CENTRAL OREGON – All lines on the Tepee Fire held overnight as firefighters worked to secure them. Containment on the Willow Fire continues to climb and firefighters will continue cooling hot spots today.
Fire stayed within fire lines on the Tepee Fire last night and crews worked to hold and improve them. Today, firefighters will continue to mop up 150 feet into the interior to gain containment. The Tepee Fire is now 2,064 acres with 0% containment. Weather is expected to be warmer and drier today and firefighters will be monitoring pockets of green unburned fuel within the fire perimeter to ensure it does not ignite and throw sparks outside fire lines. The Deschutes National Forest has issued an area closure for the area around and adjacent to the fire area, including the northwest section of the East Fort Rock OHV Trail System. For a map of the closure area, visit: centraloregonfire.org
Three crews will be working in the steep and rocky terrain of the canyon to cool hot spots and secure lines on the Willow Fire. The fire is still estimated at 400 acres and containment increased to 40%. Helicopters will be available to work with crews as needed today as they mop up and secure the perimeter to achieve containment. Pelton Park Campground remains under a Level 3 evacuation as is the surrounding area and NW Pelton Dam Road. A Level 1 evacuation is in place for Elk Drive, although the road is closed to the public.
Investigations revealed that the Tepee Fire was caused by an abandoned campfire. The public is reminded to heed all public use restrictions as central Oregon is still in EXTREME fire danger and campfire restrictions remain in effect. For more information on public use restrictions in central Oregon, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices
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