40,000-acre Warm Springs fire now 60 pct. contained

Nearly 450 firefighters have brought the now-40,000-acre Nena Springs Fire on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation to 60 percent containment, and improved conditions stopped its growth Sunday, officials said Monday.

Here’s the Monday morning update from fire officials:

A little bit of rain and a lot of hard work kept the Nena Springs Fire from growing on Sunday . The cooler and damp weather prevented firefighters from doing any burnout operations, but the conditions allowed them to safely address significant parts of the uncontained perimeter. Structure protection resources are making good progress around the communities of Simnasho, Mutton Mountain and Indian Head Canyon to assure that no more structures are lost.

Firefighters made good progress around the southern edge of the recent growth of the fire into the Deschutes River Canyon. In some areas crews put in fire line and in other areas a technique called cold trailing was used. Cold-trailing involves using bare hands to feel along the edge of the fire to assure that no heat remains.

With the change in weather and strong westerly winds on Sunday , air quality has greatly improved in the area.

Today ‘s Operations:
Overnight, crews mopped-up areas near the fire’s perimeter, especially near homes and structures. That work will continue today . Several crews are spiked-out near the northern edge of the fire to secure the line along the fire’s edge from Nena Creek east to the Deschutes River.

If conditions are right, firefighters may decide to carefully burnout some small areas near the perimeter on the eastern side of the fire today . This may create new visible smoke for a short period of time.

As progress continues toward containment, some of the crews, engines, and heavy equipment are being released from this incident and being made available for other fires in the region.

Evacuations
All Level 3 evacuation notices have been canceled. The Kah-Nee-Ta Resort, the Fish Hatchery Grade area, the Charlie Canyon Subdivision and Wolf Point remain at a Level 1 evacuation notice. The Schoolie Flat, Simnasho, and S-300 subdivisions are all at Level 2, however only residents will be allowed in at this time. Due to lack of need, the Red Cross shelter at the Warm Springs Community Center has closed.

Road Closures
The S-300 Road and Highway 3 remain closed to non-residents to allow fire traffic to safely patrol the area.

Travel Safely
Public schools open today . The public and fire personnel are being asked to please drive cautiously, especially on Hwy 3 between Warm Springs and the Kah-Nee-Ta Resort.

Preventing New Fires
Even with the recent showers and cooler temperatures, vegetation in the area remains extremely flammable. Please be careful with activities that could create a spark starting a new fire. Avoid driving vehicles in areas with tall grass or brush.

FIRE INFORMATION
Office: (541) 460-7525
Email: NenaFire2017@gmail.com
InciWeb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5489
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTWSFireMgt/