Warm Springs, OR — August 22, 2020
Update-August 22, 2020
For Immediate Release
Incident Commander: Eric Knerr, Northwest Team 7 Fire Information: 971-277-5075
Warm Springs, Oregon This update is for the P-515 Fire and Lionshead Fire burning on the Warm Springs Reservation. Both fires are being managed for full suppression. The Quartz Butte Fire is in mop-up with no new fire activity to report.
Current Situation: In spite of the strong winds yesterday, the P-515 Fire was held within the current footprint. Retardant and helicopter bucket work assisted firefighters in keeping the P-515 Fire from advancing further to the east. An Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Task Force remained focused on protecting threatened residences along County Line Road (Trout Lake Road).
Yesterday, the strong westerly winds pushed the Lionshead Fire down the Whitewater River Canyon. Aviation resources, engines and crews were able to hold the fire west of the J-100 Road and north of the Whitewater River.
P-515 Fire: Crews will continue to build and improve direct and indirect containment lines on the south, west and north flanks. Firefighters are looking for opportunities to capitalize on the work completed last night and tie the lines from the northeast and east flanks of the fire.
Lionshead Fire: Firefighters are preparing the J-440 Road to keep the fire from advancing to the north and the J-100 road is the planned containment line on east. The team plans to utilize the river to keep the fire from spreading further south.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Dry conditions are expected through the weekend with generally light winds. The change in winds could influence fire direction and spread. The fires may see high rates of spread on steep wind facing slopes. Due to abundant dry fuels, difficult terrain, and breezy winds, the Lionshead Fire may see active fire behavior with spotting today.
Road Closures:
- Trout Lake Road at pavement end;
- Road B140 at Potter’s Pond;
- Road B210 and Road P-500.
Evacuations: A Level 1 Evacuation (Get Ready) is in effect for residents on Trout Lake Road east of US-26.
COVID-19: Northwest Team 7 Incident Management Team has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire camp and the surrounding community. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, and implementing more virtual work. Public and firefighter safety are a top priority.
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