Winds continued to be a factor overnight on the Substation Fire with gusts in the 35-mph range. Night shift on the fire did get some benefit as cool nighttime temperatures slowed the growth of the fire overnight. Crews worked through the night to protect homes and farmland. The fire is now 50, 246 acres and has no containment.
A Red flag warning persists through this evening, and high heat and strong winds are forecasted throughout the next several days and into the weekend. These factors, along with very dry grass, brush and agricultural fields will continue to challenge suppression efforts. Air resources will be available to support ground forces, with several types of air tankers able to scoop water out of the Columbia River, minimizing load and return time. More hand crews and fire engines continue to arrive to support both structure protection and wildland suppression.
Evacuations remain in place for large portions of Sherman County and updates are posted on the Sherman County Oregon Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. For information about this fire, there is also a Substation Fire – 2018 Facebook page and an information line has been set up for calls: (503) 597-8076.
Segments 3 and 4 on the Lower Deschutes River (Buckhollow to Heritage Landing) remain closed due to the fire burning on both sides of the river, and helicopters dipping in the river. The Sherman County Sheriff’s Office will lift this evacuation notice as soon as possible. Visitors with a boater permit for this stretch can use their permit in Segments 1 or 2 or wait to use their permit once the evacuation levels have been lifted. For more information about this, please contact the Prineville BLM at (541) 416-6700.
Highways have been intermittently closed due to the fire and travelers are advised to use ODOT Tripcheck prior to heading to the area to find out about any closures. https://www.tripcheck.com/
