Central Oregon – Higher temperatures but more moderate afternoon winds should help firefighters continue to make progress on the three large fires in Central Oregon today.
With more accurate mapping, the acreage on both fires on the Deschutes National Forest near Lake Billy Chinook have changed–the Monty Fire is 19 acres and the Bean Creek Fire is 138 acres. The Hole in the Ground Fire that started on the southern end of the Forest remains 310 acres this morning.
After a successful burnout operation to secure the northern portion of the Bean Creek Fire last night, firefights will continue working to complete the construction of preliminary containment lines around the fire perimeter today. Heavy helicopters will be available to cool hot spots and assist with mop-up operations as crews on the ground focus on securing the perimeter to increase containment, which remains at 10% this morning.
The Monty Fire to the northeast of the Bean Creek is now 85% lined. This fire area has numerous overhead hazards and firefighters will continue to mitigate that risk while working to achieve containment. A Level 1 evacuation notice (Get Ready) issued by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Officer remains in place for houses on Montgomery Shores on the Metolius Arm. The public is asked to stay out of the area. Monty Campground on the Sisters Ranger District remains closed.
The Hole in the Ground Fire is now 100% lined and today firefighters will work on holding and securing containment lines on the 310 acre fire approximately 1 ½ miles northeast of Hole in the Ground. The lightning caused fire was reported at 10:18 a.m. yesterday on the Deschutes National Forest and quickly grew to the southeast and is now burning on Lakeview District BLM managed lands.
The most important thing members of the public can do to help firefighters right now is to do their part to prevent human-caused fires. With an increasing number of acres on fire in the Pacific Northwest, fire and aviation resources are stretched thin. The public is reminded that we remain in EXTREME fire danger and public use restrictions are in place on all federally managed public lands. Do your part to prevent one more spark.
For up-to-date information on Central Oregon fires, visit or www.twitter.com/CentralORFire
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