FIRE WEATHER and FIRE PREVENTION
There was a red flag warning in S. Oregon this morning for strong winds and low relative humidities. In NE Oregon dry northerly flow will persist through early next week which will result in locally breezy northeast winds and low relative humidity each afternoon. In NW Oregon there is a continuing red flag warning for dry east winds. These weather conditions in various areas of the state pose possible problems for any new potential fire ignitions that occur this week.
Campfires are still a concern in many areas. Open fires, including campfires, remain prohibited on forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. On forestlands or in areas when campfires are allowed, they should be put completely out before leaving the campsite — drown the fire with an abundance of water, stir and separate the hot coals, and drown again until all of the heat has been removed.
A few fire prevention tips for private forest landowners and operators:
1) Monitor weather conditions – such as humidity and wind – and consider earlier close-down of operations if the weather warrants it;
2) keep equipment in good working order and free from flammable debris, as well as parking it away from flammable material when shutting down for the day;
3) Fire Watches – stay on high alert; and
4) Be prepared by performing daily checks of fire suppression and communications equipment.
FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS
No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on ODF-protected lands were reported to the Salem Coordination Center during the past 24 hours.
FIRES ON OTHER LANDS
The Pole Creek Fire, burning six miles southwest of Sisters, is 26,510 acres, and 85% contained. Most of the fire suppression work today will focus along the western fire edge in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Hand crews have been hiking up to five miles from trailheads to begin their fire line construction duties. Production will increase and exposure to difficult terrain and hazardous snags will be minimized when these hand crews are transported to their work site by helicopters in the morning and flown out in the evening; for some of the hand crews this plan will be implemented starting today.
Three helicopters are also available to cool down any newly-discovered hot spot or assist with any initial attack mission near Sisters outside of the fire area.
Residents are reminded that we are still in fire season and this fire is not contained. Due to an increae in hunters in the woods and continued dry conditions, new fire starts are a possibility and citizens should monitor available information sources and stay alert. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Full containment is expected by October 15. For more info: 541-549-6935.
The lightning-caused Bald Mountain Fire, which started on September 18 and is burning in sub-alpine fir 12 miles southwest of Enterprise in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, has been mapped at 1,009 acres and is uncontained. Minimal fire behavior reported last night. Trail closures are in place and visitors are advised to contact the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, who is managing this fire, prior to entering the area.