The Source For Comprehensive Fire, Health, And Air Quality Information In Central Oregon

Despite gusty winds yesterday, cooler weather helped firefighters continue to build and improve containment lines. Estimated containment for the Boxcar Fire has increased to 60% and for the Jack Knife Fire to 80%.

FINAL NEWS RELEASE. After three days with no additional perimeter growth and well-established control lines, the ODF Incident Management Team 2 will be handing management of the Graham Fire back to Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District Wednesday morning. Control lines around the fire’s perimeter have been mopped up to at least 50 feet. However, local residents may still expect to see occasional smoke from pockets of unburnt fuel smoldering in the fire’s interior. If residents see flames or spot fires they are advised to call 911.

Strong containment lines and diligent mop-up operations have kept the perimeter of the Graham Fire in check. After two days with no new fire growth, the Jefferson County Sherriff has lowered the evacuation level to 1 (READY) and allowing residents to return to their homes. The fire has burned 2,175 acres and estimated at 65% containment.

Firefighters have accomplished significant containment on both the Boxcar and Jack Knife Fires, burning south and east of Maupin in Wasco and Sherman Counties.  Estimated containment for the Boxcar Fire is 47% and for the Jack Knife Fire is 65%.

Good progress has been made to secure firelines on Boxcar and Jack Knife Fires. Firefighters, with assistance from Rural Fire Protection Association (RFPA), local ranchers, and aerial resources, completed several burnout operations yesterday, halting fire spread in several areas.