For Immediate Release: Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 0830

Incident Commander: Shawn Jaca IC & Cason McCain ICT

E-mail – javin.dimmick@ctwsbnr.org

Fire Information: 541-553-2004

Warm Springs, Oregon – This update is for the S-503 Fire burning on the Warm Springs Reservation. This fire is being managed for full suppression.

Current Status:  Crews worked throughout the night as the S-503 fire has grown to an estimated 4300 acres and is 0% contained. The location of the S-503 fire is moving to the southeast currently. It is located on the north-end of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation. The perimeter of the fire is changing rapidly. It is roughly 3 miles east of HWY 26 and 8 miles north of Simnasho.

Today’s Operations: The area of concern and values at risk are the private structures and other infrastructure in the Pine Grove area to the northeast of the fire. Another area of concern is to the southwest as winds are predicted to shift throughout the day. Crews will work to hold the northwest anchor point and establish some new control line along both northeast and south west flanks. Many more crews continue to arrive to fight the blaze as additional aerial support has also been ordered. Additional engine crews as well as bulldozers and operators have already arrived on scene. Incident command of the fire has been transitioned to a type 3 team in coordination with Warm Springs Fire management.

Weather and Fire Behavior:  Temperatures in the upper 80’s and very low relative humidity will elevate fire weather concerns through Monday. Winds are predicted to be light but shifting throughout the day from the northeast at 4 to 9 mph pushing the fire around heading toward the southwest. There is also a predicted potential for thunderstorms through Tuesday.

Closures and Evacuations: There is a level 3 GO NOW evacuation in effect for a small portion of Kelley Springs Rd to the northeast of the fire. There is also a Level 2 GET READY: Anything else previously under level 1 EAST of Kelly Springs to Reservation Rd including Walters Corners and the community of Pine Grove. A Temporary Flight Restriction will be established over the S-503. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone.

For more information please call the Warm Springs Public Information Officer at 541-553-2004.

Also check out the CTWS – Fire Management Facebook page and standby for the updated maps and other useful information on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov

PastedGraphic-1 20210619_rd_503_basemap Fire Update S-503 6-20-2021 – final