Operations morning video: https://youtu.be/h0OfVe8vsY0
LAKEVIEW, Ore. – Overnight temperatures dropped down to 36 degrees as fire crews worked hard to plumb and strengthen lines around the Patton Meadow Fire. With dry and windy conditions gusting up to 32 mph, some fire crossed the fire line on the northwest corner of the fire at Patton Meadow, but quick response by crews kept the fire from spreading any further.
Operations Section Chief John Pellissier was upbeat at this morning’s briefing, saying “everyone’s happy with where we’re at right now and that lines are very secure.” Crews are preparing for burnout operations to further secure the fire line on the north side.
On the south side of the fire, crews continue mop-up operations from the current 50 feet up to 100 or 150 feet into the perimeter to keep the fire from crossing containment lines. “Lines are in and water is flowing,” added Pellissier, in regard to perimeter lines along Highway 140 on the fire’s south side.
Most of the remaining heat on the fire is along the north perimeter, burning in steep, rugged terrain towards Cottonwood Road. Dozers working along Cottonwood Road have completed a contingency line and crews are now working to develop a perimeter closer to the fire’s north front.
OSFM will be sending two task forces home today since the risk to structures has reduced. There are still 8 structural task forces available for structure assessment, building defensible space, and assisting wildland crews where needed. As of this morning, 88 structures have been assessed.
The overnight infrared flight showed Patton Meadow at 6,538 and Willow Valley at 824 acres. The fires are 30 percent and 65 percent contained respectively.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office evacuation details can be found by visiting https://www.facebook.com/Lake-County-Oregon-104435824529906.
The team will again provide a personal update during a Facebook Live informational meeting tonight at 7 p.m. More information https://fb.me/e/1dM4zde6c.