Winds push Warm Springs fire over lines, tops 66,000 acres
Two weeks after it broke out, the County Line 2 Fire on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation spotted across containment lines in Shitike Canyon on Wednesday, making uphill runs through heavy timber as it grew to more than 66,000 acres, officials said Thursday.
The estimated date for full containment, which was sought by Friday, has been pushed back from Friday to next Monday, officials said late Monday. Despite that, the 562 personnel still had the fire 70 percent contained.
Crews were continuing structure protection and working to build new fire lines in Shitike Canyon and the surrounding area. Officials said the fire could burn over Shitike Butte Lookout, so they are looking for another place to build line in the canyon, trying to use roads and new line to control the fire spread.
More wind is predicted over the weekend, but with cooler temperatures and possible rain.
Here’s Thursday morning’s fire update:
The Oregon Incident Management Team #1 (Shawn Sheldon, IC) continues to manage the County Line 2 Fire.
Shawn Sheldon, IC commended crews and fire personnel on their diligence to uphold the two top objectives of this fire. 1) Safety of firefighters and the public and 2) continued protection of homes/structures of the public.
Crews continue to monitor, mop-up and patrol fire on north, east, and southeast perimeters. Due to extreme dry conditions and winds, everyone is asked to monitor any actions that could cause fires.
On Wednesday, extreme fire behavior and dry fuels caused the fire to push past containment lines in Shitike Canyon. Fire is burning outside containment lines at the west end of Shitike Canyon, spots north of containment line, and spots south of P500 Road. Helicopter bucket drops and previous installed hose lay is being used to suppress spots.
The fire was down two Helicopters due to mechanical issues. With the extreme fire behavior and lack of air resources, crews were not able to hold the fire within previous containment lines.
Personnel are reevaluating future containment lines and holding lines not breached by the fire.
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs would like to thank everyone for all their donations. They now have more physical donations than is needed. If anyone is interested in giving monetary donations, there is an account set up at: County Line 2 Fire Relief Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Finance Department PO Box C Warm Springs, OR 97761 The monetary donations will go to assist with displaced families affected by this fire.
Temperatures today forecast to be in the mid 80s; relative humidity 20-25 percent; west winds 5-8 mph. There is still a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms across the area through Friday.
ire Information
Phone: 541-553-8190
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4533/
Fire at a Glance
Size: 66,216
Containment: 70%
Assigned personnel: 562
Aircraft:
1 Type II (530 gallon)
1 Type III (70)
Location: Warm Springs, OR
Closures: None at this time.
Evacuation Notifications:
Level and Area
1
All areas of the Warm Springs Reservation with the exception of Tenino Road.
2
Tenino Road-Mile Post 1 through Mile Post 7
Road closed for local and fire fighter traffic only. (Signage in place)
3
None
