Royce Butte Fire Update 09-17-2008
Incident: Royce Butte Wildland Fire
Released: 9/19/2008
Royce Butte Fire Update
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Management of the Royce Butte Fire is a Unified Command shared between the State Fire Marshal's Incident Management Team (OSFM) and the Central Oregon Incident Management Team (COIMT). The two teams will work together to coordinate resources with the COIMT working on wildland fire suppression and the OSFM will manage structural protection.
The Royce Butte Fire started at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16th on the Deschutes National Forest near the Crescent Lake Junction on Highway 58. The fire has burned approximately 389 acres of private and national forest land. Structure protection remains a primary objective, as well as, firefighter and public safety. The fire is under investigation as human caused.
The Office of State Fire Marshal's Red Incident Management Team and three structural task forces representing Deschutes, Klamath, and Lane Counties are currently protecting 147 homes that are threatened in the area. No structures have been lost. Residents were evacuated Tuesday evening. A Red Cross Shelter is currently set up at the Crescent Community Center.
Despite today's high temperatures and low humidities, fire behavior was not as active today. Two air tankers and one type I (heavy lift) helicopter assisted with fire suppression throughout the day. Fire crews worked on improving and holding existing dozer lines. Several spot fires were detected and suppressed outside the fire perimeter.
About forty residents attended a community meeting held Wednesday evening at Gilchrist High School. Highway 58 remains closed between MP 64 to 73. Motorists are encouraged to call 511 or 1-800-977-6368 for current road closure information.
For current fire information, please contact the Crescent Ranger District at 541-433-3200, or the media desk at the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center at 541-416-6800.
For more information: roycebuttefire@gmail.com.
Royce Butte Fire at a Glance (9/17/08)
Size: 389 acres;
Location: 12 miles W of Crescent, OR:
Containment: 20 %
Expected Containment: 9/21/08
Cause: Human: Under Investigation
Date of Start: September 16, 2008
Resources:
Crews: 5 Type 2
Helicopters:
1 Type 1 (Heavy Lift)
Engines: 10
Structural Task Force: 3
Dozers: 3
Tenders: 4
Total Personnel Assigned: 313
Closures: Highway 58 at MP 70
Structures Threatened: 147
