New “Austin Fire” Burning West of Warm Springs Reservation

A new wildfire burning west of the Warm Springs Reservation is prompting a reminder for residents an anyone recreating in the area to stay alert.

Austin Fire

The Austin Fire is burning on the north side of Forest Road 46, about two miles west of the Forest Road 4650 junction. The fire is approximately 5 to 7 miles west of the Warm Springs Reservation, near Austin Hot Springs.

The fire has grown to at least 50 acres, with winds pushing the fire toward the southeast.

For anyone who is huckleberry picking, hiking, camping or traveling through the area, officials are urging people to be aware of the fire and avoid the area when possible. Fire activity and firefighter traffic can change conditions quickly.

Bench Fire

The Bench Fire, located about four miles southwest of Warm Springs in the Upper Seekseequa area, is now estimated at 67,071 acres and 86% contained. The fire was started by lightning on July 23. While there has been no additional fire growth, pockets of vegetation continue to burn and occasionally produce smoke.

Today’s update is the final daily update from Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 for the Bench and Round Butte fires. The team will transition management of the incidents Monday, August 10, at 6 a.m.

Round Butte Fire

The Round Butte Fire, located about five miles west of Madras, has burned approximately 1,163 acres and is 90% contained. The fire was reported August 1 and was determined to have been human-caused.

Grasshopper Fire

The Grasshopper Fire, burning north of the Warm Springs Reservation, is now estimated at 57,087 acres.
Despite Red Flag conditions yesterday, containment lines along the southern and eastern portions of the fire held. Most fire growth occurred along the northern edge, particularly around Fivemile Creek and the headwaters of Fifteenmile Creek, where west winds increased fire activity.

Today, crews are concentrating on the northeastern edge of the fire to keep it south of Dufur Valley Road and west of High Prairie. Firefighters are also working along Highway 35 to secure the western edge. The fire has not crossed Highway 35.

Crews are continuing work around the Bennett Pass area and improving contingency fire lines to the east and south.

Smoke and Air Quality

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice for much of Central and Eastern Oregon, including Warm Springs and Madras.

Wildfires burning throughout the region, combined with forecast conditions, are expected to cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels at times.

Smoke can cause burning eyes, a runny nose, coughing and breathing irritation. It can also aggravate heart and lung conditions and other serious health problems.

If it is smoky in Warm Springs, residents are encouraged to limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors. People with heart or lung conditions should follow their medical advice and take additional precautions.