Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update – July 29, 7:30 a.m.
Redmond, Oregon – The McKay Butte Fire, burning northeast of McKay Butte on the Deschutes National Forest, is now estimated to be 190 acres.
Firefighters saw active fire behavior through the night on the McKay Butte Fire as it made some wind driven runs to the southeast. Crews and heavy equipment worked to construct fire line to tie-in to existing roads and create a perimeter around the fire. The work of fire line construction will continue today with the assistance of a heavy air tanker with a lead plane, two single engine air tankers (SEATs) and a Type 3 helicopter.
A Level 1 (BE READY) evacuation notice is in place for the McKay Crossing, Ogden, and Prairie Campgrounds on the Deschutes National Forest.
The McKay Butte Fire (Incident #527), south of Forest Road 9735, was reported by Lava Butte Lookout at 3:00pm on Sunday, July 28.
The fire is still under investigation.
The public is reminded to be careful with any ignitions on public lands. Central Oregon is in HIGH fire danger, meaning fuels are very receptive to ignitions. If you are recreating on public lands, remember to remain diligent about ensuring all fires are ‘dead out’ and cold to the touch, all spark arrestors are properly installed, and trailer chains are secured.
-End-
