Red-Flag Winds Drive Extreme Behavior on Brewer, Green Mountain and Crosswhite West Fires

Overview

• ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 assumed command of the Green Mountain Fire at 6:00 a.m. Saturday and now oversees suppression across Green Mountain, Brewer and Crosswhite West.
• The incident meteorologist reissued a Red-Flag Warning after an inversion lifted and gusts near 30 mph fueled multiple large smoke columns and spot fires.
• Crews on Crosswhite West are focusing on the fire’s southern flank as it moves toward the Mill Creek Wilderness and using direct attack to slow its spread.
• Eleven task forces and surged wildland and structural resources are working day, night and swing shifts to build and hold control lines, conduct mop-up and fully prepare homes in Loften/Lofton Creek, McKay Road and Marks Creek areas.
• Level 1–3 evacuations are in effect with county sheriffs issuing orders, a 24-hour temporary flight restriction and BLM/USFS closures restrict access, and smoke is reducing visibility and air quality in Prineville so residents should follow evacuation guidance and check AirNow for updates.