Wheeler County, OR – Resources continue to arrive in Spray, Oregon to assist in suppression efforts on the Alder Creek Fire. The fire continues to only be burning on the south side of the John Day River and is estimated to be 1551 acres this morning.
With the cooler night temperatures, firefighters and dozers continued to construct fireline down a ridge on the southern portion of the fire, into the Solitude drainage. Burning the unburned fuels between the main fire and the constructed fireline to create a stronger containment line. Along the northern edge of the fire, south of the John Day River, the fire continues to back down toward the river. Firefighters have prepared to stop the fire on a two-track road that runs parallel with the river in efforts to keep the fire south of the John Day River.
Operations today will include firefighters strengthening the lines that are in place around the fire. Dozers and handcrews will continue to construct containment line, and air resources will be available to support firefighters on the ground. The western edge of the fire has not had any significant growth in the last two days and firefighters will continue to work hotspots in the area as they arise. Contingency containment lines are being looked at for heavy equipment to work on to the south and east of the current fire footprint.
There is a Red Flag warning in the fire area for abundant lightning from 11:00am through 11:00pm today and possibly into the next couple of days. Hot daytime temperatures and gusty outflow winds along with abundant lightning will be the main impacts to the incident and firefighters.
The Wheeler County Sheriff’s department is in contact with residents and landowners for potential evacuation needs, including one home south of the fire and homes on the north side of the John Day River.
Currently OR Route 19 from the junction with OR Route 207 east to approximately mile marker 90 is only accessible by pilot car. Wait times will depend on current ground and aerial resource activity in the area. There is a potential for the road to be closed at any time if fire activity deems necessary.
Muleshoe Campground is closed due to fire activity.
A special thanks to all the local Wheeler County Fire resources, Wheeler County Sheriff’s Department, local RFPA’s and ODOT for their tireless work in response to the Alder Creek Fire.
Central Oregon Fire Information: (541) 316-7711
Twitter: @CentralORFire #AlderCreekFire
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