Lava Lands Visitor Center Remains Unaffected by the Kipuka Fire

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

                 4550 SW Airport Way

                  Prineville, OR  97754

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For Immediate Release:  July 4, 2014- 8:00 a.m.

Contact:  Media Desk, 541/416-6811    http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com/

Lava Lands Visitor Center and the Caldera on the Newberry National Volcanic Monument remain only minimally impacted by the smoke of the Kipuka Fire, which continued to creep overnight in an island of ponderosa pine, downed timber and needles surrounded by lava rock. The fire has now burned 17 acres within the 26 acre island.

The visitor center remains open and monument managers expect a normal turnout of visitors on the 4th of July holiday. There is a good view of the fire area from Lava Butte and Rangers are on site to give more details of the fire to visitors. The kipuka trail into the island remains closed to visitors.

Firefighters continue to actively manage the small fire for resource benefits. Central Oregon is a fire adapted ecosystem and high frequency, low intensity fire is an important component to maintaining healthy forests and habitat for wildlife and plants.

Fire weather will be similar to yesterday's conditions, warm weather with light winds and occasional gusts. If these conditions persist, the fire will likely burn itself into the lava rock containment lines within 24 hours.