Quick Facts - Fire Summary
 

Start Date: 8/17/2020 
Cause: Lightning 
Incident Commander: Noel Livingston, Pacific Northwest Team 3
Approximate Size: 16,356 acres 
Containment: 10% 
Total Personnel: 758
Approximate Distance:  8 miles from Maupin/7 miles from Tygh Valley 

Resources on the Fire: 
10 crews
85 engines 
8 dozers 
17 water tenders
9 helicopters 

Cooperating Agencies:
Wasco County Sheriff
Wasco County Emergency Management
NTSB/FAA

Weather and Fire Behavior:  Hot and dry weather conditions with temperatures in the 90’s and lower humidities will impact fuels along the fire perimeters and unburned islands in the fire interior. An afternoon low pressure system will bring in winds gusting into the 20’s from the west/northwest that could result in single tree torching and spotting outside the perimeter. Active fire behavior is expected throughout the entire day as seasonal temperatures combined with extreme drought will keep fuels receptive to ignitions.

Last 24 hours:  Crews continued efforts to prepare for possible burn out operations in heavy timbered areas along the southwestern perimeter of the fire. Established dozer lines are holding, keeping fire from reaching the highway.  Firefighters continued to perform mop up and patrolled along the fires northwest edge as fire perimeters were reinforced. Conditions aligned overnight, allowing crews to successfully accomplish a burn out operation along the southwestern fire perimeter north of Bear Springs. Over 50 families attended a public meeting in Wamic learning more about ongoing fire suppression efforts. Go to the White River Fire Facebook www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFire to watch a recording of the meeting.

Today’s Activities: As of 6:00 a.m. this morning Highway 216 has reopened. Drivers are encouraged to drive cautiously through the area as engines and crews are still actively working along the highway. Firefighters will monitor and hold the line from last night’s successful burnout operations along the southwestern edge of the fire. Crews and heavy equipment will continue constructing control lines and improving existing containment lines. Structure protection resources continue monitoring and mop up around property. Along the eastern perimeter, crews and aircraft will continue to hold the spread of the fire and are working towards increased containment.

Evacuations:  The Wasco County Sheriff has issued evacuation notices. For the most up-to-date information on the evacuation notices please visit the Wasco County Sheriff Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff) and an interactive map can be found at https://arcg.is/1janHC

Wasco County residents are encouraged to register for Wasco County Citizen Alert at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612392#/login All emergency information including evacuations will be distributed through the citizen alert system.

FOR ADDITIONAL FIRE INFORMATION:

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7013      

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFire

Email:  2020.whiteriver@firenet.gov    

Fire Information: 541-604-8582

NOTICE: Firefighters intend to implement a burn operation late afternoon today (Tuesday, Sept 1) and into the evening as conditions allow. 
The burn out will occur north of Bear Springs on the southwest portion of the White River Fire and is expected to create increased smoke in the area.
Success of this burn will be a key factor in downgrading of the existing Level 3 evacuation status as soon as safety allows.

"West winds over the fire area today will keep smoke on the east side of Mt. Hood." See below for today's smoke outlook

Quick Facts - Fire Summary
 

Start Date: 8/17/2020 
Cause: Lightning 
Incident Commander: Noel Livingston, Pacific Northwest Team 3
Approximate Size: 15,411 acres 
Containment: 10% 
Total Personnel: 1,188
Approximate Distance:  8 miles from Maupin/7 miles from Tygh Valley 

Resources on the Fire: 
32 crews 
63 engines 
8 dozers 
17 water tenders 8
helicopters 

Cooperating Agencies:
Wasco County Sheriff
Wasco County Emergency Management
NTSB/FAA
 

Weather and Fire Behavior:  Increased weather instability combined with warm and dry conditions will impact fuels across the fire throughout the day and into the evening, particularly along fire perimeters and unburned islands in the fire interior. Temperatures will reach into the high 80’s-low 90’s. Terrain driven fire activity will continue to push growth, with flanking and short-range spotting expected along the southern perimeter.

Last 24 hours:  Firefighting efforts took advantage of the break in weather to make progress in securing lines and suppressing fire. Hotshot crews were able to construct a line in the canyon all the way down to the river edge. Established dozer lines continued to hold, keeping fire from reaching the highway.  Crews continue to perform mop up and patrolled along fire lines as fire perimeters were reinforced along the western edge.  Crews were using natural features to assist with suppression efforts and performed mop up around structures. Over 250 new resources were added to aid in fire suppression efforts. Overnight resources continue to patrol and work on hot spots.

Today’s Activities: Crews and heavy equipment will continue constructing control lines and improving existing containment lines. Along the western edge firefighters will continue to perform mop up and patrol operations from the road to the river.  If weather, humidity and fuel moisture levels are in alignment with safety procedures and protocols burnouts will happen along the south western edge of the fire. As Oregon State Fire Marshal crews transition home a structure group of incident resources has been formed to continue with structure mop up and protection.  Along the eastern perimeter, crews and aircraft continue to hold the spread of the fire and are working towards increased containment. Crews will continue efforts to prepare for possible burnout operations in heavy timbered areas.

