FIRE ALERT: Level 1 evacuations in effect for Prospect Fire west of Culver
UPDATE: New information, November 9
Right now, crews are focused on mop-up efforts at the Prospect Fire west of Culver, after the wildfire threatened homes near Lake Billy Chinook over the weekend.
The fire was first reported Saturday morning, near the 6800 block of SW Prospect View Drive. Crews initially found about five to ten acres burning, but it quickly grew to more than 200 acres.
At least 15 to 20 structures were reportedly threatened, prompting a Level 2 evacuation warning for parts of the Three Rivers area.
Now, firefighters are working to secure the fire perimeter.
Heavy debris is being moved about 200 feet into the burned area, where it will be allowed to burn out completely. Smoke may still be visible as that process continues.
Crews will also conduct daily patrols, watching for hot spots near the fire line and around structures.
The cause remains under investigation.
UPDATE: Information from Lake Chinook Fire & Rescue:
Good evening,
At approximately 10:44 a.m. this morning, Lake Chinook Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported grass and brush fire near Cascade View Lane.
Lake Chinook Fire & Rescue initially responded with two engines, one Type 6 engine, and one Type 3 engine. Upon arrival, crews encountered an estimated 5–10 acres actively burning, with a moderate rate of spread through predominantly light, flashy fuels and juniper vegetation.
Mutual aid resources were immediately requested from Jefferson County Fire & EMS, Warm Springs Fire & Safety, Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue, Cloverdale, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
Due to the rapidly escalating fire activity, the incident quickly expanded into a regional wildland fire task force activation, bringing additional resources from throughout Deschutes County.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of the agencies and personnel who responded and assisted with today’s incident:
* Jefferson County Fire & EMS
* Warm Springs Fire & Safety
* Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue
* Redmond Fire & Rescue
* Bend Fire & Rescue
* Cloverdale
* Sisters-Camp Sherman
* Black Butte Ranch Fire Department
* La Pine Rural Fire Protection District
* Alfalfa Fire District
* Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
* Oregon Department of Forestry – Central Oregon District
* U.S. Wildland Fire Service Northwest (Sisters Ranger District)
* Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office
The coordination, professionalism, and dedication demonstrated by all responding agencies played an important role in today’s fire suppression efforts. We are grateful for the strong partnerships that make these coordinated responses possible.
CURRENT FIRE STATUS
Crews have established dozer lines around the fire and will remain engaged throughout the night and into tomorrow, continuing suppression efforts and monitoring fire activity.
As of this evening, the Prospect Fire is estimated at approximately 200 acres.
The specific cause of the fire remains under investigation.
We would also like to recognize Steve Hoffeditz and Shane Rice for quickly stepping in and assisting with fire suppression efforts. We extend our appreciation to the several other community members who also stepped up to help. We apologize for not obtaining everyone’s names, but your assistance and willingness to help are greatly appreciated.
Finally, we apologize for the delay in providing a public update. Our immediate priorities were life safety, protecting property, and coordinating fire suppression operations. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding.
Please continue to use caution in the area and give emergency personnel the space they need to safely conduct operations.
Thank you to our mutual aid partners, first responders, and community members for coming together when it matters most.
Levi Horn
Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue
Prevention and Mitigation Captain
UPDATE: Information from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
With hot spots near structures and fire personnel still in the area, the zone Lake Billy Chinook 2 Red Purple will remain in a level 2 throughout the evening. We will reassess the progress in the morning and update from there.
UPDATE: Information from Watch Duty.
The fire is now 200 acres and dozer line is being put in on the west flank, per Incident Command.
UPDATE: Information from Watch Duty.
The fire is 30-40 acres and has been named the “Prospect Fire,” per Incident Command. Additional resources continue to arrive on scene.
UPDATE: Information from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
There has been a fire reported in Three Rivers for the zone of Lake Billy Chinook 2, red purple. There are fire resources on the way. Everbridge alerts have been sent. At this time, we are unable to get the zone updated in the map. However, the link is below to see if you fall in that zone. Please try and avoid the area if possible.
CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A vegetation fire burning in Jefferson County west of Culver has prompted a Level 2 Evacuation Notice.
According to our partners at Watch Duty, the fire is burning near the 6800 Block of SW Prospect View Dr, W of The Cove Palisades State Park.
This is a developing story. Stay with the platforms of KTVZ News for urgent updates.
