[Sheila Oliver]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2022
Fire info line: 541-316-7711
Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update – August 1, 11 AM
Central Oregon – Another round of scattered thunderstorms with abundant lightning are expected across portions of central Oregon today and tonight. Firefighters have responded to a total of 15 wildfires started by lightning yesterday and overnight. Resources are still working to locate six additional smoke reports.
The Fly Creek Fire, located near Balancing Rock along the Metolius arm of Lake Billy Chinook on the Deschutes National Forest, has grown to 280 acres. Six engines and a dozer worked through the night and were able to secure 5% containment. Today, two handcrews, one Hotshot crew, six engines, one dozer and one water tender will be actively engaged and working to increase containment. Aerial support including one Type 1, one Type 3 and two Fire Bosses will be assisting ground resources and dipping out of Lake Billy Chinook. Portions of the lake will be closed today as needed for public safety.
The Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuation notice issued last night because of the Fly Creek Fire for the Perry South and Monty Campgrounds remains in place. The Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notice for the Three Rivers area remains in place as well. For information on evacuations, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonCountyORSheriff.
Firefighters responded to the West Cultus Fire located roughly 2 miles northwest of Cultus Lake on the Deschutes National Forest yesterday evening. The fire is a tenth-of-an acre burning in heavy dead and down. One handcrew is assigned to the fire today and they are making good progress.
Resources are also mopping up the 1-acre Juniper Creek Fire located roughly 10 air-miles south of the Fly Creek Fire.
Today, frequent lightning and strong outflow winds will be the primary concerns for any new and existing fires. Winds in combination with low humidity will cause rapid fire spread in dry grassy areas. Outflow winds of 30 to 50 mph may occur with thunderstorms. Some storms may produce heavy rainfall, others are expected to be drier in nature. Red Flag Warnings issued by The National Weather Service remain in effect across most of central Oregon today.
For current wildland fire information, the public can visit centraloregonfire.org or follow fire information on Twitter @CentralORfire.
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