August 27, 2018
The combination of aggressive and
focused firefighting efforts and favorable weather conditions has allowed crews
to push the Ramsey Canyon Fire back and keep it well within containment lines.
Evacuation levels have been lowered. Areas that were in Level 3 are now Level 2
(Set) and areas that were Level 2 are now Level 1 (Ready). The road closure
along East Evans Creek Road still remains closed to the public and only
accessible to local residents and fire personnel.
Because of a drastically decreased
threat to homes, Oregon State Fire Marshall (OSFM) Green Team is being released
and will be demobilized tomorrow morning, leaving oversight of the fire solely
to Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Incident Management Team 2. Joe Hessel,
ODF Incident Commander, thanked OSFM Incident Commander Les Hallman and his
entire team, saying, “Thank you for your help. You will be missed. We are
much more efficient when we work together.”
Today, crews were able to mop up into the perimeter 50-75 feet in
many places. Tonight, the plan is to continue mopping up at least 50 feet
around the entire perimeter and to increase areas around all structures.
Location: 12 miles northwest of Eagle Point
Ignition Date: August 22, 2018
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 1,971
Personnel: 942
Containment: 40%
More information:
Watson Creek Fire – Lake County
In the northwest corner of the fire, crews were able to take
advantage of favorable wind directions by utilizing controlled burning to
strengthen the lines. Some spot fires were detected in the morning but
contained by end of shift. All aircraft were able to fly the entire day and
containment lines held.
Community meeting:
- 7 p.m. today, Paisley Community
Center
Open invite to tour fire camp:
- 1:30-3 p.m. Tuesday, Paisley
Location: 13 miles west of Paisley
Ignition Date: August
15, 2018
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 56,185
Personnel: 1,043
Containment: 50%
More information:
Terwilliger Fire – Willamette National Forest
Yesterday, fire activity moderated as clouds, cooler temperatures,
and higher humidity covered the fire area until mid-afternoon. The fire
continued to move north of Basalt Creek, moving up slope, and established a
well-developed column of smoke. On the southwest perimeter, crews strengthened
a direct line along the road and aim to secure this area in the coming days.
Air operations engaged the western perimeter heavily and will continue as
conditions allow today.
Yesterday afternoon an unmanned aircraft system, or drone, entered the fire
area violating the temporary flight restriction and grounding aerial operations
on the fire.
When drones are in the sky, air resources cannot operate. The fine for
operating in the temporary flight restriction area is up to $27,500.
Fire activity moderated with the overnight moisture, but will return today as
clouds clear, higher temperatures rise, and humidity drops over the fire area.
Location: 30 miles east of Springfield
Cause: Under
investigation
Acres burned: 5,398
Personnel: 382
Containment: 2%
More information:
Other fires
Jennie’s Peak Fire – Wheeler County
There was no growth on this fire as crews were able to increase
containment. This will be the final report unless significant activity occurs.
Location: 14 miles south of Fossil
Ignition Date: August 17, 2018
Cause: Unknown
Acres burned: 45,956
Personnel: N/A
Containment: 95%
More information:
Stubblefield and Lonerock Fires – Gilliam and Wheeler counties
Again on Sunday, minimal fire activity was observed on the
Stubblefield and Lonerock Fires as firefighters continued to mop up remaining
hot spots within control lines. This will be the final report unless
significant activity occurs.
Stubblefield Fire – 54,221 acres, 95% contained
Lonerock Fire – 5,056 acres, 95% contained
Location: West, southwest and southeast of Condon
Ignition Date: August
17, 2018
Cause: Unknown
Personnel: N/A
More information:
Miles and Columbus fires
(formerly the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires, also includes
Snow Shoe and Round Top)
This team will continue to work
toward full containment of these fires and carry on important repair and
rehabilitation of the landscape affected by the fire and necessary firefighting
efforts.
With the start of bow hunting season, hunters are reminded to stay
out of closed areas and please be conscious of firefighters still working in
the woods.
Miles Fire – 35,741 acres, 54% contained
Columbus Fire – 10,226 acres, 56% contained
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of
Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 49,937
Personnel: N/A
More information:
Taylor Creek and Klondike East
Columns of smoke were visible in town Sunday afternoon. Some of
this originated from the south end of the Klondike Fire east zone, where
interior pockets of unburned fuel showed increased fire activity. Strong
northeast winds and higher temperatures will likely result in more fire
activity.
