Nena Springs Fire Morning Update 8/20/17

Calmer winds yesterday(8/19/17) helped firefighters on the Nena Springs Wildfire on the Warm Springs Reservation.

The Human caused fire started on Private Property Adjacent to the North end of the reservation the afternoon of August 8^th.  Driven by high winds – the fire threatened structures in and around Simnasho and Schoolie Flat in its initial run.  Northwest Incident Management Team 12 was called in along with hundreds of additional resources to corral the blaze.  Containment was at 90% and control of the operations were turned back over to the local Warm Springs Agency to complete containment and do mop up.

Last Thursday (8/17/17) gusty winds blew an ember beyond the containment line near Kishwalk and the fire took, running in grass and brush.. Winds pushed the fire over Indian Head Canyon and through Charlie Canyon, then continued  past Kah-Nee-Ta Resort.  Structures were threatened there and evacuation notices were also issued for the Fish Hatchery grade, Culpus Bridge, Wolfe Point and South Junction.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Team came with additional resources to assist with structure protection and to help with management.

On Friday (8/18/17) the fire did reach the Deschutes River, again pushed by strong winds.

Today’s operations will focus on possible burning to connect fire lines – black to black to reduce fuels.

Extreme fire conditions continue in Central Oregon with increased temperatures expected over the next couple days, although calmer winds.

Public Safety Officials will be reviewing evacuation levels this morning.  All roads are open except Webster Flat road through the Wolfe Point subdivision.  This is the primary route for firefighters and their apparatus in accessing the fire line.  Everyone is reminded to drive cautiously and be aware of the extra fire related traffic.

The Nena Springs fire is now at 68,135 acres.   Click Here to see today’s Map.