Alder Creek, Boulder, Devil's Butte Fire Update
Photo of the Devil’s Butte Fire on July 12,2023 from Central OR Fire Info
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, OR, July 12, 2023—Multiple fires are burning in the area. Keep reading for an update on the status of each fire.
Alder Creek Fire Update: 65% Containment Reached
Spray, OR—The Alder Creek Fire is now 65% contained and remains at 1,551 acres. Firefighters are on scene mopping up hot spots and securing the fire’s perimeter.
Boulder Fire Update:
Firefighters Continue to Make Progress in Challenging Conditions
Dufur, OR– The Boulder Fire, which started on July 8 near Boulder Lake Trailhead in the Mt. Hood National Forest's Barlow Ranger District, has burned approximately 236 acres of steep and rugged terrain. Despite the difficult conditions, firefighters have been making significant strides towards containment, prioritizing public and firefighter safety.
Yesterday, fire crews faced challenges posed by the terrain but managed to achieve substantial progress in handline construction and road improvement efforts. They have nearly completed a handline around the fire's northeast corner to prevent it from crossing the perimeter. Infrared flight data from the previous night revealed hot spots along Boulder Creek, which were promptly extinguished by fire crews. Additionally, a masticator was used to process debris cleared from the 4880 Road, further strengthening the containment line. In the west, fire crews are close to completing a handline around the northwest corner, and helicopters have dropped thousands of gallons of water to cool any flare-ups. Ongoing efforts include brush removal from the 4813 Road and grading along the 4816 Road.
Yesterday's weather was warm and dry with light winds. However, a weak cold front is expected on Wednesday, bringing cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and partly cloudy skies. These conditions may aid firefighting efforts.
Today, helicopters will continue operating out of Pine Hollow and Dallesport helibases to cool the fire's edge while crews focus on road improvements, line construction, and hose lays. Rotor aircraft will also assist in meeting logistical needs by delivering materials and equipment to the fireline using sling loads. Additional heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, has been deployed to expedite the completion of control lines.
A temporary flight restriction remains in place to ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the firefighting efforts. Forest Roads 4880, 4881, and 4890 also remain closed, and open fires and target shooting activities are restricted due to the high fire danger.*
*For additional details, visit the Forest webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices.
Motorists are urged to drive carefully and avoid areas where firefighters and heavy equipment are working, including Forest Road 48. Timothy Lake, a popular recreation site, is currently being used by water-scooping aircraft, and the Rock Creek OHV Area serves as a staging area for firefighters.
Level 3, GO NOW evacuation orders remain in effect for:
Boulder Lake Campground
Little Boulder Lake
Bonney Meadows Campground
Badger Lake Campground
Camp Windy
Post Camp Campground.**
**For the most up to date evacuation information, individuals can visit the Wasco County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
Presently, there are no significant smoke impacts from the Boulder Fire. Individuals can stay updated on air quality conditions by visiting www.oregonsmoke.org.
Community Meeting Called
To address community concerns and provide the latest information, a community meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, July 13, at 7 p.m. at the Wamic Community Hall (80192 Emigrant St. in Wamic, Oregon). The meeting will also be streamed on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/mthoodnf.
Devils Butte Fire Update:
Progress Made as Firefighters Work Towards Full Containment
Photo of the Devil’s Butte Fire on July 12,2023 from Central OR Fire Info
Wasco, OR - Firefighting resources at the Incident Command Post in Condon, Oregon, will remain in operation for a few more days as they continue to combat the Devils Butte Fire. The fire, which was caused by lightning and started on July 10, has reached an estimated size of 2,865 acres. Encouragingly, it is now 60% contained.
The COFMS ICT3 team will continue to lead the firefighting efforts for the next couple of days. Today, resources deployed to the fire area include 4 handcrews, 10 engines, 1 dozer, 1 water tender, and additional support personnel. Firefighters will focus on identifying and extinguishing hotspots while conducting mop-up operations within 50-100 feet of the containment lines. Air resources will remain available to assist ground crews if necessary.
Yesterday, dozers and firefighters worked diligently to construct containment lines in the unchecked areas of the fire. Smoke columns were occasionally visible as crews conducted controlled burns to eliminate unburned fuels between the fire area and the containment lines. Although progress has been made, there is still the potential for unburned pockets of fuels within the fire perimeter, which may produce smoke as they burn.
Some residents in the affected area are still experiencing power outages. The power company is actively working to restore power to these properties and ensure the safety and comfort of affected residents.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution when traveling on Highway 206 through the fire area, as fire resources will still be present on the roadways. It is crucial to maintain a safe distance and adhere to any traffic instructions provided by firefighters and emergency personnel.
For timely updates on the Devils Butte Fire, individuals can follow the Twitter account @CentralORFire.
AI was used in developing this story.
