Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs P-515 & Lionshead Fire Update

Sunday, September 13, 2020 – 9:00 a.m.

Last night’s virtual community meeting can be found at: www.facebook.com/lionsheadfire

Weather and Fire Behavior: Heavy smoke will continue to cover the area, although winds aloft should begin to push smoke cover and begin to improve air quality throughout the week. Temperatures today will be cooler in the 70’s and humidity levels will range from 18-28 percent. Winds will be light and variable. Fire aligning with terrain causing upslope, updrainage fire activity with group torching and spotting will become more active than we have seen the last couple of days. Growth was moderate yesterday with group torching and some long-range spotting. Extreme drought and dry fuels continue give to lead to extreme fire behavior.

Current Situation: The northeastern flank of the Lionshead fire on the reservation and near Olallie Butte was very active last night which has burned a total of 138,718 acres. The P-515 fire was being utilized as an anchor point to the northeast, with planned fire lines running directly to the west, however the fire passed the containment line of the B210 road. It is reported to be burning as far north as Cedar Meadows north of Olallie Butte. Crews working the eastern side of the Lionshead Fire continued to make progress widening containment lines with strategic firing operations yesterday. The fires footprint did not grow to the east as they enhanced and mopped up existing areas of containment, still lingering with heat. They performed firing operations to widen and secure fire breaks of the south eastern flanks around the J-100 road series to tie the fires edge into old lava beds to the south west of Mt Jefferson; however, there was continued growth of fire around the south west base of Mt. Jefferson.

Interactive map of wildfires and forecasted smoke dispersement (click the “smoke forecast” box in the right top corner to add smoke layer): https://storymaps.esri.com/stories/usa-wildfires/

Today’s Activities: On the northern flank, fire personnel will be assessing the terrain and potential natural barriers, transmission line clearings and road systems that can be used for containment lines. The eastern flank of the fire will continue to be patrolled and the mop-up depth will increase as needed to insure the fire stays within the existing perimeter. Handline and dozer line will continue where needed, laying hose lays and mopping up areas along control lines that have heat. Crews will watch for any spot fires that may come from the change in winds or fire growth to the south of Mt Jefferson. Air resources are available to help the firefighters on the ground but will be dependent on visibility due to smoke.

Evacuations: A level 1 evacuation order has been issued for the Sid Walter Flats area. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has created an interactive database to help provide the most up to date information on evacuation statewide. https://www.oregon.gov/oem/emops/Pages/RAPTOR.aspx

Closures: Trout Lake Road at pavement end; Road B140 at Potter’s Pond; Road B210 and Road P-500. All trails south of Trout Lake, west of M-120 Metolius Bench, east of Mt. Jefferson, and north of J-195 will be closed to the public. Tenino Road (P-200) is closed to the public, with only fire personnel and residents are allowed. For public and firefighter safety, roads and trails on the southwest portion of the Warm Springs Reservation near the fires are closed to the public. Forest closures are in place for Deschutes, Mt. Hood and Willamette National Forests. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the P-515, Lionshead & Beachie Creek Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone.

FOR ADDITIONAL FIRE INFORMATION: Fire Information: 971-277-5075

TripCheck: https://www.tripcheck.com/
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7049/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LionsheadFire
Email: 2020.lionshead@firenet.gov

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