More accurate mapping has reduced the size of the Highland Fire to 719 acres with 5% containment. The fire is being managed under unified command by the Oregon State Fire Marshal Blue Incident Management Team and the Central Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team.
Firefighters built on the initial work completed by local Crook County crews, strengthening firelines around the entire perimeter. Task forces conducted tactical patrols in neighborhoods, searched for hotspots in heavy ground debris, and completed fuel reduction operations, including tree limbing, juniper thinning and hazard tree removal.
Power has been restored to all residents in the Juniper Canyon area thanks to Central Electric Cooperative.
Monday, wildland crews will continue securing the established perimeter, working 20 to 30 feet into the black to strengthen containment. The Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces will assess structures, mop up hot spots around homes, and maintain point protection ahead of this afternoon’s weather shift.
The forecast calls for temperatures in the 90s with wind gusts reaching 20 mph later in the day.
Evacuations: Evacuation levels issued by the Crook County Sheriff’s Office remain unchanged. About 1,500 people are under evacuation notices due to Highland Fire activity. Residents can check their address and current evacuation zones by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/CrookCountySheriffEvacuations.
A temporary evacuation shelter is open at Eastside Church, 3174 NE 3rd St. in Prineville. Rim Rock Riders has opened its arena at Brasada Ranch for displaced large animals.
For ongoing updates, follow the Crook County Fire & Rescue Facebook page.
To report a wildfire, call 9-1-1. For smoke and air quality updates, visit fire.airnow.gov.