Wildland fire crews made great progress on the Alder Springs Fire Wednesday, increasing containment and securing the perimeter up to 50 feet around the entire fire. Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces continued their structure protection work in and around Crooked River Ranch. The fire is 3,278 acres and is now 21% contained.
Wednesday, crews worked the east flank of the fire from Crooked River Ranch to the Deschutes River continuing mop up and cooling hot spots deeper into the interior of the fire. The Texas Canyon Interagency Hotshot crew has been working hot spots in the steep canyon drainage, supported by helicopters dropping water on areas of more dense heat. R
Rappelers and smokejumpers focused on mopping up and extinguishing hot spots in the Carcass Canyon area while crews continued securing the perimeter from Whychus Creek north to the confluence with the Deschutes River. OSFM continued working around structures, extinguishing hotspots and conducting tactical patrols near previously threatened homes.
With increased containment and the presence of OSFM task force engines in Crooked River Ranch, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has lifted all Level 3 evacuation orders for the Alder Springs Fire and downgraded zones. Residents are encouraged to visit evacuation maps provided by each county for updated evacuation information. Please use caution returning to homes and neighborhoods because fire resources are still present and working in the area. Access to BLM-administered lands including the Steelhead Falls, Scout Camp and Otter Bench trailheads remains closed.
Thursday, firefighters will continue containment efforts by increasing mop up to 100 feet around the fire perimeter. While there will still be smoke on the interior of the fire area, crews will spend the day building off yesterday’s success with the assistance of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or “drones” that use heat sensing technology to more efficiently find heat close to the perimeter. This will allow firefighters to identify and prevent hot spots from rekindling in hot and windy weather to threaten containment.
With the immediate threat decreasing, OSFM has begun scaling back its response and is in the process of demobilizing some task forces, allowing them to return to their home communities. Meanwhile, today’s crews remain on the ground, continuing community surveys and assessing structures for safety and damage. OSFM remains committed to supporting local communities and coordinating efforts statewide as the situation evolves.
Evacuations: The Jefferson and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Offices have changed evacuation levels and there are no longer Level 3 (GO) evacuation orders in place. For more information on evacuation notices visit:
Deschutes County Evacuation Map: https://tinyurl.com/DeschutesCountyEmergency
Jefferson County Evacuation Map: https://tinyurl.com/JeffersonCountyEmergencyMap