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 52,838 acres
Personnel: 390
Containment: 95%
More information:
Klondike Fire West
The fire burned actively yesterday afternoon in a westward spread across
the slope below Silver Peak Ridge toward the Illinois River. The weather
forecast calls for northeast and east winds to arrive late today and tomorrow,
once again pushing the fire toward the Illinois River. Yesterday a tall plume
of smoke developed in this area.
Firefighters continue to implement an aggressive and adaptive approach to
suppressing the fire in the Klondike West Zone. One highly skilled hotshot crew
and six small fire engines arrived yesterday, adding to the available
firefighting resources.
Air tankers and helicopters continued to support firefighting activities near
Silver Peak Ridge yesterday and are expected to be active in that area again
today.
Some evacuation levels were raised to Level 2 (Get Ready) in the
Agness Zone.
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 89,579 acres
Personnel: 1,046
Containment: 37%
More information:
August 26, 2018
|
| Working alongside structure protection crews with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s team, a nighttime burnout operation Friday night contributed greatly to saving homes and making progress on the Ramsey Canyon Fire. |
A successful burnout operation Friday night on the Ramsey
Canyon Fire helped keep numerous homes safe. The fire was burning down the
slope erratically, creating narrow fingers of unburned fuel which had potential
to burn intensely.
The ODF Type 1 team managing the incident decided to fight
the fire on their terms. With favorable weather conditions forecasted (low
temperatures, high humidity and light winds) the team conducted a large burnout
to remove the fuel down the slope, effectively taking the energy out of the
fire.
Crews put in several control lines at the bottom of the
slope and worked closely with Oregon State Fire Marshal structure protection
firefighters to bring the fire down the hill in a safe and controlled manner.
OSFM forces were placed in and around the homes to protect the structures
below. The fire burned within 10 feet of homes but did not damage any
structures.
When conditions are right, night shift can be the best time to
catch or even stop a fire. This successful operation met all of the team’s
objectives: protect the values at risk and do it safely. And it leveraged the
value of ODF’s partnership with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office.
With the structure forces working side-by-side with the wildland forces, it
shows that we are clearly stronger together.
August 26, 2018
|
| A firefighter works on mop-up at the Ramsey Canyon Fire on Saturday. |
A welcome shift to cooler weather with increased humidity has helped firefighters make significant progress on several fires across Oregon.
Ramsey Canyon Fire – Jackson County
Over the last 36 hours, firefighters have been able to capitalize on the cooler weather and have gained excellent progress in securing containment lines. On the east side of the fire, mop-up operations will build upon containment lines that have now held for several days.
There were a couple of spot fires caught outside of those containment lines yesterday, but those were holdover spots from previous days that were discovered by air resources and quickly contained by firefighters on the ground.
Homeowners will remain protected by local resources and structure protection task forces can once again be mobilized if the need arises.
Location: 12 miles northwest of Eagle Point
Ignition Date: August 22, 2018
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 1,971
Personnel: 1,072
Containment: 25%
More information:
Watson Creek Fire – Lake County
Containment significantly increased on this fire, going from 15% yesterday to 40% as of this morning.
However, light winds from the southwest this morning are expected to increase in velocity and vary in direction throughout the day. Fire lines on the east side may be tested by the wind and engines will patrol as a precaution.
A slight southerly flow is predicted to pick up in the fire area, becoming westerly around noon then northwesterly in the evening. Winds of 8 to 13 mph could gust up to 25 to 30 mph in places.
A drone flown by Lakeview Crew 7 from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) detected a two-acre spot fire near where Forest Roads 28 and 33 join. The spot fire was contained and a precautionary Level 2 evacuation order was issued for the area south and southwest of the Watson Creek Fire.
Location: 13 miles west of Paisley
Ignition Date: August 15, 2018
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 54,859
Personnel: 1,040
Containment: 40%
More information:
Terwilliger Fire – Willamette National Forest
Smoke settled in the valley yesterday during the morning hours before clearing in the early afternoon to bring sunny skies to the fire area and increased fire activity in the afternoon. The fire continued to move north of Annie Creek and into the Basalt Creek drainage limiting the ability to established a direct line. The continuous coordination between Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Service, and the Incident Management Team has been successful in simultaneously constructing a direct line and a contingency line on the western perimeter of the fire.
A rockslide covered Road 19 yesterday and other rolling debris created obstructions that slowed movement through the area to the southwest perimeter. Fire responders engaged midday. Crews were able go direct along the road and aim to strengthen and hold the line during night operations. Air operations engaged the southwestern and western perimeters in the afternoon and will continue as conditions allow with increased resources today.
