Major progress on Boxcar, Jack Knife wildfires

(Update: New containment estimates for Boxcar, Jack Knife fires)

Despite heat and continued winds, firefighters made significant progress Sunday on containing an 87,000-acre wildfire south of Maupin and a 10,000-acre blaze near the John Day River, two of dozens of blazes apparently sparked by last week’s lightning.

By 7 p.m. Sunday, the Boxcar Fire that broke out late last week south of Maupin was at 47 percent containment, while the Jack Knife Fire was 65 percent contained.

Officials reported a roughly 200-acre spot fire that jumped the line on the eastern flank of the Boxcar Fire Sunday afternoon. Firefighters and aerial resources were working to suppress it and crews will be building new fire line through the night to get around it.

Burnout operations that are part of major air and ground effort to stop the wind-fanned wildfire near Maupin merged the Boxcar Fire with the more recent South Junction Fire on Saturday, causing the blaze to grow to an estimated 87,000 acres, officials said earlier Sunday.

Here’s the 9 a.m. Sunday update on the Boxcar Fire, as well as the Jack Knife Fire burning to the east along the John Day River:

Firefighters, with assistance from Rural Fire Protection Association (RFPA), local ranchers, and aerial resources, completed several burnout operations Saturday, halting fire spread in several areas.

The Boxcar Fire is estimated to be 87,000 acres, including the previously referenced South Junction Fire that has merged into it. A burnout operation was completed along Bakeoven Road and fire line was constructed on the southeast edge of Maupin using bulldozers.

Air tankers laid down retardant and helicopters dropped water on hot spots to help secure these lines.

Fire backed down to the Deschutes River access road on the western flank of the fire, crossing the road and burning into the Harpham Flat campground and day use area. There was no infrastructure damage to Harpham, although visitors should use caution and avoid burned areas, as there could be hot ashes left by burned stumps or rocks.

Central Oregon fire officials showed on their Twitter feed Sunday photos of the fire’s aftermath at the Harpham Flat recreation site and added, “Glad the picnic tables are concrete.”

Firefighters were able to halt fire spread to the south by burning along the South Junction Road from Shaniko Junction to South Junction Campground on the Deschutes River. They were also able to use Highway 197 as a containment line from Shaniko Junction to Criterion, keeping the fire west of the highway as the South Junction Fire joined the Boxcar.

The RFPA continues working to stop progression of the fire to the east, preserving important grazing resources.

More information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5862/

Firefighters on the Jack Knife Fire, approximately 10,000 acres, 11 miles southeast of Grass Valley, were able to stop eastward progress of the fire at the John Day River. They have constructed and are improving containment lines at Wilson Point on the north edge of the Fire and Adobe Point on the south. The fire’s western edge is bounded by disked agricultural fields.

Officials warned that Sunday’s burnout operations on the north side of the fire could cause smoke impacts on Highway 97 in areas between Grass Valley and Kent and potentially further south. Motorists should turn on their lights and drive more slowly if smoke impacts their visibility.

Sunday’s weather will be hot and dry with temperatures in the mid-90s and relative humidity below 20 percent. Although Monday’s weather is forecast to be much cooler (in the 70’s), the weather change will arrive with strong 20-25 mph north-northeast winds blowing from about 10 pm and through the night.

Closures:

· The Deschutes River remains open for boating and recreation. Camping is discouraged between Trout Creek and Maupin including the following camping and day use sites: Harpham Flat, Long Bend, Wapinitia and Devil’s Canyon. Boat ramps are still open for launching and takeout, but vehicles should not be parked at the launch sites and a shuttle service should be utilized.

· On the John Day River, river miles 68 through 55 are closed to camping.

· Level 1 evacuation is in place for the area bounded by Hwy 97, Hwy 216, the Deschutes River, and the South Junction Road. Residents are encouraged to be aware of the threat in their area and prepare for evacuation should conditions change.