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

Monday, September 14, 2020 – 9:00 a.m.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Today, the dense smoke cover will begin to disperse, continuing through the week as the area experiences a transition in weather. Slightly stronger southwest winds are expected along ridges and in valleys, which may align with terrain to contribute to fire movement. Temperatures will remain in the 70s, but with higher relative humidity levels of 25 to 35 percent. Very active surface fire is anticipated along the northern perimeter of the fire with torching and spotting likely. Some precipitation is expected later in the week.

Current Situation: On Monday morning the Evacuation Level for Sidwalter Flats has been raised to a Level 2 – “be SET to go at a moment’s notice.” Also, Simnasho residents are in a Level 1 – “be aware there is a fire in the area and be READY.” The priority on the Lionshead Fire today is protecting life and properties on the Warm Springs Reservation. Saturday night, crews conducted firing operations to the north of the fire, but later that evening a separate fire spread northward from the Olallie Butte area and crossed the planned containment line. Yesterday, the fire continued north and northeast. Crews have begun strategic firing operations off the B-200 road further to the east. As the fire continues to move to the north, crews will be focusing on staying ahead of the fire, watching the Cedar and Badger Creek drainages closely as it continues to push to the north and northeast. Active fire behavior north of Breitenbush also challenged firefighters yesterday. Along the eastern edge of the fire, crews made good progress mopping up fire line and continued to secure and scout containment lines to the south of the fire on the Willamette National Forest. Heavy smoke has grounded air operations for the last few days, significantly hindering firefighting efforts. On the western flank fire crews dealt with a spot fire near New Idanha, but saw decreased fire activity in Idanha and Detroit as structure protection continued.

Today’s Activities: The highest priority for firefighters today will be to provide structure protection and check the progression to the northeast of the fire to protect the Warm Springs community. If weather allows, helicopters may be used to support firefighting efforts on the ground this afternoon. The Warm Springs Hotshots are starting their day at Sisi Butte and are looking for opportunities to take control line to the north. As conditions allow, fire crews will continue strategic firing operations begun yesterday and the previous night along the B-200 road. On the North west flank, crews will continue securing a spot fire between the 46 Road and the powerline corridor north of Breitenbush and preparing containment options using roads in the area.

Evacuations: A Level 2 Evacuation Notice has been issued for Sidwalter Flats area and a level 1 evacuation notice for the Simnasho community on the Warms Springs Reservation. Updates on evacuations can be found on Warm Springs Police Facebook and KWSO. The most current information on statewide evacuation information can be found at the Oregon Office of Emergency Management’s interactive database: https://www.oregon.gov/oem/emops/Pages/RAPTOR.aspx

Closures: For public and firefighter safety, roads and trails on the southwest portion of the Warm Springs Reservation near the fires remain closed to the public.

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 E
mail: 2020.lionshead@firenet.gov

Lionshead Fire Update 9-14 Final
AQ Report 9.14.20
2020-09-14-nworegon-SmokeOutlook