September 20, 2021
LA GRANDE, Ore. – As of 12:01 am, September 21, 2021, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has terminated the Regulated-Use Closure, or Public Use Restrictions for forestlands protected by the Northeast Oregon District. Due to moderating weather and precipitation, the closure and the associated fire prevention restrictions are no longer necessary. Mitch Williams, La Grande Wildland Fire Supervisor, cautions “The recent precipitation has been welcoming across the region, however it’s important to stay aware of how quickly conditions can change. A warm or breezy day can dry the lighter fuels out and we can quickly be back into a dangerous fire situation.”
While Public Use fire restrictions have eased, Fire Season remains in effect for private, state, county, municipal and tribal lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry. All open debris burning and burn barrels are prohibited. Campfires fires are now allowed with landowner permission. Making sure that campfires are always attended is a good step towards fire safety. Ensure the fire is dead out before leaving.
The Northeast Oregon District includes lands in the following counties: Union, Baker, Umatilla, Wallowa and small portions of Grant, Morrow and Malheur counties.
Fire restrictions may differ on lands protected by rural fire departments or lands managed by the US Forest Service or BLM. Check local regulations before burning. More information on fire restrictions can be found the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website at www.bmidc.org.
For more information on fire prevention restrictions in the Northeast Oregon District call: (541)975-3027
To report a fire, call the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at (541)963-7171, or dial 9-1-1.
http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ is your spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains.
September 18, 2021
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. – A combination of widespread rain and a steady drop in temperatures has made it possible to ease off on some public and industrial fire prevention regulations on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. Effective Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the public fire danger level will decrease to “moderate” (blue), and the industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) will decrease to I (one) in Jackson and Josephine Counties.
For public use, restrictions on chain saws, brush cutters and other power-driven or spark-emitting machinery are being slightly relaxed, allowing the use of equipment until 1:00 p.m. and after 8 p.m. Today will be the last day power-driven and/or spark-emitting machinery is completely prohibited.
Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:
- No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
- No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestlands.
- Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
- Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations.
- Motorized vehicles are allowed only on improved roads; one shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling.
- Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.
- Chain saws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chain saws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use.
- Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site.
- The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
- Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine-use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site.
- Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.
Under IFPL I (one) – fire season requirements are in effect. In addition to the following:
- A Firewatch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Season regulations, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
- Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point – (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass – (541) 474-3152
Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
August 31, 2021
CANYONVILLE, Ore. – Fire officials with the Douglas Forest Protective Association and the Bureau of Land Management have declared the Skyline Ridge Complex 100% contained as of Monday, August 30th. With full containment on the incident being reached, all 19 fires within the complex will be moved to a patrol status. DFPA crews will continue to monitor the fires for the remainder of fire season with both aviation and ground resources, in addition to utilizing fire detection cameras.
Smoke from the interior portions of the Poole Creek Fire may be visible until the fall rains return to the area. This smoke is being produced by smoldering materials and small pockets of previously unburned fuels within the interior portions of the fire. These smokes are being monitored by fire crews but pose little to no threat to containment lines.
The Skyline Ridge Complex consisted of 19 lightning caused fires that originated on August 1st in southern Douglas County. The complex of fires were located in the South Umpqua River and Upper Cow Creek areas, east on Interstate Five. Below are the final fire sizes for each incident.
Total fire size for the Skyline Ridge Complex: 5,760 acres
- Poole Creek Fire: 5,291 acres
- O’Shea Creek Fire: 200 acres
- Ike Butte Fire: 118 acres
- Sweat Creek Fire: 67 acres
- Turkey Creek Fire: 31 acres
- McGinnis Fire: 20 acres
- Packard Creek Fire: 19 acres
- Spring Fire: 7 acres
- Hill Fire: 2 acres
- The following fires each burned less than one acre: Headwater Fire, Shively Overlook Fire, Galesville Overlook Fire, Galesville Boat Ramp Fire, Black Hawk Fire, Snow Creek Fire, Russel Creek Fire, Cedar Snow Fire, Cedar Springs Fire, and Upper Starveout Fire.
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August 27, 2021
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
August 26, 2021
CANYONVILLE, Ore. – Firefighters continue to make good progress on the Skyline Ridge Complex, which is now 97% contained. 86 personnel remain assigned to the incident with the primary mission of patrolling containment lines, mopping up hot spots, backhauling the supplies and equipment that are no longer needed on the fire lines, and finalizing fire suppression repair projects in and around the 19 fires that make up the complex. Foresters from both private industrial landowners and the Bureau of Land Management are also working in the fire area, assessing damages to their lands.
