LAKEVIEW, Ore. – This is the final update from the Fox Complex.
The Patton Meadow Fire of the Fox Complex remained at 8,930 acres yesterday with containment growing to 90%.
Tomorrow a local Type 4 team assumes management of the fire at 8 a.m. Today they will shadow ODF Team 3 as they prepare to take over. When they assume management, they will complete any remaining mop up, patrol the perimeter of the fire, bring back any remaining, unnecessary equipment, and continue suppression repair work.
Crews will continue mop up operations on the north side of the fire, going 200-300 feet deep, extinguishing any hot spots they discover. In the morning briefing, Operations Section Chief Rob Pentzer told crews, “Do one more grid, one more look for hot spots so we can have this wrapped up.” By the end of the shift, the entire fire perimeter will have a rind at least 200 feet deep into the interior.
Efforts on the east, south and west sides of the fire will continue with hauling equipment back to fire camp and repairing dozer and hand lines that were part of the firefighting effort. As the firefighting effort winds down, most crews will be demobilizing and heading home or onto other fire assignments. There will be some crews and equipment remaining to help the Type 4 team manage the fire going forward.
As the work continues, and the season continues, the public may see smoke from the interior of the fire. This is normal and does not pose any threat to the public.
The Fremont-Winema Forest, and fire area, remains closed due to fire danger. For the latest information on the forest closures, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/fremont-winema/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5317501