Fire Update: 26 Aug

Warm Springs, OR August 26, 2020

Update-August 26, 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.

Current Situation: The P-515 Fire is now 4,609 acres and 50% contained. Yesterday, minimal fire activity allowed crews to make good progress on securing the fire perimeter, with mop up occurring in all divisions.

The Lionshead Fire is now 3,059 acres and 8% contained. Spot fires on the south side of Whitewater River moved east up slope towards the J-100 road. Firefighters conducted a successful burn out operation ahead of the advancing fire front on portions of the J-200 road. Fire managers were pleased with the progress made on the direct and indirect line along the P-440 road on the northern flank.

P-515 Fire: Today, resources plan to focus their mop-up efforts on concentrated sources of heat near the perimeter of the fire. Firefighters will work to secure and improve the depth of mop up operations on all flanks and identifying locations for fire suppression repair work.

Lionshead Fire: Firefighters will continue direct and indirect burn out operations to better secure the northern flank.  The intent of the strategic burn out operation along the J-200 road is to remove pockets of fuel prior to the fire reaching the road as a point to hold the fire.  Crews on the southern flank will prep other sections of the J-200 road for ongoing firing operations.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Both fire behavior and weather will be similar to yesterday. We expect down valley winds (east) 2-7 mph in the Whitewater River drainage with gusts up to 12 mph. Temperatures in the 70’s, and humidity in the upper teens are forecast for today.  Flare-ups are likely in unburned fuels near control lines and there is a potential for group torching in heavy fuels under tree canopies.

Closures: Trout Lake Road at pavement end; Road B140 at Potter’s Pond; Road B210 and Road P-500.

All trails south of Trout Lake, west of M-120 Metolious Bench, east of Mt. Jefferson, and north of J-195 will be closed to the public. Also, Tenino Road (P-200) will be closed to the public, only fire personnel and residents are allowed on Tenino Road (P-200).

Evacuations: A Level 1 Evacuation (Get Ready) is in effect for residents on Trout Lake Road west of US-26.

COVID-19: Precautionary measures have been implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 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.

Prevention Message: Do your part to help our heroes.

Fire Update 8-26-2020 Final
PIO_11x17_land_20200826_P1515_Lionshead Fires_ORWSA075

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