Agency Jurisdiction: Oregon Department of Forestry/USFS-Deschutes National Forest
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @CentralORfire
Green Ridge Fire Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7012/
Central Oregon Fire Information: www.centraloregonfire.org
| Date Started: August 16, 2020 | Acres: estimated at 1,013 acres |
| Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0% containment |
Jefferson County, Oregon – The Green Ridge fire started on August 16 approximately 12 miles northwest of Sisters, Oregon. The Central Oregon Fire Management Services Team (COFMS), a local Type 3 Team, has been managing initial attack operations since the fire began. The fire continues to burn in mixed conifers and sagebrush. High temperatures and afternoon winds yesterday caused spotting across the eastern edge of the fire, and the fire grew to approximately 1,013 acres.
At 6:00 a.m. today, an Interagency Incident Management Team (NW Team 10) from the Pacific Northwest (Alan Lawson, Incident Commander) assumed management of the fire. Fire operations will focus on scouting for line locations and begin construction of direct and indirect fire line. Suppression priorities include stopping the spread of the fire into private timberland to the east and establishing and holding containment lines on the west where the fire has backed down into the Metolius Basin. More than 170 firefighting personnel are assigned to the Green Ridge Fire. Challenges remain high temperatures and low relative humidity, afternoon winds, and steep slopes on the western edge of the fire.
Three helicopters are assigned to the Green Ridge Fire. With limited flight time each day, these resources are used to support ground resources during the most critical time of the day when the fire is most active. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the Green Ridge Fire area, restricting public access for aircraft including drones. Any time a drone is sighted within the TFR, air operations are grounded.
Our highest priority is the safety of the public and all wildland fire personnel. In coordination with local partners, state and federal fire agencies, the Wildland Fire Response Plan (WFRP) was developed to help protect firefighters and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe during the Green Ridge Fire, all fire personnel are expected to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This includes limiting public access to the Incident Command Post (ICP) at Sisters Middle School. While COVID-19 circumstances are rapidly evolving, and federal agency guidance continues to adapt with the situation, NW Team 10 is prepared for wildland fire activity during this time.
The Deschutes National Forest is establishing area and road closures for the Green Ridge Fire today and a map and description of the closure area will be posted to Inciweb as soon as it is available.
