Central Oregon – High temperatures and gusty winds tested firelines on the Tolo Mountain Fire burning on the Deschutes National Forest yesterday but the fire remains 41 acres and is now 20% contained.
Crews were able to hold firelines in breezy afternoon conditions yesterday and continued to secure the perimeter and achieve some containment. Firefighters disengaged from operations for their safety when a lightning storm passed through the area.
There’s a chance of afternoon thunderstorms over and around the fire area again today. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for abundant lightning north and northeast of the fire area. Fire managers are prepared for the potential that gusty winds associated with those thunderstorms might impact firefighting operations on the Tolo Mountain Fire today and tomorrow.
Firefighters will continue to lay hoses to plumb the entire perimeter and use water to mop up hot spots within 100 ft of the edge. This fire has spotted multiple times so firefighters will also ensure all spot fires are mopped up and will continue to search for spot fires outside of the perimeter. A skidgeon will also be working to secure spot fires in the more remote areas of the fire. A heavy helicopter remains assigned to the fire and is available to assist firefighting efforts as needed.
The Tolo Mountain Fire approximately three miles north of Cappy Mountain on the Crescent Ranger District was reported July 27, 2022 at 5:45 pm and is burning in heavy timber with a mix of standing dead and downed wood.
For up-to-date information on Central Oregon fires, visit www.twitter.com/CentralORFire
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