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| Above: Discussing the Garner Complex during a visit today to the Complex were Gov. Kate Brown (left) and ODF’s Chief of Fire Protection Doug Grafe (at right in shirt with shoulder patch) |
MERLIN, Ore. – Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, along with other state and local elected officials, got an in-person briefing today from the team managing the state’s largest active wildfire – the 21,443-acre Garner Complex in southern Oregon. The lightning-caused fires within the Complex are reported as 19% contained.
Gov. Brown’s visit coincided with the U.S. Forest Service becoming part of the fire’s unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office. Much of the 13,114-acre Taylor Creek Fire (the largest single fire within the Garner Complex), is burning on or threatening U.S. Forest Service lands. Oregon currently has more active large wildfires than any other state.
Red flag weather warnings were in effect today for the area of the Complex, meaning gusty winds, high temperatures and low humidity called for extra alertness to the possibility of rapid fire growth.
Skies over the fire were generally clearer this morning, meaning better flying conditions for helicopters and airtankers. These aircraft are being used to help maintain control lines around the fire. Burnouts took place today to remove unburned fuels between the active fire and the control lines dug around it. In all, there are over 70 miles of fireline. Firefighters today were scheduled to strengthen, mop up (making sure all fire along the line is out cold) and patrol the lines on the Grave Creek portion of the Complex.
Working last night and into this morning, firefighters were able to contain a spot fire that had threatened the control line in the Shan Creek area of the Taylor Creek Fire. Keeping that line secure was a top priority today.
Some 2,491 personnel are engaged on the Garner Complex, including 50 Oregon National Guard members helping with traffic control.