Destructive Graham Fire declared controlled

Last month’s Graham Fire that burned two homes and prompted evacuation of the Three Rivers subdivision west of Culver was declared fully controlled as of 6 p.m. Sunday, officials said, offering thanks to those who assisted and a reminder to all about defensible space.

The nearly 2,100-acre fire destroyed two homes and several outbuildings, but crews who rushed to the scene kept the losses from being far worse.

Here’s a news release from Lake Chinook Fire Chief Don Colfels:

“As of 6:00 pm, the Graham Fire is now controlled, A controlled fire is when the completion of control line around a fire, any spot fires therefrom, and any interior islands to be saved; burned out any unburned area adjacent to the fire side of the control lines; and cool down all hotspots that are immediate threats to the control line, until the lines can reasonably be expected to hold under the foreseeable conditions.

“The fire is now in patrol status. Interior smoke, that is any smoke well inside the control line, may be seen for some time into the future.

“Chief Colfels and Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue would like to extend its thanks to our volunteers, the Forest Service, Oregon Dept of Forestry, Central Oregon Fire Chiefs and our fantastic local task force 1 and 2 for their heroism and dedication during initial attack stopping the forward progression of the fire.

“We would also like to thank our State’s Fire Marshal Chief Walker, his staff and the Oregon Green Team, Incident Management Team for probably their fastest mobilization ever to provide structure protection and to relieve our local resources.

“A special thanks goes out to The Oregon Dept of Forestry’s Team 2 and all their crews for their relentless efforts during mop-up. And to the local ODF district for hanging tough and digging out all those lingering smoke.

“Fire season has just begun! Will your property survive the next wildfire?? Find out at http://www.lakechinookfireandrescue.org/lifesafety/risk.php“