The Government Flat Complex is estimated at 3,000 acres with no predicted date of full containment. The Complex is being managed under a unified command of Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3 and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Green Team.
Gov. John Kitzhaber issued a Conflagration Act proclamation on Saturday evening. This action, based on the potential threat to the community and its infrastructure, has allowed a Federal Emergency Management Agency declaration to be made. FEMA provides an avenue for reimbursements of some of the cost by the federal government. This assistance starts when homes and infrastructure become threatened and ends when the threat is eliminated.
The Blackburn Fire grew on all sides, working its way downslope into the Mill Creek drainage overnight. Firefighters today will continue to work on holding and checking the fire spread, building on their successful efforts of yesterday and last evening.
Acreage is estimated at 2,700 acres, based on the infrared flights last evening. The fire is expected to continue making upslope runs today with similar weather conditions to what occurred yesterday. Crews were warned to expect wind gust above 25 mph today. The “Gorge” wind influence leaves no part of the fire unaffected.
Good progress is being made in pre-triaging of structures and the Water Treatment Plant. This effort aims to lower the potential for fire damage of buildings and other infrastructure.
A Level II (get Set) Evacuation notification remains in place today for the Upper Mill Creek area. A roadblock has been installed at the Upper Mill Creek Road and Reservoir Road junction. Only area residents will be allowed in to access their property.
No growth was seen on the Government Flat Fire or the Wells Road Fire. Work efforts on these two fires will be to continue patrol and dealing with hot-burning areas within the control lines. Spread of the two fires is considered a low risk, but the wind continues to concern fire managers.
There are 500 firefighters and support personnel working the complex. Five task forces of structural fire engines from Clackamas County, Washington County, Hood River County, Marion County and Multnomah County are assisting local resources from Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue. Each task force includes five engines and a leader. In addition 14 hand crews, 16 wildland fire engines, five bulldozers, five water tenders and five helicopters are working the fires on day and night shifts.
Cooperators working the incidents include: The Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, Bureau of Land Management, City of The Dalles, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, Wasco County Emergency Operations Center, American Red Cross, U.S. Forest Service and Oregon State Police.