Oregon State Fire Marshal: Thanks to improved weather and the hard work of crews, the danger to structures has diminished significantly allowing the OSFM task forces to return to their home departments. Their unified approach with all teams and local resources allowed for a sharing of additional levels of intelligence and experience.

Evacuations:  The Wasco County Sheriff has issued evacuation notices. For the most up-to-date information on the evacuation notices please visit the Wasco County Sheriff Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff) and an interactive map can be found at https://arcg.is/1janHC

Wasco County residents are encouraged to register for Wasco County Citizen Alert at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612392#/login All emergency information including evacuations will be distributed through the citizen alert system.

FOR ADDITIONAL FIRE INFORMATION:

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7013      

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFire

Email:  2020.whiteriver@firenet.gov    

Fire Information: 541-604-8582

 Quick Facts - Fire Summary
 

Start Date: 8/17/2020 
Cause: Lightning 
Incident Commander: Noel Livingston, Pacific Northwest Team 3 and Ian Yocum, Office of State Fire Marshal Red Team 
Approximate Size: 15,418 acres 
Containment: 10% 
Total Personnel: 937 
Approximate Distance:  8 miles from Maupin/7 miles from Tygh Valley 

Resources on the Fire: 
17 crews 
55 engines 
8 dozers 
17 water tenders 
9 helicopters 

Cooperating Agencies:
Wasco County Sheriff
Wasco County Emergency Management
NTSB/FAA
 

Weather and Fire Behavior:  A weak cold front will pass over the fire area with increased cloud cover bringing higher relative humidity today. Temperatures will remain in the mid-70s. Terrain driven fire activity will continue to push growth, with flanking and short-range spotting expected along the southern perimeter.

Last 24 hours:  Yesterday was a successful day for firefighters. Along the eastern perimeter, crews and aircraft were able to hold the spread of the fire and are working towards increased containment. Fire managers were able to fly over the fire within White River canyon and identify areas where they have the best opportunity for crews to safely engage and limit the spread out of the canyon allowing crews to establish containment lines in the canyon. To the south heavy equipment and crews worked to connect and secure containment lines.

Today’s Activities:  A limited burn out operation is planned for today on the southwestern edge of the fire. Burn outs are used to improve and secure control lines by consuming the available fuel between the active fire edge and the control lines with low intensity fire. This operation will be supported by crews, engines, heavy equipment and aircraft. Firefighters, in coordination with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s team will continue to provide structure protection to the south and east sides of the fire, assessing damage and mitigating threats to property and structures. Crews and heavy equipment will be constructing control lines and improving existing containment lines.   

Oregon State Fire Marshal: Yesterday, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s resources worked to extinguish hot spots and ensure that fire was kept clear of vulnerable homes. Crews also patrolled along fire lines and supported burnout operations as fire perimeters were reinforced. Thanks to improved weather and the hard work of crews, the danger to structures has diminished significantly. This will allow four of the OSFM task forces to return to their home departments. Two will leave in the morning and two in the afternoon.

Evacuations:  The Wasco County Sheriff has issued evacuation notices. For the most up-to-date information on the evacuation notices please visit the Wasco County Sheriff Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff) and an interactive map can be found at https://arcg.is/1janHC

Wasco County residents are encouraged to register for Wasco County Citizen Alert at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612392#/login All emergency information including evacuations will be distributed through the citizen alert system.

FOR ADDITIONAL FIRE INFORMATION:

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7013      

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFire

Email:  2020.whiteriver@firenet.gov    

Fire Information: 541-604-8582

Incident Commander Trainee Johnson advised "today's conditions will be more favorable for firefighting" during our morning video briefing.  Tune in to www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFire at 4:30 p.m. today (August 30th) for a LIVE update from fire personnel and cooperating agencies.  You do not need a Facebook account to participate.
We hope to see you there!

Yesterday, air quality monitors in the Columbia River continued to record “good” conditions in the forecast area.  West winds over the fire area today should move smoke to the east.  Models show impacts from smoke due to the White River Fire will continue to be local and southeast of the fire.

QUICK FACTS – FIRE SUMMARY

Start Date:  8/17/2020

Approx. Size: 14,391 acres

Incident Commander: Noel Livingston, Pacific Northwest Team 3 and Ian Yocum, Office of State Fire Marshal Red Team

Total Personnel: 781
Resources on the Fire:
18 Crews 

Containment: 10%

Cooperating Agencies:

Wasco Co. Sheriff

Wasco Co. Emergency Management

NTSB/FAA

14 miles from Maupin

 7  miles from Tygh Valley

Weather and Fire Behavior:  Temperatures and winds will moderate considerably today. Relative humidity is expected to be between the mid-teens and mid-twenties. Despite the cooler temperatures, extreme drought conditions still exist across the area. Fuels are very dry and the fire is moving quickly through the open grasses and fields.