To the southeast, fire moved into the 2017 Rebel fire scar but slowed significantly due to lack of fuels. In addition, it continues to slowly burn through rugged terrain of the Three Sisters Wilderness.
Fire activity is expected to moderate as clouds, cooler temperatures, and higher humidity cover the fire area. Firefighters will focus on extinguishing spot fires and holding and securing the southwest perimeter.
Location: 30 miles east of Springfield
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 5,398
Personnel: 321
Containment: 1%
More information:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6160/
Jennie’s Peak Fire – Wheeler County
Interior burning was observed but posed no threat to the control lines. A cooler, more moist air mass has helped firefighters gain considerable depth on the control lines and they will continue to work today to identify and extinguish any remaining hot spots. This fire will be turned back over to the local unit tomorrow morning.
Location: 14 miles south of Fossil
Ignition Date: August 17, 2018
Cause: Unknown
Acres burned: 45,956
Personnel:
200
Containment: 90%
More information:
Stubblefield and Lonerock Fires – Gilliam and Wheeler counties
Minimal fire activity was observed yesterday on the Stubblefield and Lonerock Fires as firefighters continued to mop up remaining hot spots within control lines. This fire will be turned back over to the local unit tomorrow morning.
Stubblefield Fire – 54,221 acres, 95% contained
Lonerock Fire – 5,056 acres, 95% contained
Location: West, southwest and southeast of Condon
Ignition Date: August 17, 2018
Cause: Unknown
Personnel: 43
More information:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6162/
Miles and Columbus fires
(formerly the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires, also includes Snow Shoe and Round Top)
The Miles and Columbus fires will transition to a smaller fire management team Monday morning. This downsizing will be reflected in lower overall personnel and equipment numbers. However, work continues toward full containment of the two fires and repair of areas damaged by firefighting activities is ongoing.
Work efforts will be focused on securing and reinforcing fire lines on the east and west ends of the gap between the Miles and Columbus fires, which are slowly burning toward each other. Repair work will focus on restoring no-longer-needed dozer lines and handlines to a more natural state and to prevent runoff from impacting fish-bearing streams.
Miles Fire – 35,641 acres, 54% contained
Columbus Fire – 10,226 acres, 55% contained
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 49,837
Personnel: 369
More information:
Taylor Creek and Klondike East
Progress continued on strengthening fire lines, back hauling equipment, repairing roads, and restoring areas of suppression activities. Firefighters will be patrolling the established lines and mopping up any hot spots. A hose lay has been completed in the southern end of the fire that will assist in forcefully dealing with areas of heat. Effective suppression efforts have allowed fire managers to end the night shift.
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 52,826 acres
Personnel: 403
Containment: 95%
More information:
Klondike Fire West
The firefighters continue to implement an aggressive and adaptive approach to suppressing the fire in the Klondike West Zone. Air tankers will continue to be used to check the fire spreading out of Silver Creek toward Silver Peak Ridge.
Six heavy air tankers were used in the past two days, and will be used again today if possible.
Community meeting: Klondike Fire West
- Sunday, Aug. 26, 3 p.m., outside the Agness Community Library, 3905 Cougar Ln., Agness
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 87,701 acres
Personnel: 1,240
Containment: 41%
More information:
August 25, 2018
Last night, crews successfully completed burnout operations on the
northwestern portions of the Ramsey
Canyon Fire. Wildland and structure firefighters worked side by
side to bring the fire down to control lines just behind the structures on East
Evans Creek Road. The burnout operations added several hundred acres to the
fire’s size and significantly increased the ability of control lines to stop the
fire’s spread.
|
Above: A helicopter picking up a load of retardant. Typically our view of these operations is from the ground, but our aerial
crews captured this shot from above yesterday. This is unique because in most cases, retardant is pumped into an aircraft through a tank.
This is a mobile retardant dip site that has been established at Beagle Helibase. Think of it like a “retardant to-go.” |
Last night’s primary mission was to put fire on the ground in a safe and
controlled manner. Today’s objective is to hold it. Holding operations today
will include strengthening control lines where needed, burning any unburned
pockets of fuel near containment lines, and watching for rolling debris and
other material that may bring fire across control lines.
The inversion moderating fire behavior will lift this afternoon, causing an
increase in fire behavior. Winds of 10-12 miles per hour with gusts up to 15
will test the fire lines.
The fire burned one outbuilding on August 22 during initial attack. About 498
structures are reported threatened.
