FIRE UPDATE: Aug. 12, 2015, 11pm

The County Line 2 wildfire began around 1:16 Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 12, 2015) on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation when a RV trailer lost a wheel that sent sparks flying along Highway 26 on Sidwalter Flat.  Strong winds fanned the flames in several directions.

Highway 26 was closed from milepost 71 in the Agency Area to milepost 117 at the intersection with highway 216.  The detour used Highway 3 through Wolfe Point and past Kah-Nee-Ta and Simnasho.  Local motorists should not that the Kah-Nee-Ta Grade was closed to keep detoured truck traffic off of the winding turns.  For Highway information go to www.tripcheck.com.

The situation continues to unfold with firefighters working through the night to try and thwart the fires advance.  A State Fire Emergency structure protection task force has mobilized to help protect homes and property from the active wildfire.  Wildfire behavior can be erratic so Warm Springs residents should remain aware of their immediate surroundings.

The fire is estimated at 9000 acres tonight.  People are asked to stay in place so fire fighters and public safety personnel can safely do their work.

The following notices were provided to the community by Fire and Safety and Warm Springs Police Department personnel.

• Level 1 Notice – Be advised there is a fire.
• Level 2 Notice – Be prepared to leave.
• Level 3 Notice – Evacuate.

The following areas were given a level 3 evacuation notice: Miller Flats, County Line, Shitike Creek, Teachers Row on campus, Miller Heights, Bishop Frank, & Ben Lane.  Walsey Lane and Upper Dry Creek were given a level 2 evacuation notice to be prepared to leave.  And Mecca has a Level 1 notice – and should be aware of the fire.

Due to the fast-moving pace of the fire and the erratic winds, evacuation notices were immediately provided to the affected subdivisions by Public Safety employees.

There is an evacuation center set up at the Warm Springs Community Center for anyone that needs assistance.

We will pass on more information as it becomes available.  Tune in for the Morning Routine for an update and everyone please stay safe through the night.