Allen Creek Fire fully contained at 27 acres

The 27-acre Allen Creek Fire that broke out Sunday about 10 miles north of Prineville is now fully contained, the Oregon Department of Forestry reported Tuesday.

Crews’ work Monday focused on finding and extinguishing heat and flames adjacent to the fire line to keep the fire inside the existing perimeter. In many areas, they were able to mop-up more than 100 feet into the interior of the fire.

With a forecast of increasing heat this week, fire managers said they are focusing efforts on the fire to ensure that the fire will not rekindle or move outside containment lines.

Gordon Foster, Prineville Unit forester, commented on the great work from firefighters on Allen Creek: “Crews did some great work today. Although fuels were light, they worked hard throughout the day to ensure good containment.”

Monday night’s shift included two 5-person crews and one engine, these resources used infrared cameras to detect heat sources underground. These “hot spots” are identified so crews can follow up with water and tools to extinguish the burning material.

On Tuesday, two 20-person crews, four engines, and two tenders were continuing mop-up activities. Fire managers said they are looking to have 100 percent of mop-up completed for the fire by end of shift on Wednesday. Aircraft is available to support the fire if needed. The fire will continue to be in patrol status after the mop-up work is complete.

Reported around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, the fire burned primarily grass and brush on steep and rocky terrain near Allen Creek Road in northwest Crook County. Heavy use of aircraft and a surge of ground resources during initial attack checked the spread of the fire at about 27 acres. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.