Wasco County’s Miller Road Fire grows to 10,500 acres, zero containment, prompts evacuations, alerts, Conflagration Act
(Update: Fire now 2,000 acres; Highway 216 reopens)
MAUPIN, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The wind-driven Miller Road Fire that broke out Tuesday in the Juniper Flat area of Wasco County, about 13 miles southwest of Maupin, prompting evacuations and alerts, has already raced across an estimated 10,500 acres, with zero containment, Wasco County authorities said Wednesday afternoon.
About 123 personnel were on the fire Wednesday, including a half-dozen task forces from across the state. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Here's the official update:
Miller Road Fire Update
Wednesday, August 3, 2022 2:30 p.m.
OSFM Blue Team Scott Magers, Incident Commander
Miller Road Fire Information: (503) 974-4699 (8am - 6pm)
Email: osfm.fireinformation@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMillerRoadFire
Wasco County, OR – The Miller Road fire was reported on Tuesday,
August 2, 2022 in an area about 13 miles southwest of Maupin, OR.
Juniper Flat Rural Fire Protection District began initial attack.
Mutual Aid was requested: Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF),
Lane County Task Force 1, Klickitat County Fire District and Hood
River Fire responded and worked throughout the night. They were
able to slow forward progression.
Governor Kate Brown initiated the Emergency Conflagration Act on
8/2/22. OSFM Incident Management Blue Team began managing
the fire on 8/3/22. Five Structure Task Forces and one hand crew
were deployed on the fire. The responding agencies include
Yamhill, Polk, Lane County 7, Columbia, Clackamas and Clatsop
Counties. They joined day operations with Juniper Flat RFPD and
ODF at 0900 hours.
This is a wind-driven fire. The fire is burning in heavy dry fuels
including grass, shrubs and juniper. The crews are currently
evaluating snags along the perimeter of the fire and along Hwy 216.
The primary focus is protecting structures and attacking the east
and south flank.
As of this update, Hwy 216 is now open to traffic. We encourage
the public to be mindful of increased heavy fire equipment in the
area.
Dry conditions will persist today and this evening. Temperatures will
range between 94-97, with low humidity; west winds 8-15 mph with
gusts of 22-mph. Minimal relative humidity recovery overnight.
An evacuation shelter has been established at the Dufur High
School, 802 NE 5th Street.
Wasco County Sheriff’s Office evacuation details can be found by
visiting https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.
--
Tuesday information:
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Gov. Kate Brown late Tuesday invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the Miller Road/Dodge Fire burning near the community of Juniper Flats in Wasco County. The fire sparked Tuesday afternoon and is burning grass, brush, and juniper; it was estimated Wednesday morning at 2,000 acres in size.
The Wasco County Sheriff has issued Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders for homes near the fire, including a Level 2 "Get Set" alert for Tygh Valley.
ODOT said Oregon Highway 216 was closed Tuesday from the junction with U.S. 197 to Pine Grove (milepost 26-13) due to the wildfire and urged motorists to use an alternate route; the highway was open again Wednesday morning.
Local and mutual aid resources are on scene working to slow the fire's progress, and a Lane County task force, which was pre-positioned in Deschutes County, is headed to the fire.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Blue Incident Management Team will assume command Wednesday morning and will work to bring in five additional task forces through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System (OFMAS) from counties around Oregon to assist in the response. Additional responding agencies at this time include Juniper Flats Fire District, Klickatat County (Washington) Fire District, and Hood River Fire.
"I have invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to make more state resources available to the fire crews on the front lines in Wasco County at the Miller Road/Dodge Fire," said Governor Brown. "With many fires actively burning across the state and several weeks of peak fire season ahead of us, I am urging all Oregonians to be prepared and do their part to help prevent wildfires — just one spark can light a fire that will quickly spread. Please continue to follow local and statewide fire prevention regulations and share what you know with others. Every fire we prevent helps us keep our communities and firefighters safe, and our natural resources protected."
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Brown determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The Governor's declaration cleared the way for the State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire and further support a coordinated response.
Additional updates for the incident may be accessed at:
- Oregon State Fire Marshal Facebook page
- Wasco County Sheriff's Office Facebook page
Information on wildfire prevention and preparedness may be accessed at:
