Contact: Tara Martinak (541) 573-4400
Release No. OR-020-11-23
August 29, 2011
WILDFIRE UPDATE: AUGUST 29, 2011 – 11:00 A.M.
HINES, Ore. – Fire activity slowed over the weekend as firefighters were able to gain considerable progress
on three large wildfires burning in southeast Oregon. A number of fire engines, ground crews, water
tenders, and aircraft have been brought in from around the state to assist the Burns Interagency Fire Zone
(BIFZ) in the suppression efforts.
The DSL complex, a group four fires located near Folly Farm, between Highway 78 and Lambing Canyon,
was 100% contained on Sunday, August 28. The complex burned just less than 7,000 acres.
The Smyth Creek fire, located about 5 miles east and south of Diamond near Smyth Creek and the Kiger
Wild Horse Viewing Area, had isolated tree-to-tree burning within the fire perimeter on Sunday but
remained around 1,600 acres in size. Minimal fire activity is expected today while crews continue securing
a control line around the perimeter. The Smyth Creek Fire is located in the Bureau of Land Management’s
Five Creeks Rangeland Restoration Project area, which had several hundred acres of downed juniper
waiting for controlled burning this fall.
The Desert Meadows fire near Riddle Brothers Ranch and the mouth of the Little Blitzen Gorge in the
Steens Mountain Wilderness is currently estimated at just over 2,000 acres. The fire perimeter reaches
from Cold Spring Canyon due north of Riddle Brothers Ranch, south and west to the Little Blitzen River.
At 58% contained, firefighters will continue securing containment lines and managing hot spots along the
fire perimeter. As a precaution, South Steens Campground was evacuated and closed to public access on
Thursday, August 25. The campground remains closed this week while being utilized by personnel
working on the Desert Meadows fire. The Steens Mountain Loop Road was also closed for a period in the
fire vicinity, but has since been reopened.
Another fire on Steens Mountain was discovered on Friday, August 26 in the Lauserica area. This fire was
last estimated at 500 acres and 35% contained. The other 30+ fires in the BIFZ reported as results of last
Wednesday’s spectacular thunderstorm are mostly contained and less than 1,000 acres in total.
Fire danger remains VERY HIGH within the BIFZ and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is a level three,
partial shutdown. A regulated fire closure is in effect for the east side of Steens Mountain. Visitors should
use extreme caution when traveling through and recreating in the outdoors this time of year.
To report a wildfire, call 573-1000.
For more information on current wildfire activity, call 573-4519.
Contact: Tara Martinak (541) 573-4400
Release No. OR-020-11-23
August 29, 2011
Photos taken by Steve Wright, BLM; clockwise, from top left – lightning on Wednesday, August 24 on
Steens Mountain; the smoke column from the Desert Meadows fire; a helicopter completes a water drop on
the Desert Meadows fire, and; a crew from John Day, Oregon rappels in to the Steens Mountain
Wilderness to work on the Desert Meadows fire.