Boxcar Fire tops 100K acres but 85 percent contained

Here’s the Wednesday 9 a.m. update on the Boxcar Fire burning south of Maupin and the Jack Knife Fire along the John Day River:

Boxcar Fire: 100,207 acres Containment: 85% Reported: June 21, 7:48 a.m. Cause: Lightning

Jack Knife Fire: 15,676 acres Containment: 90% Reported: June 22, 8:11 a.m. Cause: Lightning

Maupin, Oregon – Despite gusty winds and low relative humidity yesterday, firefighters continued to improve containment lines and mop up. Estimated containment of the Boxcar Fire has increased to 85%, with 95% containment accomplished for the Jack Knife Fire. There was no significant growth of the fires yesterday. The small increase in acreage is due to more accurate mapping.

Crews and air resources are targeting any remaining hotspots near firelines, but mopping-up and patrolling are the major activities occurring today. Many resources are being released to support fire suppression efforts throughout the nation.

A local Type 3 Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Shannon Prather will shadow NWIMT #13 and begin managing the Boxcar Fire tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. The Jack Knife fire will enter patrol status. Unless conditions change, this will be the final daily Update specific to these fires. Fire information will continue to be available through the Central Oregon Fire Management Service, through the contact sites provided above.

Overall, smoke in the fire area is minimal, with few sources well within the fire’s perimeter. Areas along the South East flank continue to have some residual heat beneath juniper trees. Smoke will continue to decrease as fuels are consumed.

Today’s weather will be similar to yesterday (82 degrees), with an expected weak cold front moving in at 2:00 p.m., affecting weather conditions until approximately 10:00 p.m. Winds are anticipated to increase to 20 mph on the ridge tops and relative humidity will be less than 20%. Fire Behavior Analyst Dean Warner cautions that, “If any new fire is detected or created, rates of spread will be surprisingly fast. If fire establishes in concentrated fuel, expect fire to burn intensely.”

As summer progresses, raising temperatures and drying grass, brush and trees, we ask the community and visitors to stay particularly vigilant in being fire safe.

All roads in the vicinity of Maupin are open and the Deschutes River is open to recreation. When entering burned areas remember that hillsides can become unstable due to reduced vegetation. Rocks may dislodge and become a hazard along roadways. If precipitation occurs, flash flooding can move large amounts of soil and debris. Always be aware of potential hazards when moving through recently burned areas.

Closures:

A Level 1 Evacuation Notification continues to be in place for the area bounded by Hwy 97, Bakeoven Road, the Deschutes River, and the South Junction Road. Residents should be aware of the local wildfires and consider how they would evacuate should conditions change.