Resources that are no longer needed on this incident are either being reassigned to other fires in the region or returning to their home units for rest. By Saturday, fire officials with the Skyline Ridge Complex anticipate that only about 40 personnel will be needed on this incident to patrol the fires.
Smoke from the interior portions of the Poole Creek Fire may be visible until the heavy fall rains return to the area. This smoke is being produced by smoldering materials and small pockets of previously unburned fuels within the interior area of the fire. These smokes are being monitored by fire crews but pose little to no threat to containment lines.
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August 26, 2021
LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The Patton Meadow Fire of the Fox Complex remained at 8,930 acres yesterday with containment growing to 80%.
Today crews will continue mop up operations around the fire, building a rind of up to 300 feet in some areas. Work on the north end of the fire is where crews continue to find and extinguish the highest number of hot spots. Operation Section Chief Eric Perkins said in the morning briefing to be diligent in mopping up and to “keep looking for hot spots you didn’t see yesterday, or the day before, to ensure we are being thorough.”
As containment increases and is complete on the south, west and east sides of the fire, crews are working to remove hose lays and repair areas impacted by fire containment efforts. As the firefighting effort winds down, more crews will be demobilizing and heading home or onto other fire assignments.
There is a Facebook Live community closeout meeting tonight at 7p.m. on the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership Facebook page. The link for the meeting is https://fb.me/e/1xp006hh5
August 25, 2021
LAKEVIEW, Ore. – Containment on the Patton Meadow Fire is now at 70%. Crews are gridding the fire’s perimeter and increasing the rind by digging out and applying water to hot spots. The majority of containment efforts are along the north perimeter of the fire along Cottonwood Road. Several additional crews have been assigned to accelerate the mop up activities in this area. Fallers are working ahead of crews to remove hazard trees for the safety of hand crews performing mop up operations.
Along the west, south, and east perimeters, mop up efforts continue further into the black to meet containment objectives. Crews continue to grid the green to locate any spot fires outside the fire perimeter. In areas where containment is complete, efforts are ramping up to remove hose lays and repair areas impacted by fire containment efforts. Unneeded equipment will be hauled off the fire line. As the firefighting effort winds down, more crews will be demobilizing and heading home or onto other fire assignments.
The National Guard continues assisting with traffic control for the safety of firefighters and the public. We thank them for their contributions throughout this firefighting effort.
Today’s forecast calls for a mid-level trough moving into the region that will increase cloud cover, cooling high temperatures slightly and keeping afternoon humidity around 15-20%. Southwest winds around 10 miles per hour in the morning will increase to 15 miles per hour with gusts of 20-25 miles per hour in the afternoon.
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August 24, 2021
LAKEVIEW, Ore. – “Last night, we threw down on this fire,” said night Operations Section Chief Rob Pentzer during an energetic morning briefing today. Night crews cleared a rind of 25-50ft along the fire’s north perimeter, the hottest area on the fire where burnout operations started over the weekend and continue to consume fuels. Mop up is proceeding well, with a rind of up to 300 feet on the east, south, and west sides of the fire.
“We’re in a great place. I’m very pleased with how things turned out after burnout operations two nights ago,” said day shift Operations Section Chief Eric Perkins. Crews today will continue mop up operations across the fire’s perimeter with a goal of reaching a minimum of 100 feet before handing the fire over to local resources.
Today’s update includes a reduction of fire acreage on the Patton Meadow Fire from 8,947 to 8,930 total acres due to more accurate mapping of the fire’s perimeter.
Today’s forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-70s with relative humidity around 10 to 15%. Winds from the south and southwest will continue to bring smoke from California into the region.
Yesterday at the Incident Command Post at the Lake County Fairgrounds, Airman Saida Wise, of the Oregon Air National Guard, received a field promotion to Airman First Class by 1st Lieutenant Morgan Lindsay. Both Lindsay and Wise are members of the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field, Oregon, and, along with other members of the Air National Guard, are here helping with traffic control points around the Patton Meadow Fire. Congratulations to Airman Saida!
Current Patton Meadow Fire evacuation levels have been lifted.
August 23, 2021
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Community Trees, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry program and USDA Forest Service are co-hosting this year’s annual Oregon Community Forestry Conference via Zoom on Sept. 14 and 15.
