South Steens Complex Fields, Oregon

Fire Update September 20, 2014, AM

South Steens Complex – Fields, Oregon Incident Commander Tim Keith Information Center – 541-670-0812 Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4116/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southsteenscomplex

Current Situation: The complex consists of two fires: the Bone Creek Basin and Blitzen Crossing. The incident command post is located north of Fields, Oregon and a spike camp is located at the South Steens Campground south of Frenchglen. The fires remain within the containment lines established two days ago. Hot spots near the perimeter are being worked by firefighters on the ground with assistance from helicopter water drops. Repair and rehabilitation work on areas impacted by suppression efforts is taking place where needed. Surplus resources to the operational needs are being released for reassignment to other fires or to return home..

Bone Creek Basin Fire - 14,700 acres and 60 % contained. Today, crews are gridding for hot spots remaining in the rocky and densely vegetated draws. Repairs and rehabilitation to dozer and hand lines will continue where needed.

Blitzen Crossing Fire – 5,638 and 60% contained. Today, crews plan to hike six-miles into the northeast flank of the fire between the Donner and Blitzen River and Little Blitzen River to extinguish any hot spots and heat sources detected. Helicopters will be available to assist with water drops where needed. Other resources will patrol for heat sources on all other flanks.

Start Date-September 16 Cause-Lightning Total Personnel-372 Crews-7 Engines-23 Water Tenders-14 Dozers-2 Helicopters-6

Closures: ● Southern portion of the Steens Mountain Loop Road from its intersection at Hwy 205 to the "turkey foot" junction near the East Rim Overlook, ● Riddle Brothers Ranch, and ● South Steens Campground.

Weather: Sunny skies with temperatures to 85 degrees are forecasted for today. Relative humidity is expected to be 16-26% with light winds from the east this afternoon.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in place over the Complex. Please check the NOTAM for current information.