Location: 12 miles northwest of Eagle Point
Ignition Date: August 22, 2018
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 1,821
Personnel: 795
Containment: 17%
More information:
Watson Creek Fire – Lake County
Firefighters constructed more than a mile of dozer line on Friday
to cut off spread to the northwest, reducing the expected footprint of the
Watson Creek Fire by 5 to 6 square miles if the line continues to hold.
 |
| Above: Horses on a dozer line at Watson Creek Fire. |
The Ingram Guard Station has been wrapped with reflective fire-resistant
material and structure protection is in place.
Archery hunting season begins today. Extra traffic is expected near the fire
area and increased caution is recommended while driving.
Green Diamond Resource Company is the forest landowner most directly impacted
by the fire and has been contributing significantly toward its suppression.
Location: 13 miles west of Paisley
Ignition Date: August
15, 2018
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 50,144
Personnel: 968
Containment: 15%
More information:
Jennie’s Peak Fire – Wheeler County
Today’s operations will focus on searching for any remaining hot
spots around the perimeter of the fire. The fire continues to hold along the
John Day River, staying north and east of the river.
Location: 14 miles south of Fossil
Ignition Date: August 17, 2018
Cause: Unknown
Acres burned: 45,956
Personnel: 278
Containment: 80%
More information:
Stubblefield and Lonerock Fires – Gilliam and Wheeler counties
Minimal fire behavior was observed yesterday as firefighters
continued to mop up remaining hot spots within control lines. As a result of
the successful suppression efforts, the Gilliam County Sheriff has dropped all
remaining evacuation levels related to the Stubblefield and Lonerock Fires.
Today firefighters will continue to mop up and patrol the perimeter of each of
the fires and begin to repair the firelines used to stop the advance of the
fires. Interior smoke may be visible as large fuels continue to burn out.
Stubblefield Fire (now includes Seale Fire): 51,729 acres, 95%
contained
Lonerock Fire: 5,056
acres, 95% contained
Location: West, southwest and southeast of Condon
Ignition Date: August
17, 2018
Cause: Unknown
Personnel: 249
Miles and Columbus fires
(formerly the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires, also includes
Snow Shoe and Round Top)
Miles Fire – 35,563 acres, 54% contained
Columbus Fire – 10,186 acres, 55% contained
Most fire activity has been between the Miles and Columbus fires
as they slowly grow together. A Type 3 IMT from Nevada arrives today and will
assume command on Monday.
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 49,719
Personnel: 689
More information:
Other fires
Taylor Creek and Klondike East
A transfer of command for the Klondike East Zone took place this
morning, with Northwest Team 12, a Type 2 incident management team from
Washington, assuming command from the Alaska IMT.
The sun made an appearance on Friday after days of thick smoke.
Fire behavior continued to be moderated by cooler temperatures and an increase
in relative humidity.
Rep. Greg Walden visited the fire camp on Lake Selmac and was
provided with an update on the firefighting effort and an opportunity to meet
with fire managers and crew members.
A weak cold front passage on Saturday will be accompanied by continued cooler
than normal temperatures and higher relative humidity. Firefighting on Saturday
will mirror Friday’s actions with the emphasis on repairing roads and
rehabilitating fire lines.
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 52,825 acres
Personnel: 356
Containment: 95%
More information:
Klondike Fire West
Air tankers joined the fire fight yesterday and dropped 105,000
gallons of retardant along the Hobson Knob to Silver Peak trail located on the
ridge above the fire burning out of Silver Creek. They will be used again today
if visibility is good and they are available. About one-half mile of retardant
line was created yesterday and more is expected to be created today. The
purpose of the line is to slow the forward progress of the fire coming out of
Silver Creek.
The fire burned actively south and west of Bald Mountain and is expected to
grow in this area again today. The fire is predicted to become active around 1
p.m.
The West Zone of the Klondike Fire is burning in a very remote and mostly
inaccessible area of the Rogue River/Siskiyou National Forest. Fire management
planners will continue to assess and modify plans as situations change and new
opportunities surface to minimize the amount of land impacted by the fire.
Community meeting: Klondike Fire West
- Sunday, Aug. 26, 3 p.m., outside
the Agness Community Library, 3905 Cougar Ln., Agness
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 82,015 acres
Personnel: 1,262
Containment: 39%
More information:
Terwilliger Fire – Willamette National Forest
Smoke cleared in the valley overnight bringing sunny skies to the
fire area and increased fire activity very early in the day. The fire moved upslope
up canyon within Annie Creek moving to the north and west into rugged steep
terrain limiting the ability to go direct. The continuous coordination between
Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Service, and the Incident Management Team
has been successful in simultaneously constructing a contingency line and going
direct on the western perimeter of the fire.