The conference is titled “Water-Wise Community Forests: Strategies for our Future.” It will feature researchers and urban forest experts sharing best management practices for dealing with drought and floods as they become more frequent and severe due to climate change. There will also be a demonstration of the Oregon Tree Plotter Inventory software, which is available free to Oregon cities.
Cost of the conference is $70, with discounts for students and registrants from Tree City USA communities or Tree Campus USA schools.
The conference’s first session is Tuesday, Sept. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. with part two the next day from 8 a.m. to noon. Continuing education credits are offered by:
- Pacific Northwest chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture
- Oregon Landscape Contractors Board
- Society of American Foresters
- American Society of Consulting Arborists
- Construction Contractors Board
For more information or to register, please go to Eventbrite registration or to the OCT Conference website. The latter has presenter bios, and presentation abstracts.
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August 23, 2021
LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The Patton Meadow fire is currently 8,947 acres and 52% contained. Crews continue to increase containment on the Patton Meadow Fire within the Fox Complex. Handheld infrared cameras last night confirmed the east side and southeast corner of the fire is out cold 100 feet into the fire’s perimeter, while the west and north perimeters of the fire still have considerable heat which crews are addressing through mop up operations. One small spot fire was identified on the north perimeter of the fire, but was quickly contained by crews monitoring the area.
Crews today will continue to monitor the “green” for spot fires, while increasing mop up efforts on the north and west perimeters. “We’re just going to keep up progress from yesterday, going to keep grinding away on this thing,” said Operations Section Chief Eric Perkins. Perkins said that resources from areas of the fire that are well contained will be pushing north to address hot spots remaining from burnout operations.
Today’s forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-70s with relative humidity around 10 to 15%. Winds from the south and southwest will bring more smoke from California into the region, which has the potential to moderate temperatures and increase relative humidity.
Fox Complex Information: 541-316-5904 (7 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
Email: foxcomplex.info@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCOFMPFIREINFO
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7798/
August 22, 2021
Lakeview, ORE. – In a pivotal milestone last night, crews were able to tie in containment efforts on the west and north sides of the Patton Meadow Fire with burnout efforts along the south side of Cottonwood Road. While the skies were filled with columns of smoke last night, smoke will begin to dissipate rapidly from this fire now that burnout operations have been completed.
Operations Section Chief Eric Perkins summed up the effort by saying “it’s a big deal that we got this thing tied in. We essentially completed a prescribed burn the third week of August- a burn you would typically do in October after two or three inches of rain. Hats off to the burn module and everyone who supported it.”
The fire is now completely “black-lined,” with burned fuels comprising the entire perimeter. Crews will now allow interior fuels to burn out, while mopping up deeper and deeper into the perimeter and monitoring the “green” to ensure no new spot fires are allowed to develop.
Yesterday’s operational briefing provides an overview of burnout and mop up operations, with footage from the front lines of firefighting efforts and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5ri5eRs1wo. This will be the last operational update video so long as conditions on the fire do not change significantly.
Today’s forecast calls for shifting conditions with temperatures climbing 10-15 degrees and winds from the south and southwest with gusts up to 25 mph.
Current Patton Meadow Fire evacuation levels can be found on Lake County Sheriff’s Office by visiting https://www.facebook.com/Lake-County-Oregon-104435824529906.
Fox Complex Information: 541-316-5904 (7 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
Email: foxcomplex.info@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCOFMPFIREINFO
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7798/
August 20, 2021
Lakeview, ORE. – The Fox Complex has been reduced to one fire. The Willow Valley Fire, standing at 824 acres and 85 percent contained, was officially handed back to the local BLM district today. The remaining Patton Meadow Fire is now 7,252 acres and 33 percent contained.
The Patton Meadow Fire’s growth is primarily due to controlled burnout operations that are bringing the head of the fire to containment lines and roads on the north end of the fire.
Crews on the west, east and south sides of the perimeter are gridding for heat into the fire’s interior and applying water to extinguish any remaining hot spots.
The fire’s north perimeter is plumbed with fire hose with burnout operations to continue over the next several days as conditions allow.
Lingering smoke from the Schneider Springs Fire in Central Washington is forecast to move out today with no additional smoke upwind from the region. With clearing skies, winds will pick up a bit mid-morning and remain generally light throughout the day. A dry cold front is forecast to roll in overnight bringing increased winds from the west.
