The Miller Road fire was reported on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, in an area about 13 miles southwest of Maupin, OR.
Juniper Flat Rural Fire Protection District began initial attack. Mutual aid was requested: Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Lane County Task Force 1, Klickitat County Fire District, and Hood River Fire responded and worked throughout the night. They were able to slow forward progression.
Governor Kate Brown initiated the Emergency Conflagration Act on 8/2/22. OSFM Incident Management Blue Team began managing the fire on 8/3/22. Five Structure Task Forces and one hand crew were deployed on the fire. The responding agencies include Yamhill, Polk, Lane County 7, Columbia, Clackamas, and Clatsop Counties. They joined day operations with Juniper Flat RFPD and ODF at 0900 hours.
This is a wind-driven fire. The fire is burning in heavy dry fuels including grass, shrubs, and juniper. The crews are currently evaluating snags along the perimeter of the fire and along Hwy 216. The primary focus is on protecting structures and attacking the east and south flank.
As of this update, Hwy 216 is now open to traffic. We encourage the public to be mindful of increased heavy fire equipment in the area.
Dry conditions will persist today and this evening. Temperatures will range between 94-97, with low humidity; west winds 8-15 mph with gusts of 22 mph. Minimal relative humidity recovery overnight.
An evacuation shelter has been established at the Dufur High School, 802 NE 5th Street.
Wasco County Sheriff’s Office evacuation details can be found by visiting https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.