Last 24 hours:  The east side of the fire saw significant fire activity both on the north and south corners, beginning early in the morning and continuing throughout the day. The fire followed the White River canyon, burning actively and making runs up and out of the canyon and spotting on the south side of the river. As the fire transitioned into the fine grasses it moved rapidly towards Juniper Flat where crews and engines worked to provide structure protection. Both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters were able to work the north and south sides of the fire, supporting crews on the ground with water and retardant. On the west side of the fire, crews continued to patrol and hold the containment lines on both the north and south edges. Overnight firefighters remained focused on structure protection and monitoring the progress of the fire in White River Canyon. Despite the challenging weather and fire behavior, there have been no structures damaged or lost.

Today’s Activities:  Firefighters will continue to provide structure protection on both the south and east portions of the fire while also assessing any threats to the values at risk, including residence. If conditions allow, both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters will be working along the fire perimeter.  On the west side of the fire crews will continue line construction, holding and improving containment around the perimeter. Fire managers will be evaluating options for controlling the fire on the south side of the White River corridor, while also continuing to support structure protection along side the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s team. 

Oregon State Fire Marshal: Yesterday, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Task Forces and our partners were busy protecting structures from fire that in some cases burned right up to the foundations. Firefighters were either able to extinguish the fire or guide it away from the homes. Local volunteer firefighters played a big role in protecting the community. Overnight and tomorrow firefighters will be out again working minimize this fire’s impact.

Evacuations:  Notices are available on the Wasco County Sheriff Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff) and an interactive map can be found at https://arcg.is/1janHC

Wasco County residents are encouraged to register for Wasco County Citizen Alert at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612392#/login All emergency information including evacuations will be distributed through the citizen alert system.
 

LEVEL 3 – GO  

All residences on Smock Road west of the intersection of Smock Road and Ayres Road to include all residences on Ayres Road and on Barber Lane and Barlow Road have now been placed on Level 3 GO Evacuation Notice.

Pine Grove and all of Juniper Flat area to Hwy 197

LEVEL 2 – GET SET

The area from Woodcock Rd to Driver Rd to the intersection of Smock and Ayres Rd to include Muller Rd.

Level 2 Get SET for the area east of HWY 197 to include Old Wapinita to include all of Oak Springs Rd to the Deschutes River

LEVEL 1 – GET READY

Sportsman's Park, Pine Hollow, Wamic, all of Tygh Valley to Pine Hollow, west side Hwy 197, to include the beginning of Badge Creek Rd, Fairgrounds Rd to the Intersection of Shadybrook and Fairgrounds Rd going east to Hwy 197, includes Davidson Grade Rd, Tygh valley Rd, Wamic Market Rd and Ross Road.

City of Maupin West side of the Deschutes to include all roads up to Old Wapinita/ HWY 197 intersection.

 
Area Closures:  Forest closure exists on the Mt. Hood National Forest. For updated forest closures associated with the White River Fire, including road, trail and recreation sites please check: www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/mthood/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5191108&width=full

FOR ADDITIONAL FIRE INFORMATION:

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7013      

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFire

Email:  2020.whiteriver@firenet.gov    

Fire Information: 541-604-8582

Visit the Wasco County Sheriff's Office Facebook page for official evacuation updates: www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff

Evacuation Areas and levels as of 08/29/20 11:30 p.m.:

LEVEL  3 GO: All residences on Smock Road west of the intersection of Smock Road and Ayres Road to include all residences on Ayres Road and on Barber Lane and Barlow Road have now been placed on Level 3 GO Evacuation Notice.

LEVEL 3 GO: All of Juniper Flat area to Hwy 197.

LEVEL 2 GET SET: for the area from Woodcock Rd to Driver Rd to the intersection of Smock and Ayres Rd to include Muller Rd.

LEVEL 2 GET SET: for the area east of HWY 197 to include Old Wapinita to include all of Oak Springs Rd to the Deschutes River.

LEVEL 1 GET READY: for the area of Sportsman's Park, Pine Hollow, Wamic, all of Tygh Valley to Pine Hollow, west side Hwy 197, to include the beginning of Badge Creek Rd, Fairgrounds Rd to the Intersection of Shadybrook and Fairgrounds Rd going east to Hwy 197, includes Davidson Grade Rd, Tygh valley Rd, Wamic Market Rd and Ross Road.

LEVEL 1 GET READY: for the City of Maupin West side of the Deschutes to include all roads up to Old Wapinita/ HWY 197 intersection.

Predicted winds pushed the fire toward the east today, resulting in changes to evacuation levels.  No structures were lost.  Firefighters were supported by helicopters as they provided structure protection.  Elsewhere on the fire perimeter, firefighters worked to hold the fire within containment line.  Residents are encouraged to sign-up for Wasco County Citizen Alerts at https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612392/login.