A new wildfire (Incident #568) was reported south of Cove Palisades State Park, two miles northwest of Culver. The Cove Fire has grown quickly to 200 acres, and has burned two homes, and several outbuildings. The fire is burning in sagebrush, grass and juniper. The cause is human, and remains under investigation, although the fire started in the campground at Cove Palisades. Oregon State Police will be providing a fire investigator to determine the specific cause.
The fire is being jointly managed by Oregon Department of Forestry and Jefferson County, with additional assistance from Prineville BLM and Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest. Resources responding include 10 engines, 2 airtankers, 2 helicopters (including one loaned from Warm Springs), 2 handcrews and a water tender. In addition, Jefferson County Rural Fire District #1 and neighboring counties have provided structure engines to protect homes. The Jefferson County Sheriff Department has evacuated about 60 people in a small subdivision west of Culver. Red Cross is providing assistance as needed at Culver High School.
Fire fighters are making progress on the fire; however, there is no containment at this time. Firefighters are challenged by steep slopes out of the park, dry conditions, and light flashy fuels. This area received little or no rain today, and winds remain a main factor in fire spread.
This fire indicates that fire conditions in Central Oregon remain extreme. Even in areas that received rain from the storm that passed through the area remain dry. With hunting season beginning, and many people still out camping, fire officials want to remind everyone that campfires are prohibited on lands protected by the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Prineville BLM, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Oregon State Parks.
Central Oregon Firefighters Respond to New Wildfire
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