Firefighters make progress overnight on Geneva 12 fire

Firefighters took advantage of cooler temperatures last night to make good progress on the Geneva 12 fire burning about 15 miles northeast of Sisters near Lake Billy Chinook. The fire was mapped late last night and the updated acreage is 1,341 acres. Containment is 30 percent this morning and full containment is expected by August 13.

Fire crews will focus on holding the perimeter through the heat of the day and building and improving containment lines. Primary concerns include hot and dry temperatures and the potential for wind in the afternoon that could cause increased fire behavior and spotting.

The fire started yesterday and grew quickly, threatening homes in the Three Rivers subdivision. Approximately 100 homes were evacuated yesterday afternoon around 4 p.m.; however, the evacuation order was lifted around 10 p.m. when fire behavior calmed down. No structures were damaged or lost within the Three Rivers subdivision; however, a pickup and a utility trailer were lost within the fire perimeter near Geneva road.

No road closures are in effect this morning although the public is asked to stay out of the area to avoid impacting firefighting traffic. Anyone traveling in the Three Rivers area this morning should slow down and watch for fire-related traffic.

A Type II Incident Management Team (Incident Commander Mark Rapp) will take control of the fire today. The Lake Chinook Fire Department will continue to manage structural protection.

There are more than 125 firefighters working the fire this morning with additional resources arriving today. Total fire personnel is expected to exceed 200 by this afternoon. Currently there are three dozers, 4 20-person handcrews, 7 wildland engines, 15 structural engines from neighboring departments such as the city of Bend, Redmond Fire, Sisters/Camp Sherman Fire, and La Pine Fire, and one water tender. The fire will continue using the Type I (heavy) helicopter and the Type III (light) helicopter to put water on hot spots. Airtankers remain available to use as needed.

Additional firefighters around Central Oregon will remain available to respond to any new fires today. Lightning "holdover" fires can smolder in heavy duff or in the root systems at the bases of trees for several days before the ground and vegetation dries out enough for the fire to begin spreading. Local fire officials will have firefighters placed around Central Oregon to respond to any new starts reported by fire lookouts or reconnaissance aircraft.