On the eastern portion, the increased fire activity brought growth into Walker
Creek to the north, easterly movement further into the Three Sisters Wilderness
and south into the French Pete Creek drainage toward the 2017 Rebel fire scar.
Late in the afternoon, the fire spotted across the Blue River to the west and
south of the main fire and is now burning between Horn and Balm Creeks. With
the clear air, aerial resources were utilized yesterday afternoon dropping
water when the new spot fire was discovered.
Today fire activity is expected to be similar to yesterday as skies are clear
this morning. Firefighters will focus on holding and securing the southwest
perimeter and work towards tying into the contingency line ODF constructed on
Campbell Global property. Firefighters on the southeast perimeter of the fire
will focus on establishing an anchor point on the new spot fire burning between
Horn and Balm Creeks and work on developing a plan for containment.
Location: 30 miles east of Springfield
Cause: Under
investigation
Acres burned: 4,721
Personnel: 273
Containment: 1%
More information:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6160/
August 24, 2018
The Ramsey Canyon Fire was active early in the evening with fire activity on the south-east corner and in the north. On the north side, the fire continues to back down the ridge toward Evans Creek along East Evans Creek Road. It is currently staying at the creek and has not crossed East Evans Creek Road.
The south side of the fire is down to Ramsey Road and is holding. The fire is expected be active on the south side near the intersection of Ramsey Road and Ramsey Canyon Road and is expected to hold there.
The north side of the fire is in steep, rugged terrain and is slowly moving to the north. The Oregon State Fire Marshal will have two structure protection task forces working in the homes to the north of the fire. There will also be two task forces working on the east side of the fire assessing and protecting homes there.
The cooler weather will help firefighting efforts today. Temperatures will be in the mid 70’s to mid 80’s and relative humidity will be in the 25-30% range. Winds are expected to pick up in the afternoon, with similar winds in the 11-14 mph range late in the afternoon. This will cause fire activity to increase at that time.
Yesterday, smoke over regional airports prevented air tankers from working on the fire. Helicopters will continue to work the fire as conditions permit. If the smoke clears at the regional airport air tankers will assist in firefighting efforts.
Acreage is updated from the first infrared flight over the fire.
There are Level 2, Get Set, and Level 3, Go!, evacuations around the fire area.
Community meeting:
- Tonight, Aug. 24, 6 p.m., Hanby Middle School gymnasium, 806 6th Ave., Gold Hill
Location: 12 miles northwest of Eagle Point
Ignition Date: August 22, 2018
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 1,329
Personnel: 631
Containment: 15%
More information:
Watson Creek Fire – Lake County
The Watson Creek Fire is holding at approximately 5.5 to 6 air miles from the town of Paisley. Fire crews prepared for firing operations last night along Forest Road 28 to the 3315 and 3411. On the Forest Road 33-014, firefighters will work today to continue holding that area. Spot fires yesterday were managed on the ground quickly.
A dry cold front brought windy conditions to the Watson Creek Fire yesterday with southwest winds in the morning shifting westerly in the afternoon and northwesterly in the evening. Cooler weather is predicted today in the fire area. Temperatures may drop to the 60s and 70s, with relative humidity at 15-30%. Despite cooler temperatures, dry conditions will continue with breezy afternoon winds. All three level of evacuations are in place.
Location: 13 miles west of Paisley
Ignition Date: August 15, 2018
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 46,525
Personnel: 758
Containment: 10%
More information:
Jennie’s Peak, Stubblefield and Lonerock Fires – Gilliam and Wheeler counties
As the threat to structures has decreased, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Blue Team has demobilized to return to their local units. NW Team 7 will continue to manage the Stubblefield, Lonerock and Jennie’s Peak Fires until they are contained to the point that local resources will be able to take over. Passage of a cold front yesterday increased fire behavior on all three fires, but all established control lines held. All evacuation levels related to the fires in south Gilliam County have been reduced to Level 1 Get Ready. Three Australian helicopter specialists were welcomed yesterday to assist with air operations on these incidents. These folks are part of a contingent of 138 fireline management personnel from Australia and New Zealand assigned to support large fires in the California and Northwest Areas.
