Highland Fire in Juniper Canyon SE of Prineville now 75% contained as crews continue mop-up efforts
Barney Lerten
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Highland Fire burning in the Juniper Canyon area southeast of Prineville is now 75% contained and remains at 719 acres, officials said Thursday.
Here’s what apparently will be the last daily update from officials on the fire that broke out in the Juniper Canyon area Saturday afternoon:
Yesterday, task force structure crews and federal wildland crews continued mop-up operations and the reinforcement of existing lines to enhance containment efforts.
The weather today will be warmer and drier, with temperatures around 90 degrees and minimum humidity at 13%-18%.
Today, crews will continue mop-up operations and containment efforts of the fire perimeter. With the expected hotter and drier weather, there is a chance of smoke or trees torching inside the fire perimeter.
Report related concerns to Crook County’s 24-hour non-emergency line (541) 447-4168.
Please only call 9-1-1 if this activity occurs outside of the fire perimeter or if a structure is threatened.
All evacuation levels have been reduced to a level 1 or 2 and are expected to remain at these levels for the next day or two.
Fire personnel continue to work inside and around the fire perimeter. Please reduce speeds while driving in work areas and be aware of heavy machinery and crews along roadways.
As of 6:00 am this morning, the Oregon Department of State Fire Marshal Blue Team departed for their home units and management of the fire remains under the single command of the Central Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team through tonight.
Command of the fire will transition back to Crook County Fire & Rescue and an Oregon Department of Forestry Type 4 Incident Commander tomorrow morning.
This will be the last daily update for the Highland Fire unless significant changes occur. Future updates will continue to be posted on the Crook County Fire & Rescue Facebook page.