FIRE UPDATE: Fri., Aug. 14, 2015, 5pm

The “County Line 2” Fire, which started Wednesday Afternoon, along State Highway 26 on the Warm Springs Reservation, has resulted in the evacuation of several housing subdivisions and rural homes today.  Windy conditions began before noon today and have pushed the fire back toward the town of Warm Springs and spread it in other directions as well.

• Level 3 evacuation notices are now in place for:  Wolfe Point, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort, Indian Head Canyon, the Fish Hatchery, and Schoolie Flat – that’s all areas North of Dry Creek to the Simnasho Cemetery and EAST to the Deschutes River and also for Tenino Road from Milepost 1-7 and Shitike Creek.
• Sunnyside and Upper Dry Creek have a Level 2 notice to be prepared to evacuate.  All areas South and Southwest of Dry Creek to include West Hills and the Agency Area also are at a Level 2 and residents need to be prepared to evacuate.

The Red Cross has moved their evacuation center to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras.  The shelter for evacuated animals is also moving to the Fairgrounds in Madras.  Folks interested in placing their animals there can call Jamie at 541-610-2228.

The evacuation center at the Warm Springs Community Center  will remain open and is being operated by the Tribal Health & Human Services Branch.   They have food and are serving meals to those affected by the wildfire.

Warm Springs Public Safety is asking motorists to respect any roadblocks that are in place.  The reason they do the roadblocks is for public safety.  There is limited visibility from smoke and fire equipment and personnel need to be able to move as needed to battle the fire.  Limiting the number of vehicles in specific areas is one way to keep people safe.  Community Members should avoid driving into areas where there is active fire, please keep away to help with safety.

Highway 26 remains closed to through traffic.  For anyone going from Madras to Portland – you can take Highway 97 North to 197 then State Highway 216 to Highway 26 OR Highway 97 north to I-84.  Coming South you are being detoured onto 216 then to 197 and 97 to Madras.  Local residents are able to travel Highway 26 between Warm Springs and Madras.