Over 200 firefighters are now working the Cemetery Fire burning east of Prineville in the Maury Mountains. Resources from the Forest Service, BLM and Oregon Dept. of Forestry are working with private landowners, contract resources and the Post-Paulin Rural Fire Protection District to slow the spread of this fire. Single engine air tankers, a heavy air tanker, and helicopters provided support to ground forces working through hot, windy conditions today. The fire is estimated at 1,300 acres this evening.
A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Team 8, IC Doug Johnson) is preparing to assume command of the fire tomorrow morning. This larger team will be better situated to manage the large number of resources committed to this incident.
The Red Flag Warning for high temps, low relative humidity and wind continues into tomorrow, extending the challenges that firefighters faced today. Crews will work overnight to make as much progress as possible while fire behavior decreases and temps are cooler. There are no closures in place at this time; however, people should avoid using roads on the east side of the Maury’s as heavy fire traffic is in the area.
Cemetery Fire, July 16, evening view from Crooked River. Fire staff photo