OSFM task forces and the Blue Incident Management Team will be returning to their home agencies on Saturday. OSFM would like to thank all of the local agencies for their hard work during the initial attack and their ongoing support during the incident. The cooperation and teamwork by all contributed to the early and ongoing success of firefighting operations. OSFM appreciates the community of Lakeview for their warm welcome and hospitality during their stay. ODF Team 3 will be continuing their work of managing the incident.
August 19, 2021
CANYONVILLE, Ore. – Due to reduced fire activity, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has lifted the Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice for Ferguson Lane and Moore Ranch Road, north of the Poole Creek Fire. There are no evacuations associated with the Skyline Ridge Complex at this time, but evacuations on the Devil’s Knob Complex are still in effect. Check the Douglas County website at https://www.dcso.com/EVACUATIONS for more information.
Firefighters have made significant progress on the Skyline Ridge Complex. All of the smaller fires are fully contained and containment for the Complex has risen to 93%. The number of personnel on the fire is dropping rapidly as crews are reassigned to other fires or sent home to rest.
The northern part of the Poole Creek Fire and some areas near Stouts Creek did not burn clean. Known as “dirty burns”, these areas have enough vegetation remaining after a fire passes through them to continue to have small flare-ups. Slow, methodical work is needed to locate residual heat and cool it. While steep slopes and hazardous snags complicate the work, crews detect less heat in these areas each day.
Gusty winds are expected this afternoon and evening, increasing the danger of falling snags and other hazard trees. Firefighters will stay out of snag patches during the windy spells. The interior of the fire has some unburned pockets of vegetation which may burn in the coming days. Firefighters will continue to monitor for interior flare-ups and will take action if necessary.
The public is asked to please avoid driving the roads being used by firefighters. Many of the roads have limited room for passing vehicles.
On Friday, Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1 (ODF IMT1) will return the management of the Skyline Ridge Complex to local fire managers. At that time, the Incident Command Post (ICP) near Myrtle Creek will close. This is the last daily update from ODF IMT1. The Team would like to thank the local community and partners for their support during this incident.
Skyline Ridge Phone: 971-432-6250
Skyline Ridge Email: skylineridgecomplex.information@gmail.com
Skyline Ridge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylineridgecomplex
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7762/
Douglas County Evacuation Information: www.dcso.com/evacuations
August 19, 2021
Lakeview, ORE. – Crews worked overnight to increase and secure containment lines on the Patton Meadow Fire, while rising humidity complicated operations to burn out fuels in the area around Patton Meadow. The rind along the edge of containment lines in several areas was increased from 50 feet up to 150 feet, while crews checked for hotspots to prevent flare ups in the interior of the fire.
Day shift operations will continue mop-up on the south, lower east and west corners of the fire. Snagging crews will work to clear dangerous standing dead trees, paving the way for mop up crews to work deeper into the fire’s footprint.
Today’s weather forecast of moderate temperatures and light winds will be favorable for burnout efforts to continue in the area around Patton Meadow. Crews have prepared for burnout operations by laying hose and fortifying control lines before introducing fire to consume remaining fuels.
As the threat to structures decreases, OSFM will be returning task forces to their home agencies. OSFM will maintain an adequate number of resources to complete the work that needs to be done. Remaining task forces will continue with structural assessments and assisting wildland crews where needed.
With the successful efforts on the Willow Valley Fire, last night was the last night shift on the fire. Today will be the last day shift with the fire team handing the fire back to the local BLM district.
ODF Team 3, OSFM Blue Team, and Lake County Sheriff’s Office would like to invite you to a Fireside Chat with the Fox Complex Leadership. Please join us this afternoon, Thursday, Aug.19, at 2 p.m. on the front lawn of the Lake County Fairgrounds. Details can be found here – https://fb.me/e/2CIkOohpD
Lake County Sheriff’s Office evacuation details can be found by visiting https://www.facebook.com/Lake-County-Oregon-104435824529906.
Estimated Size:
Patton Meadow 6,595 acres
Willow Valley 824 acres
Containment:
Patton Meadow 30%
Willow Valley 75%
Location:
Patton Meadow 10 miles west of Lakeview
Willow Valley – 16 miles south of Bonanza
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 999
Fox Complex Information: 541-316-5904 (7 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
Email: foxcomplex.info@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCOFMPFIREINFO
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7798/
August 18, 2021
CANYONVILLE, Ore. – Tuesday’s light precipitation and cooler temperatures helped calm the Skyline Ridge Complex. The finer fuels that usually ignite easily were too wet to burn. Some of the moisture was able to reach pockets of heat, cooling them. Sometimes this created smoke or steam, helping firefighters find the hot spots.
