Current Status: Dufur, OR – As the fire cooled in the southeast portion of the fire, crews were reassigned to work through the night on mopping up hot spots and burning stumps, especially around structures in the north end of the fire. Firefighters are focused on mopping up 75-150 feet inward from the perimeter of the fire. It is estimated that there is approximately 50 miles of the fire perimeter. Much of the line is cool, with the heat concentrated north of the Hix and Friend Rd. areas.
The fire meteorologist is predicting hotter and windy conditions later this week. The more heat that firefighters can extinguish now lessens the threat of the fire rekindling in the future.
Firefighters are seeing “dust or ash devils.” This occurs when solar heating hits the ground and the unstable atmosphere creates a whirlwind. This is a concern to firefighters as the whirlwind can pick up hot burning embers and carry it over the fire line where a new fire could start outside the perimeter. Today’s weather conditions are such that the probability of ignition is high for a new start. Firefighters will diligently be watching both sides of the fire line.
Yesterday, resources were diverted from this incident to respond as initial attack on a new fire in Prineville named the Allen Fire. The fire was reported in the early afternoon and reported to be growing quickly. Three fire managers, one 20 person hand crew, two 5 person hand crews, four Type 6 engines, and two water tenders along with two black hawk helicopters were sent. This quick response kept the fire under 30 acres. It is currently 100% lined and in mop-up.
South Valley Evacuations and Structures:
Wasco County Sheriff lowered all evacuation areas to Level 1 as of Sunday, August 5 at 5:30 p.m. For details on evacuation orders visit Wasco County Sheriff’s Facebook page. Currently, there are no road closures in effect.
There are 212 homes threatened by the fire with 636 people under a Level 1 evacuation. Should the evacuation level change and shelter is needed, the Red Cross is available to provide shelter support to those displaced. Contact them at 1-888-680-1455.
The State Fire Marshal has stated that at least three primary structures and 15 outbuildings have been lost.
South Valley Quick Facts:
Containment – 60%
Acres – 20,026
Cause – Human-caused
Personnel on fire – 475