The Jennie’s Peak Fire is 70% contained and 41,000 acres. Yesterday crews conducted firing
|
| Above: View of Jennie’s Peak. |
operations into the night to secure the northern flank of the fire. Today’s operations will focus on holding and mopping up yesterday’s burnout, continued burning to add depth to the fireline in a few critical areas, and searching for any remaining hot spots around the perimeter of the fire. The fire continues to hold along the John Day River, staying north and east of the river.
The Stubblefield Fire is currently 80% contained and is 51,707 acres. In the steep terrain around the John Day River, rappelers were inserted on the far western flank to secure a finger of the fire located in an otherwise inaccessible area adjacent to the John Day River. This action was successful and today firefighters will continue to improve the control line in this area. All other established containment lines held, and crews continued to mop up any hot spots that could rekindle and threaten those lines.
The Lonerock Fire is now 80% contained and 5,056 acres. Yesterday crews worked the southeastern flank of the fire to continue to strengthen the remaining fireline. Most remaining smoke and torching was on the interior part of the fire, away from the fire edge.
Jennie’s Peak Fire: 41,000 acres, 70% contained
Stubblefield Fire (now includes Seale Fire): 56,763
acres, 80% contained
Lonerock Fire: 5,056 acres, 80% contained
Location: West, southwest and southeast of Condon
Ignition Date: August 17, 2018
Cause: Unknown
Personnel:
249
Miles and Columbus fires
(formerly the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires, also includes Snow Shoe and Round Top)
Miles Fire – 35,310 acres, 54% contained
Columbus Fire – 10,138 acres, 55% contained
Yesterday firefighters and engines from the Miles and Columbus fires helped fight the Ramsey Canyon Fire which is 12 miles northwest of Eagle Point, Oregon in Sam’s Valley.
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 49,418
Personnel: 630
More information:
Other fires
Taylor Creek and Klondike East
A transfer of command for the Klondike East Zone will occur Saturday. Northwest Team 12, a Type 2 incident management team from Washington, will assume command of the Taylor Creek and Klondike East fires at 6 a.m. NW Team 12, led by incident commander Richy Harrod, was in-briefed by the Alaska IMT on Thursday.
Despite diminished fire activity due to smoke, cooler temperatures and higher relative humidities, firefighters remain vigilant in keeping the Taylor Creek Fire and Klondike Fire East in check. Crews are patrolling fire perimeters for hot spots, mopping up areas of heat, pulling hose and pumps, falling hazard trees, repairing firelines and backhauling trash.
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 52,796 acres
Personnel: 387
Containment: 95%
More information:
Klondike Fire West
As expected, the slop-over that occurred north of Silver Creek in the Klondike West zone continues to grow slowly in a very remote area of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The air over the fire was very smoky yesterday which shaded the fire and slowed its rate of spread.
There is no safe option to implement a direct attack
along the active edge of this part of the fire. The area is currently inaccessible to ground crews. The fire is expected to become more active around 3 p.m. today due to lower relative humidities.
The priority for today is to strengthen the expected primary lines. Resources are being relocated from patrolling the contained section of line leading from Bear Camp Road to Flat Top Road and from constructing line along Flat Top Road to Chinaman Hat.
Community meeting: Klondike Fire West
- Sunday, Aug. 26, 3 p.m., outside the Agness Community Library, 3905 Cougar Ln., Agness
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 80,725 acres
Personnel: 1,235
Containment: 37%
More information:
Terwilliger Fire – Willamette National Forest
Southwest Area Incident Management Team #3 is utilizing a full suppression strategy and developing tactics that minimize impacts to important values at risk. Incident Responder and public safety remain the highest priority.
A high level of coordination between Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Service, and the Incident Management Team to simultaneously construct a contingency line and go direct has been successful on the western perimeter of the fire.
Weather changes moderated fire behavior allowing firefighters to hold the fire on the southwest side from the 19 westerly to the 115 road. Fire became established in Annie Creek and began moving up canyon. The rugged steep terrain limited the ability to go direct as the inversion lifted in the afternoon.
Today crews will mop up and secure the southwest perimeter and work towards tying into the contingency line ODF constructed on Campbell Global property. Firefighters on the southeast perimeter of the fire will continue to hold fire to the east of Forest Road 19 road and into the Rebel fire burn scar.
The fire did burn through Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs. Damage assessments will begin as soon as it is safe to enter the area.
Community meeting:
- Tonight, Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m., McKenzie High School, old gym, 51187 Blue River Dr., Finn Rock
Location: 30 miles east of Springfield
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 3,759
Personnel: 195
Containment: 1%
More information:
