The Highland Fire, burning south of Prineville, remains at 719 acres and is now 75% contained.
On Tuesday, structure protection task forces and federal wildland crews continued mop-up efforts and reinforced containment lines around the fire perimeter.
Warmer and drier weather is expected today, with temperatures near 90 degrees and humidity between 13% and 18%. Crews will remain on scene continuing containment and mop-up work.
While the fire remains within control lines, hotter and drier conditions could lead to visible smoke or single-tree torching inside the perimeter. Residents are encouraged to report related concerns to Crook County’s 24-hour non-emergency line at 541-447-4168. Please reserve 911 calls for fire activity occurring outside the fire perimeter or when a structure is threatened.
Levels 1 and 2 evacuations remain and are expected to stay in place for the next couple of days. Firefighters and heavy equipment continue to be active in and around the fire area. Drivers are urged to slow down and use caution near work zones.
As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Blue Team demobilized and returned to their home units. The task forces from Benton and Clackamas counties were reassigned to the Cram Fire in Jefferson County. The Central Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team will manage the fire through tonight. On Thursday morning, command will transition to Crook County Fire & Rescue and the Oregon Department of Forestry under a Type 4 Incident Commander.
This will be the final daily update for the Highland Fire unless conditions significantly change. Ongoing updates will be posted to the Crook County Fire & Rescue Facebook page.