While the flammability of smaller fuels changes quickly with any rain or increase in humidity, larger fuels need much more moisture to make them harder to burn. Much of the what’s burning on these fires is large rotting logs lying on the ground. These will continue to take a lot of work to cool, including cutting open burning sections, scraping away layers of coals, and mixing coals with water and dirt to extinguish them.
Taking advantage of the natural moisture and the cooler temperatures, firefighters are making good progress on mopping up hot areas on the fires. On the Poole Creek Fire, firefighters cooled the outer edges of most of the fire, including areas burned-out last Friday night and Saturday morning. In many areas they extinguished most of the heat within 150 feet of the control lines. Containment on the Complex has increased to 81%. Today’s assignment is to continue this aggressive mop-up.
The winds continue to be a threat to the firefighters. Gusty winds are toppling both dead trees known as “snags” and green trees damaged by the fire. One area on the north end of Poole Creek Fire has a large number of unstable trees, making it too hazardous for firefighters during windy periods.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has reduced the evacuation area and level for Upper Cow Creek Road. To get the most up to date information visit https://www.dcso.com/evacuations. The Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation order remains in place on Moore Ranch Rd. and Ferguson Lane.
Skyline Ridge Phone: 971-432-6250
Skyline Ridge Email: skylineridgecomplex.information@gmail.com
Skyline Ridge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylineridgecomplex
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7762/
Douglas County Evacuation Information: www.dcso.com/evacuations
| Estimated Size: 5,760 acres |
| Containment: |
81% |
| Start Date/Time: |
8/1/2021, 5 p.m. |
| Anticipated Containment Date: |
8/30/2021 |
| Location: |
Five miles SE of Canyonville, Ore. |
| Cause: |
Lightning/under investigation |
| Assigned Resources: |
|
| Personnel |
902 |
| Hand Crews |
28 |
| Engines |
34 |
| Dozers |
7 |
| Water Tenders |
20 |
| Other Heavy Equipment |
5 |
| Assigned Aircraft |
10 |
| Injuries: |
3 |
| Structures Threatened: |
100 |
| Structures Damaged: |
0 |
| Structures Destroyed: |
0 |
| Evacuations: |
Level 1 Evacuations are in place through Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. |
August 18, 2021
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.
August 17, 2021
CANYONVILLE, Ore. – Yesterday morning the skies were much clearer on the Skyline Ridge Complex than they’ve been lately. The smoke inversion that has covered the area most mornings lifted overnight, and winds increased.
Gusty winds from the west buffeted the fires much of the day. Many small pockets of residual vegetation flared up on Poole Creek Fire. Firefighters closely monitored this increased fire activity and took action as needed to keep the fire inside control lines. Poole Creek Fire and the other smaller fires on the Complex stayed within their lines.
Overnight moist, cooler air moved into the fire area. Drizzle to light rain fell on the fires, with showers expected to continue through this morning. While the moisture isn’t enough to put out the fire, it will be enough to make fine fuels like grasses and brush temporarily too wet to burn. Firefighters will be able to break open hot areas and let the damp air and surface soil cool them, which will quicken mop up.
When skies clear this afternoon, fire activity is expected to increase with continuing gusty winds. It’s safer if this “wind-testing” of a fire occurs while a fire is well-staffed, like the Skyline Ridge Complex. Burning of remaining fuels now makes the fires less likely to flare up later in the summer.
Surplus personnel and equipment are being released from the Skyline Ridge Complex. Most of these will be going home to get some rest before their next assignment, or they will head directly to another fire.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has reduced the evacuation area and level for Upper Cow Creek Road. To get the most up to date information visit https://www.dcso.com/evacuations. The Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation order remains in place on Moore Ranch Rd. and Ferguson Lane.
Skyline Ridge Phone: 971-432-6250
Skyline Ridge Email: skylineridgecomplex.information@gmail.com
Skyline Ridge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylineridgecomplex
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7762/
Douglas County Evacuation Information: www.dcso.com/evacuations
August 16, 2021
LAKEVIEW, Ore. – Crews made good progress overnight addressing critical areas on the Patton Meadow Fire. Patton Meadow Road continues to be a strategic focus, with crews fortifying the road with dozer and handlines and the support of three engine crews to prevent the fire from spreading to the west into the Fish Creek drainage. Some growth on the south side of the fire across Hwy 140 was controlled and dozer lines continue to hold the fire from spreading further south. On the east side of the fire, crews continued conducting small burnouts to eliminate fuels between containment lines and the fire’s interior.
