An ember from the Nena Springs Wildfire blew out of the containment lines near Kishwalk around 3:20pm yesterday afternoon (Thursday August 17, 2017).
Driven by high winds – the fire moved fast – threatening the Fish Hatchery, Charley Canyon and Kah-Nee-Ta Resort where guests and staff sheltered in place. Public Safety issued Level 3 Evacuation orders for those locations as well as Culpus Bridge, South Junction and the Wolfe Point subdivision.
The fire continued moving east last night to the Deschutes River. The fire’s estimated size is now 46,000 acres.
Nearly 200 firefighters worked last night to protect structures and contain the blaze with back burn operations employed. There was support from two helicopters and 10 engines yesterday when the fire took off.
The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal Red Team, has been mobilized and will bring 100 additional firefighters to Warm Springs with a focus on protecting structures. Two task forces of engines from Marion and Multnomah Counties have arrived with additional resources and additional engines and firefighters from Yamhill County will join the fire line today.
The community is asked to avoid all areas of the fire to ensure safety.
The Human Caused Nena Springs Fire Started On Private Property Adjacent To The Warm Springs Indian Reservation Shortly After 5pm, August 8th.