The fires in the South
Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires have been reorganized as
the Miles, Columbus,
Snowshoe and
Round Top fires.
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| Above: Flames at night on the Miles Fire. |
They are being managed under unified command by the
Northern Rockies Team 2 (Turman), the Oregon Department of Forestry Team 1
(Hessel) and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Red Team (Yocum).
The multiple fires are now organized as follows:
- Miles Fire –
24,709 acres
Firefighters are constructing and improving control lines
on some of the most active fires, which are now collectively called the Miles Fire.
- Columbus Fire –
8,892
Firefighters continue to improve control lines on this fire to the
northeast of the main Complex, doing mop up and burnouts as needed. The fire is
burning toward a 2017 fire scar, which is providing a good control line.
-
Snowshoe Fire –
3,816 acres
This has remained within control lines. Fire crews are
pulling hoses today. Frequent patrols will continue.
- Round Top Fire –
154 acres
Firefighters are patrolling this small fire east of the main
Complex to ensure there is no heat near the perimeter.
At least 4 OSFM task forces are assessing and preparing structures
threatened by the fires, of which there are more than
900. Evacuations are in place.
Hotter temperatures this week are expected to contribute to
increased fire behavior in the afternoons. Due to heavy smoke, drivers in the
area are cautioned to drive slowly and with headlights on.
Total acreage for the combined fires, which are roughly 45 miles
southeast of Roseburg, is 37,726 acres. Some 1,707 personnel are
engaged, including 57 crews, 59 fire engines, 15
dozers and 11 helicopters.
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Initial
attack stops fire north of Prineville at 27 acres
A fire 10 miles north of Prineville is reported 100% lined and 100%
contained a day and a half after it was reported. The Allen Creek Fire was reported Sunday
morning burning in grass and brush.
Local resources responded, including four Oregon Department of
Forestry engines, two U.S. Forest Service engines, four hand crews, four
dozers, three water tenders, two single-engine airtankers (SEATs), three heavy
airtankers, and four helicopters.
Crook County Fire and Rescue assisted, providing multiple engines
and a water tender, along with the Crook County Sheriff, who provided
additional personnel. The landowner provided two skidgines and one dozer.
Aggressive initial attack held the fire to about 27
acres. The dozers and skidgines were able to tie in the fire line, and
hose was laid, allowing crews to begin mop up by 7 p.m. Crews will
continue mopping up today with two tenders, three hand crews and two engines.
Cause of the fire is under investigation.
Containment
rises to 60% on the South Valley Fire
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| Above: An “ash devil” on the South Valley Fire, a whirlwind carrying ash into the air. |
Firefighters
are mopping up hot spots 75 to 150 feet in from the fire perimeter, of which
there are an estimated 50 miles. Much of the perimeter is cool, with the heat
concentrated north of the Hix and Friend Road areas.
Firefighters
are contending with “ash devils,” whirlwinds created when the
sun heats the ground and creates unstable air. Such whirlwinds can pick up hot embers and carry them over firelines. So firefighters are watching both sides of the firelines alert for any new spot fires.
Ignition date:
Aug. 1, 2018
Crews
continue mopping up Garner Complex
are continuing to seek remaining pockets of heat using palm-held infrared
scanners. Any that are found are extinguished. Fire
managers are re-allocating resources to support initial attack on new incidents
near the fire.
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Other recent fires
Creek Fire – Josephine County
Burnouts
on the northern perimeter are continuing on Oregon’s largest wildfire in size,
while mop up with Oregon National Guard members continues on the eastern
perimeter. Contingency lines are being prepared along the Peavine and Bear Camp
roads.
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Klondike
Fire – Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
Burnout
operations are continuing to deepen primary control lines. Otherwise, very
little spread north and south on the eastern half of the fire. Monitoring
spread west through wilderness toward the burn scar of last year’s Chetco Bar
Fire. Evacuations and road and area closures are in effect.
Cause: Lightning
High to extreme fire danger across Oregon
the latest fire danger levels and restrictions at ODF’s Fire Restrictions and
Closures web page at
https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html