cause: Lightning  Containment on the Lick Creek Fire Increases to 96% Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: The Green Ridge Fire grew to 26,648 acres on Wednesday and remains 15% contained. Wednesday was the second successful day of firing operations in Division M on the northern edge of the fire. The firing operations are removing unburned pockets of fuel between established fire lines and the fire’s perimeter south of the 22 (4022) Road. If weather conditions allow, firefighters will continue with firing operations again today. Crews...

On the Bull Complex Resource Advisors and wildland firefighters worked to wrap the Gold Hill Lookout with protective material, as a precautionary measure. All the fires on the Bull Complex have full suppression as the suppression strategy. Wildland Fire Crews continued work on containment lines along Forest Service Roads 6370 and 4696.   Increased fire activity on Aug. 11 caused an increase in smoke, which was visible throughout the area. Wildfires can produce high quantities of smoke. During wildfire activity, firefighters can do little to reduce smoke impacts. Affected communities should remain aware of smoke advisories and conditions. Learn more at - www.airnow.gov or the Oregon Smoke Report - https://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/?m=1 Weather - The fire area is expected to reach record-breaking temperatures this week, causing the Weather Service to issue an Excessive Heat Warning until 10 p.m., Saturday, as well as a Red Flag warning which is in effect from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m....

Approx. Fire Size (acres): Gales and Elephant Rock: 6,850 Knoll: 540 Kwis: 1,083 Ninemile: 389     Knoll Fire and Middle Fork Complex Virtual Community Briefing via Facebook Live Today at 6:30 pm at www.facebook.com/KnollFire Questions can be emailed in advance to 2021.middlefork@firenet.gov, or asked in the comments during the meeting. The incident command post for Knoll Fire and the Middle Fork Complex is repositioning to the Eugene area to better provide support to firefighters on the fires under their command. The firefighters will still be based at camps closer to the fires where they are working. Crews will continue to be provided with the services they need to be successful like food, showers, and supplies. Kwis Fire: Yesterday and last night, crews and equipment prepared fire line along Forest Road 5871 south of the fire and implemented strategic burnout operations to strengthen that containment line. Poor visibility due to smoke...

Black Butte Fire Statistics Total Acres: 15,135 Acres Containment: 15% Personnel: 606 Date of Ignition: 08/03/2021 Cause of Fires: Lightning/Natural Structures Threatened: 12 Injuries: 0 Aircraft: 4 Dozers: 8   Engines: 27Black Butte Fire information: Crews again made good progress on the north and eastern edge of the fire, securing line to the southeastern edge. On the northeast edge, firefighters will mop-up a 50-foot area from edge of the fire perimeter to ensure fire doesn’t move outside the established contained lines. Along the eastern edge of the fire, crews were able to scout primary lines to Vale Dip, utilizing air support to keep fire in check along the North Fork of the Malheur River. Firefighters and heavy equipment will prep primary line along the 902 road. Protecting private lands and structures at Flag Prairie is a priority. Mop-up will begin on primary lines and crews will patrol and secure spots across containment lines.   On the southern edge of the fire,...

Pacific Northwest Region  Umatilla National Forest 72510 Coyote Road Pendleton, OR 97801 www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla  Contact:  Darcy Weseman (541) 278-3722August 12, 2021 Umatilla National Forest to further reduce area closure  PENDLETON, Ore. (August 12, 2021) –  With continued reduced initial attack on new fires across the Forest, Umatilla National Forest officials will further reduce the area closure on Friday, Aug. 13, reopening access to most of the Umatilla National Forest lands in Oregon. National Forest lands within proximity to active large wildfires (the Lick Creek, Green Ridge and Elbow Creek fires) will remain closed to public entry. The modified closure prohibits access to all Umatilla National Forest lands in Washington state (on both the Pomeroy and Walla Walla Ranger Districts) and closes lands surrounding the Elbow Creek Fire on the Walla Walla Ranger District in Oregon, which encompasses lands south and east of where Alder Creek intersects with Forest...