A virtual community meeting for the Elk Lane Fire burning northwest of Madras will be held Wednesday, August 7th at 5:00 p.m. on The Jefferson County Oregon Sheriff Office Facebook page.
The day’s hot, dry, and windy conditions created challenges for fire personnel as they continued to contain the fire. Tuesday afternoon firefighters did great work keeping the fire north of Belmont Lane, east of the Deschutes River, and south of Willow Creek. The public is encouraged to call Elk Lane Fire information, (458) 206-1745, for updates or reports.
Overview: The Elk Lane Fire is approximately 5,640 acres in size. It was started by a lightning strike on the evening of August 4th. A Central Oregon Type 3 Team assumed command of the fire on August 5th. Following the Emergency Conflagration Act being invoked, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) Red Incident Management Team along with eight structural task forces mobilized. The Central Oregon Type 3 Team and OSFM Red Team are managing the fire under unified command.
Fire Activity: The fire has burned mostly within the vicinity of Belmont Lane and Elk Drives, and into the Deschutes River and Willow Canyons. Crews worked diligently throughout the day keeping the fire in most of its existing footprint, securing existing lines, and starting mop-up. One spot fire did occur south of Belmont Drive but was caught and mopped up by the quick response of firefighters. Work around structures focused on securing line and mopping up several feet out. Several additional ground and aerial resources supported operations. The east side of the fire remains active, burning within Dry Canyon and Willow Creek. Structures remain threatened and evacuation notices are in place.
Weather: Hot temperatures (high 80s to above 90), low humidity values (teens to single digits) and light winds are forecasted to continue for the area through the week. Nighttime winds are predicted to shift from the northeast to the south.
Evacuations: The following is important information about Level 3 Evacuation areas:
- Level three means GO NOW and avoid the area.
- When you get the notification, secure your home and evacuate immediately
- Once you leave, please stay out of the area until evacuation levels are lifted or downgraded.
For the most up to date evacuation information in Jefferson County visit, https://tinyurl.com/mte4e75m or the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonCountyORSheriff/. The Madras High School is a temporary evacuation site, and the Red Cross is on scene. Evacuated animals can be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Fire Information: (458) 206-1745 from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M
For the current air quality in your area visit, https://www.airnow.gov/
Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire.
