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Fire, sheriff and police brief council on large wildfire complex and local evacuations
Summary
Fire, sheriff and police officials told the Prineville council that a multi-incident wildfire complex has mobilized hundreds of engines and teams; officials reported about 20 structures lost in recent incidents, described evacuation-zone adjustments and said air support is deployed based on immediate threat level.
Local public-safety leaders briefed the council on a multi-incident wildfire complex affecting Crook County and neighboring areas. Fire Chief Matt Smith described mutual-aid responses and said "the firefighting is a team sport," noting more than 55 engines and strike teams from Oregon, Washington and California are on scene and that the complex has been called the Roe Complex West after several fires merged. He said crews are building lines, using dozers and engaging in structural protection work.
Under Sheriff Bill Elliott said the sheriff's office focuses on evacuations and reported that "we did lose some structures" and later gave a count: "We've lost 20 structures total in this fire," including primary residences, cabins and outbuildings. Police Chief Shane Wilson said Prineville PD is running dedicated roving patrols and has placed a radar trailer on North Main to address speeding where firefighting traffic is heavy. Officials emphasized coordination among agencies and noted fuel, air support prioritization and the operational strain on staffing.
