A lightning storm passed through Central Oregon Thursday and ignited two new fires on the Sisters Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest. Crews are working with aerial resources on the Monty Fire (768) and Bean Creek Fire (766). The two fires are east of Monty Campground are approximately one mile apart.
Updated Friday, 6:00 p.m.: Firefighters made great progress on all wildfires in Central Oregon today including the two on the Sisters Ranger District near Lake Billy Chinook and new fire on the south end of the Deschutes National Forest called Hole in the Ground.
This morning, air tankers were available to support firefighting efforts on the Monty Fire which remained in its footprint of 7-8 acres. This fire area has numerous overhead hazards and firefighters will continue to mitigate that risk while working to achieve containment. Forecasted gusty winds challenged crews on the Bean Creek Fire that is now 175 acres but after multiple large air tankers dropped retardant, crews on the ground were assisted by helicopters dropping water to cool hot spots while dozers constructed preliminary containment lines around 60% of the fire area. Firefighters will work through the night on a burnout operation on the north end of the fire area to secure the perimeter. The Bean Creek Fire is now 10% contained. A Level 1 evacuation notice (Get Ready) issued by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Officer remains in place for houses on Montgomery Shores on the Metolius Arm. The public is asked to stay out of the area. Monty Campground on the Sisters Ranger District remains closed.
Two new starts approximately 1 ½ miles northeast of Hole in the Ground were quickly contained by firefighters but a third in the same area grew quickly, prompting Lake County to issue a Level 1 (Get Ready) notification for areas north of Highway 31 at Forest Road 2424. The Hole in the Ground Fire (Incident 778) is now estimated to be 310 acres and is 50% contained after multiple retardant drops by Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and several Large Air Tankers (LATs) slowed the spread and allowed dozers to construct fire line and create a fire perimeter. The excellent progress allowed Lake County to rescind the Level 1 evacuation notice tonight and firefighters will remain on scene to monitor fire activity before reengaging in suppression efforts in the morning.
The most important thing members of the public can do to help firefighters right now is to do their part to prevent human-caused fires. With an increasing number of acres on fire in the Pacific Northwest, fire and aviation resources are stretched thin. The public is reminded that we remain in EXTREME fire danger and public use restrictions are in place on all federally managed public lands. Do your part to prevent one more spark.
For up-to-date information on Central Oregon fires, visit www.centraloregonfire.org or www.twitter.com/CentralORFire
Updated Friday morning: Firefighters worked through the night on the Monty and Bean Creek Fires on the Sisters Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest. The Monty Fire is now estimated to be 7-8 acres and Bean Creek is estimated at 35 acres.
The Monty Fire is staffed with a Type 3 Incident Commander, three engines, a dozer and a water tender. Fire behavior was moderate overnight but firefighters will be looking for opportunities to construct containment line today with the assistance of a helicopter cooling hot spots. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 evacuation notice (Get Ready) for houses on Montgomery Shores on the Metolius Arm. The public is asked to stay out of the area with fire traffic and local residents only past Perry South Campground.
The Bean Creek Fire approximately one mile west of the Monty Fire, is staffed with two engines and a dozer but access in the area remains a challenge due to the steep, rugged terrain. Forecasted gusty winds out of the west could challenge firefighting efforts on both fires this afternoon. Crews will work to get every advantage they can in the morning and early afternoon to prepare for the 20=25 mph gusts that could increase fire behavior this afternoon.
The most important thing members of the public can do to help firefighters right now is to do their part to prevent human-caused fires. With an increasing number of acres on fire in the Pacific Northwest, fire and aviation resources are stretched thin. The public is reminded that we remain in EXTREME fire danger and public use restrictions are in place on all federally managed public lands. Do your part to prevent one more spark.
For up-to-date information on Central Oregon fires, visit www.centraloregonfire.org or www.twitter.com/CentralORFire
Updated Thursday: The Monty Fire is estimated to be 5 acres and the Bean Creek Fire is estimated to be 20 acres, both with active fire behavior and spotting. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 evacuation notice (Get Ready) for houses on Montgomery Shores on the Metolius Arm. The public is asked to stay out of the area with fire traffic and local residents only past Perry South Campground.
Rappellers are working Monty and smokejumpers are working Bean Creek with a hotshot crew expected to arrive early in the morning. Shortly after the fire was first reported, firefighting efforts on the ground were supported by a heavy helicopter.
The most important thing members of the public can do to help firefighters right now is to do their part to prevent human-caused fires. With an increasing number of acres on fire in the Pacific Northwest, fire and aviation resources are stretched thin. The public is reminded that we remain in EXTREME fire danger and public use restrictions are in place on all federally managed public lands. Do your part to prevent one more spark.
For up-to-date information on Central Oregon fires, visit www.centraloregonfire.org or www.twitter.com/CentralORFire
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Approved Oregon Evacuation Levels
LEVEL 1: A Level 1 Evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.
LEVEL 2: A Level 2 Evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate. YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
LEVEL 3: A Level 3 Evacuation means “GO” Evacuate NOW LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE Entry to evacuated areas may be denied until conditions are safe. Area radio and TV stations have been asked to broadcast periodic updates.
