Nena Springs Fire Noon Update 8/18/18

The Nena Springs Fire on the Warm Springs Reservation is now mapped at 52,907 acres.  Yesterday afternoon (8/17/17) wind blew an ember beyond the containment line near Kishwalk. Driven by high winds, the fire began running in grass and brush. Two helicopters, handcrews and at least 10 engines responded in addition to 150 firefighters that were already assigned to the fire. Winds pushed the fire over Indian Head Canyon and through Charlie Canyon, then continued move a mile east past Kah-Nee-Ta Resort. As was planned earlier in the week, in the event an evacuation notice was issued, visitors sheltered in place. Firefighters used Route 8 to burn from the road. This successfully removed grass from around the Resort and forced the fire to stay above and away from the area.

While the Resort is still at a Level 3 evacuation, the immediate threat to it is gone. The Fish Hatchery Grade, Charley Canyon, Culpus Bridge, South Junction and the Wolfe Point sub division also remain at Level 3 evacuation notice as of noon today (8/18/17).

The Red Cross have established an emergency shelter at the Warm Springs Community Center for residents that have been evacuated.

At Kah-Nee-Ta Resort they are sheltered in place so the resort is open with additional guests expected today for the Total Solar Eclipse weekend.

At 11am today Warm Springs Public Safety announced that access to Kah-Nee-Ta is being allowed. Webster flat road is now open from Highway 3 to Culpus Bridge and from Highway 8 at Culpus Bridge to the Kah-Nee-Ta Lodge road and Kah-Nee-Ta Village area.

Highway 3 remains closed to all traffic from Highway 3 at the Wolfe Point turn off to Schoolie Flat remains closed with active fire still in that area.

The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal Red Team, commanded by Ian Yocum, was mobilized late Thursday night (8/17/17). Two task forces of engines from Marion and Multnomah Counties began working with the existing organization around midnight. Yamhill and Washington Counties engines and personnel arrived this morning. These task forces bring with them a total of 79 firefighters, 19 engines and four water tenders to assist with protecting structures and building upon the work firefighters have already completed.

Public Safety reminds people that the situation can change at any moment and folks in the evacuation areas should monitor fire activity, obey road closures and stay safe