Gorge Fly Shop Blog: South Valley Fire: Deschutes River Report

Aug 2, 2018

South Valley Fire: Deschutes River Report

Yes, another fire started (7/31/18). This time south west of Dufur, Oregon.

8/3/2018
20% Contained at 20,000 acres as of late last night. Personnel 488 on scene.

8/2/18 - US197 OPEN (TripCheck)

Deschutes

"Update from the Bureau of Land Management, regarding the impacts of the South Valley Fire on the Deschutes River:

Yesterday evening the Wasco County Sheriff, in conjunction with local communities and the Prineville BLM, made the decision to temporarily close the Lower Deschutes River Access Road from Maupin City Park to Sherars Bridge. All campers and recreationists in the immediate area were informed of the closure and threat of fire. If crews had not been able to get forward progress of the South Valley Fire stopped, the fire could have reached the river canyon and created the same safety hazards and dangerous situations that we experienced during the Substation and Long Hollow fires when fire crossed the river. As a result, emergency management and local managers worked proactively to keep as many people out of harm’s way as possible.

With the arrival of several task forces of engines and the overnight work of firefighters, the South Valley fire officials and the Wasco County Sheriff feel comfortable opening the Lower Deschutes River Access Road, and the area from Maupin City Park to Sherars Bridge is open as of 10:00 a.m. The South Valley Fire is still not contained, and anyone recreating in the area is asked to please follow the directions of all emergency personnel and be aware in case the situation changes."

8/2/18
Containment is at 5%. Estimated 20,000 acres. 213 firefighters and 13 engines on scene.