Incident Publication

The current Stage 3 Forest Closure is available at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/iwmedia/content/AZTNF/2021-07-01-1727-Painted-Fire/picts/2021_07_02-12.49.04.740-CDT.pdf

Rattlesnake Fire Update, June 30, 2021, 8:00pm

Central Oregon – Warm Springs Fire Management was dispatched to the RaJlesnake Fire reported approximately 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 30 on the Warm Springs Reserva7on. Structure protec7on units responded and were able to prevent damage to two primary structures as the fast-moving fire burned approximately 100 acres on the Reserva7on before jumping the Deschutes River moving northeast onto Prineville District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed lands. The fire is now es7mated to be 1500 acres with 0% containment.

The RaJlesnake Fire is now under the unified command of Warm Springs Incident Commander Lionel Smith and Type 3 Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) Incident Commander Chad Schmidt. Fire behavior remains ac7ve, pushing east towards Highway 97. Four large air tankers, two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), a heavy helicopter, are responding to the blaze in addi7on to the Central Oregon Rappellers and Redmond Hotshots.

While there are currently no closures associated with the fire, South Junc7on Campground remains inaccessible and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office is assessing the needs for evacua7ons of private residents and campgrounds along Highway 97 and the Lower Deschutes.

Much of Central Oregon remains under a Red Flag Warning tonight for abundant lightning, wind and low rela7ve humidity through midnight tonight.

South Junction Road off HWY 97

Rattlesnake Fire Update – July 1, 7 p.m.

Rattlesnake Fire - The Rattlesnake Fire is estimated at 5,000 acres with 10% containment. The fire is burning on Prineville District BLM managed lands in the area of South Junction campground and the Warm Springs Reservation. The Rattlesnake Fire is under the unified command of Warm Springs Incident Commander Lionel Smith and Type 3 Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) Incident Commander Larae Guillory.

Current Situation - On the Warm Springs Reservation, crews feel confident about the lines and have started the mop up stages while progressing into the interior. On the north and northwest flanks of the fire across the Deschutes River, hand crews worked with Heavy Air Tanker support to tie lines together utilizing retardant drops. The eastern flank is in difficult to manage terrain for firefighters. Aviation resources continued to assist the fire throughout the day, predominantly on the steeper and inaccessible drainages, while fire crews utilized dozers and burned out some interior islands to bring the fire to control lines. The south flank is also a very active area burning quickly is grassy and shrub fuels.

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.

For up-to-date information on Central Oregon fires, visit www.centraloregonfire.org or www.twitter.com/CentralORFire or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7592/

Rattlesnake Fire Update – July 2, 2021 8 a.m.

Rattlesnake Fire - The Rattlesnake Fire is estimated at 5,433 acres with 10% containment. The fire is burning on Prineville District BLM managed lands in the area of South Junction campground, the Warm Springs Reservation and some private. The Rattlesnake Fire is under the unified command of Warm Springs Incident Commander Lionel Smith and Type 3 Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) Incident Commander Larae Guillory.

Current Situation – Crews worked late into the night to complete burnout operations and secure lines around the fire.  Dry conditions, low humidity and winds continue to be the challenge for firefighters. Today the focus will remain on securing the lines and beginning mop up.

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.

For up-to-date information on Rattlesnake Fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7592/ or www.twitter.com/CentralORFire or call 541-903-5848

Rattlesnake Fire Update – July 3, 2021 8 a.m.

Current Situation – The Rattlesnake Fire has burnt 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

 Rattlesnake Fire Update – July 3, 2021 7 p.m.

Current Situation – The Rattlesnake Fire has burnt 5,479 acres with 65% containment. Level 2 evacuations of Trout Creek Campground and boat ramp have been lifted.  For questions regarding river access please contact Prineville BLM at 541-416-6700.

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.

Fire crews had a good day on the line and made significant progress in containing the fire.  They worked to secure lines and continue mop up.  There continues to be some interior smoldering.  Crews will be continuing with mop up again tomorrow. 

Closures - South Junction road and South Junction Campground are closed for updates check with Wasco County Sheriff’s office.

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

Rattlesnake Fire Update – July 4, 2021 7 p.m.

Current Situation –The Rattlesnake Fire has burnt 5,479 acres with 90% containment.

Fire crews had a good day with mop and made significant progress in containment.  With all the hard work that they have accomplished the last few days, tomorrow the T3 team and many resources will be transitioning out. The fire will be turned over to local management who will continue to staff and monitor the fire with resources from Warm Springs and Prineville BLM.

Closures - South Junction road and South Junction Campground will continue to be closed. For updates check with Wasco County Sheriff’s office.

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

The King Trail is closed to provide for the safety of hikers in the area of the fires.