Community Meeting Today at 3pm At the Grass Valley Pavilion in Grass Valley, OR Meeting will be live-streamed, recorded and available to view anytime:  www.facebook.com/substationfire2018

MORO, OR – July 21, 2018 --  Progress on containment of the Substation Fire reached 44% by Friday evening. Now 80,763 acres, fire behavior was reduced to creeping and smoldering. Winds were not as strong throughout the day, although gusts of 20-25mph kept firefighters alert for potential hotspots.

Crews are now actively engaged with suppression repair activities and are continuing with evaluation of fire impacts and cataloging of any damaged structures and outbuildings. Mop-up and patrol with reinforcement of containment lines will continue. 

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office and the Sherman County Sheriff's Office have reduced the evacuation levels for all level 3 areas to level 2. This includes areas along the Deschutes River, opening the launch and take-out points in Segments 3 & 4 to use. This will allow jet boat users to access the river via Heritage Landing. Although the area will be open to day and overnight use, boaters should use caution as the Substation Fire remains uncontained and work on the fire will continue for the near future. Avoid standing trees and snags in recently burned areas that may be weakened by the fire and are at risk of falling. Even small snags can cause serious injuries.

All residents and persons planning to travel to the area should check for the latest information regarding possible closures of roads and other areas (www.tripcheck.com).

Across the region, fuels are extremely dry. Avoid parking in dry grass, discard cigarette butts in closed containers and be aware of local restrictions on campfires or fire use.

Percent contained: 44% Total personnel: 307 firefighters Fire size: 80,763 acres