Today, crews will continue to focus on the southwest corner of the fire and reinforce containment efforts north up Patton Meadow Road. Winds are predicted to increase to 18-23mph out of the west and southwest which could push the fire to the north and east. The north end of the fire is in steep and rocky terrain, making direct attack difficult. Contingency lines are being strengthened further north near Cottonwood Road in preparation for fire growth, while crews are working to identify areas where a more direct line can be constructed.
Five OSFM structural Task Forces will be out today supporting the efforts to hold the line at Patton Meadow Road. Task forces will also continue to monitor the structures around Highway 140 and the 383 road. Task forces have been assisting wildland crews by filling porta-tanks that are used for firefighting operations.
The Willow Valley Fire, 16 miles south of Bonanza, is fully lined with both dozer line and road. Crews are continuing to mop up and secure fire lines.
The overnight infrared flight showed more accurate acreage for the fires. The updated acres for the fires are; Patton Meadow with 6,025 acres with 18% containment, and Willow Valley is 826 acres with 35% containment.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office evacuation details can be found by visiting https://www.facebook.com/Lake-County-Oregon-104435824529906.
Fox Complex Information: 7 am – 9 pm (541) 316-5904
Email: foxcomplex.info@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCOFMPFIREINFO
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7798/
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August 16, 2021
CANYONVILLE, Ore.— Fire crews today are methodically cooling hot spots on the Poole Creek Fire using a grid system to make sure none are missed. This mop up will continue over the next few days as the ODF fire team begins planning to transition management of the Complex to a smaller organization toward the end of the week. Containment on fires in the Complex is 49% overall, with all 19 fires lined and most smaller ones in patrol status.
Operations Section Chief Mike Carlson said, “Catching all these fires is very impressive. And I continue to be impressed by the thoroughness of crews doing the mop up.”
As mop up continues on Poole Creek, planning for suppression repair is underway. This involves ensuring that water bars and other drainage diversions are installed on access roads, control lines and other cleared areas. A water bar is a diagonal channel across a road or fire line that diverts surface water into surrounding vegetation to prevent erosion. There, sediments settle out, keeping streams clear and protecting fish and other aquatic life.
Firefighters have been following COVID-19 precautions in fire camp and out in the community, wearing masks, washing hands and maintaining social distance outside their immediate work group. Today, the medical unit is offering free COVID-19 vaccinations in fire camp to any firefighters as they demobilize. Vaccination is recommended but voluntary.
Skyline Ridge Phone: 971-432-6250
Skyline Ridge Email: skylineridgecomplex.information@gmail.com
Skyline Ridge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylineridgecomplex
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7762/
Douglas County Evacuation Information: www.dcso.com/evacuations
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August 15, 2021
LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The predicted weather change came into the area this evening which brought higher winds out of the west and is predicted to continue for the next couple of days. Both wildland and structural fire crews are working in unison to ensure the fire stays inside the established containment lines on the south and east sides of the Patton Meadow Fire. Due to the increased fire behavior and the change in weather, ODF Team 3 and OSFM Blue Team are aligned with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office’s decision to adjust the current evacuation levels. Lake County Sheriff’s Office updated evacuation details this afternoon. The current evacuation details can be found by visiting https://www.facebook.com/Lake-County-Oregon-104435824529906.
Crews working on the Patton Meadow fire made good progress in most areas of the fire. The fire did cross over Patton Meadow Road in a small area, which crews continue to work to control.
North of Highway 140, crews will continue to conduct small burnout operations to reduce fuels along established containment lines. Today, there was a successful burn operation south of Highway 140 that reduced the risk of the fire spotting and spreading any further to the south.
The eastern side of the fire held with the shift in wind, now coming from the west. Crews will continue to strengthen those lines, building to the north. The northern edge of the fire is in steep terrain with little direct access. Contingency lines are being built along current roads, while crews look to identify other possible direct lines further south.
Overnight, crews will continue to strengthen lines around the fire, focusing on the area that crossed Patton Meadow Road and the eastern edge.
Crews strengthened lines on the Willow Valley Fire, working to increase its containment. The fire had no growth for the third consecutive day.
The unified teams will hold a virtual informational meeting tomorrow evening. More details to come.
Fox Complex Information: 7 am – 9 pm (541) 316-5904
Email: foxcomplex.info@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCOFMPFIREINFO
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7798/
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