CULVER (Ore.) – A short campground closure and pre-evacuation notice was implemented after the second round of thunderstorms brought rain, lightning, cooler temperatures, and new wildfires to Central Oregon. Two east of Monty Campground, Jefferson County, was affected. It was then controlled through the night.
Firefighters worked all night to put out the Monty and Bean Creek fires in the Deschutes National Forest Sisters Ranger District. The Monty Fire was estimated at 7-8 acres, and Bean Creek at 35.
Friday’s Monty Fire crew included a Type 3 incident commander and three engine crews, as well as a bulldozer, water tender, and three engine crews.
Officials said that fire behavior was mild overnight. However, firefighters will continue to search for ways to build containment lines Friday with the help of helicopters cooling hot spots.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office continues a Level 1 evacuation warning (Get Ready), for Montgomery Shores, on the Metolius Arm at Lake Billy Chinook. The public is requested to avoid the area with fire personnel and residents past Perry South Campground.
Although the Bean Creek Fire was located approximately one mile west of Monty Fire, it was staffed by two engines, a bulldozer, and two engines. However, access to the area is still difficult due to steep terrain.
Forecast gusty winds from the west could make it difficult to firefight both fires Friday afternoon. Crews will do everything possible to make the most of the morning and afternoon to be prepared for gusts between 20-25 mph that could affect fire behavior on Friday afternoon.
The Monty and Bean Creek fires erupted about a mile apart in the Sisters Ranger District, Deschutes National Forest east of Monty Campground, near Lake Billy Chinook.
Initial Level 3 evacuation was issued by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at Monty Campground on the lower Metolius River, above Lake Billy Chinook. This was quickly dropped to a Level 2 evacuation notice (Get Set).
The Monty Fire was being worked by Rappellers late Thursday night. Smokejumpers were on the Bean Creek Fire simultaneously, and a hotshot crew is expected to arrive Friday morning. A heavy helicopter was deployed to support ground firefighting efforts shortly after the fire was reported.
Officials stated that the best thing for firefighters is to help prevent human-caused fires. Fire and aviation resources are being stretched due to the increasing number of acres on fire in the Pacific Northwest.
“We remind the public that we are still at extreme fire risk and that all federally managed public lands are subject to public use restrictions. Help us stop another spark,” the officials said.
With the wildfires near Monty Campground in Culver, Oregon, it’s crucial for everyone around to keep tabs on evacuation alerts and heed advice from officials for safety. It’s a good idea to have an emergency plan ready in case the fire situation shifts quickly. Stay safe out there!