Current Situation – The Rattlesnake Fire has burned 5,479 acres with 30% containment.
The fire is burning on Prineville District BLM managed lands in the area of South Junction campground, the Warm Springs Reservation and private lands. The Rattlesnake Fire continues to be managed under unified command of Warm Springs Incident Commander Lionel Smith and Type 3 Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) Incident Commander Larae Guillory.
There was minimal fire activity on the reservation side of the Deschutes. On the north and west side of the fire, crews worked on mopping up hot spots along the edges and working their way into the interior. There is still work to be done seeking out hot spots and mopping up as needed along the east, south, and southwest flanks. Drainages and steep ground in these areas are difficult and slow going for firefighters. Winds yesterday carried embers across the eastern line and started a small spot fire that crews were able to contain.
Closures – South Junction road and South Junction Campground are closed for updates check with Wasco County Sheriff’s office.
Evacuations – Trout Creek Campground and boat ramp on the Deschutes River is currently under a Level 2 (SET) evacuation. It is advised that boaters not use the Trout Creek boat ramp as a put-in or take-out at this time. If there are questions, please contact the Prineville BLM at (541) 416-6700.
Weather – Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 90’s, with west winds increasing through the weekend. It is very dry with low relative humidity recoveries overnight. Fire officials anticipate more fire starts to pop up in the next two weeks. The public is reminded that we remain in EXTREME fire danger and public use restrictions are in place on all federally managed public lands. Ensure vehicles are parked in safe places, campfires are only in designated areas, spark arrestors are on chainsaws, chains on trailers are picked up and protected, and guidelines for fireworks for the 4th of July are followed.
For up-to-date information on Rattlesnake Fire visit:
- https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7592/
- www.twitter.com/CentralORFire
- “CTWS – Fire Management” Facebook
- or call 541-903-5848
