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:
August 24, 2018
MADRAS, Ore. – According to Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS), an official investigation of the 1,500 acre Milepost 6 Fire from August 17 has determined the fire was ignited by a carelessly thrown cigarette along Hwy 26, six miles south of Madras. This human started fire was in addition to over 50 other fires reported in Central Oregon after a thunderstorm on the evening of August 16. According to Northwest Interagency Coordination Center (NWCC), humans have caused three out of five fires so far this season. We need all of our resources to respond to the fires we can’t prevent and everyone to help prevent the ones we can.
ODF asks our communities and all visitors to our area: please be fire cautious. Smoke only inside a vehicle or insure there is no flammable vegetation close to where you are smoking and never throw cigarettes out of a car window. At all times, extinguish cigarettes and dispose of them in appropriate ashtrays or receptacles. Enjoy campfires only in designated campgrounds, check your trailer chains to make sure they are not dragging, if you are target shooting or hunting ensure you have an adequate backstop void of vegetation and please do not park your vehicle on dry grass!
While we may never know who littered this cigarette to hold them accountable for this fire, we know that we can prevent wildfires by being cautious and diligent about extinguishing our ignitions during fire season. As Smokey Bear says: Only YOU can prevent wildfires.
August 23, 2018
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| The Ramsey Canyon Fire is burning in steep terrain near Sams Valley in Jackson County. |
The Ramsey Canyon Fire near Sams Valley in Jackson County started just after noon on Wednesday and grew to 800 acres, drawing an ODF Type 1 Incident Management Team to fight the fire.
“Our initial attack was strong, but the high winds and fuel conditions overtook our initial attack efforts,” ODF Fire Protection Chief Doug Grafe said, highlighting the resources committed immediately to the fire. This includes three Type 2 medium helicopters and 2 Type 1 heavy helicopters, structure and wildland engines, local landowner resources, contract crews, and U.S. Forest Service crews.
ODF IMT 2 assumes command today alongside the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office. This is IMT 2’s fourth deployment this year. A Facebook page has been established to provide the latest information.
Overnight, firefighters were able to complete a combination of dozer and hand lines around roughly 30 percent of the Ramsey Canyon Fire’s perimeter. Spot fires continued to be an issue overnight due to the dense landscape and steep terrain.
Approximately 211 structures are reported threatened, but none damaged so far. Containment is at 15 percent.
Structural task forces stayed out all night protecting homes and making assessments for any potential changes in evacuation levels. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will remain the source for accurate and timely notification releases.
Today’s weather forecast includes a chance of gusty winds similar to yesterday evening. Ridgetops and canyons can reach up to 20-25 mph if conditions come to fruition. If fire activity allows, officials hope to get a more accurate size of the fire mapped via ground GPS tools.
A remote helibase is set up and will be utilized. Please know that aircraft can only fly when visibility is safe enough to do so.
August 22, 2018
ODF staff continued supporting suppression efforts on many fires in central and eastern Oregon, providing ground and air support. Containment more than doubled on many of the fires. At least 7 are above 50% contained.
Watson Creek Fire – Lake County
This fire grew from 32,104 acres to 35,287 acres in the past 24 hours, and is burning in timber and brush. The fire includes at least 5,700 acres of ODF-protected land. Firefighters were able to take advantage of the cooler temperatures yesterday and higher relative humidity recoveries overnight to make progress on the fire. Some growth occurred on the southeastern edge. A community meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight (August 22) at the Paisley Community Center.
Location: 13 miles west of Paisley
Ignition Date: August 15, 2018
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 35,287
Personnel: 686
Containment: 10%
More information:
Jennie’s Peak and Stubblefield (includes Seale and Lonerock) Fires – Gilliam and Wheeler counties
Firefighters made excellent progress on each of these fires, managed under unified command of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Blue Team and Northwest Team 7.
Please note that the Stubblefield and Seals fires grew together and in the future will be reported as the Stubblefield Fire.
Jennie’s Peak Fire: 38,000 acres, 40% contained
Stubblefield Fire: 23,150 acres, 50% contained
Seale Fire: 23,600 acres, 40% contained
Lonerock Fire: 5,056 acres, 40% contained
Miles and Columbus fires
(formerly the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires, also includes Show Shoe and Round Top)
With components of ODF Team 3 (Incident Commander Link Smith) demobilizing, this fire is under command of Pacific Northwest Team 2 (Incident Commander Chris Schulte).
Miles Fire – 35,455 acres, 39% contained
Columbus Fire – 10,518 acres, 35% contained
Firefighters successfully completed burn operations along the 6640 Road as patrol and mop-up operations continued on the southern and western sides of the fire. The 2015 Whiskey and 2017 Broken Lookout burn scars have slowed Columbus Fire progression.
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 49,943
Personnel: 1,123
More information:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/
Other fires
Taylor Creek and Klondike East
A smoke inversion subdued fire behavior on Tuesday. The lower temperatures, combined with lighter winds, helped firefighters hold key control lines on the south end of the Klondike Fire East along Babyfoot Road. That control line is now connected to the burn scar of the 2017 Chetco Bar Fire, which serves as a natural control line due to the lack of available fuels. Firefighters are working diligently to widen the southern control line with tactical firing operations using drones and hand ignitions. The goal is to prevent the fire from crossing the road and spreading south where it could threaten the community of Cave Junction and the Hwy 199 corridor.
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 52,588 acres
Personnel: 421
Containment: 95%
More information:
Klondike Fire West
Improving weather conditions allowed firefighters to begin building fire line north in the direction of Silver Creek yesterday. Previously skies had been clear – which allowed helicopters to fly and drop water on the fire – but it also made the fire burn more aggressively. There was a 167-acre spot fire in the Silver Creek drainage Monday.
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 76,098 acres
Personnel: 1,280
Containment: 33%
More information:
Terwilliger Fire – Willamette National Forest
The Terwilliger fire is burning on both the west and east side of Cougar Reservoir. Yesterday, crews continued to hold the fire south of Boone Creek. Heavy equipment will continue to open existing roads and fire managers will scout out areas with the most probability of success to hold the fire on the northeast side of the fire. Southwest Area IMT #3 took command of the fire at 6 a.m. today, more than doubling the current personnel on the fire.
Location: 5 miles southeast of Blue River
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 150
Personnel: 195
Containment: 1%
More information:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6160/
Kinzua Complex
Containment increased dramatically on this fire, growing from 0% to 75% in about a day. This complex includes five fires at approx. 619 acres and is burning in grass, timber, and juniper.
Location: 10 miles around Fossil
Ignition date: August 17, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 619
Personnel: 83
Containment: 75%
More information:
August 21, 2018
This fire in Lake County grew from 25,778 acres to 32,104 acres in the past 24 hours, and is burning in timber and brush. Part of the fire is on ODF-protected land. More firefighting resources are arriving today. Persistent north winds may drive the fire to the south, and beetle kill and dead down fuels continue to challenge fire crews. A community meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. tomorrow (August 22) at the Paisley Community Center.
Location: 13 miles west of Paisley
Ignition Date: August 15, 2018
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 32,104
Personnel: 556
Containment: 5%
More information:
Stubblefield, Seale, Lonerock and Jennie’s Peak Fires – Gilliam and Wheeler counties
NW Team 7 joined the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office in Unified Command as of Tuesday morning. Jennie’s Peak, the largest of these fires, saw successful firing operations that will continue today, weather permitting. It has not crossed the John Day River. A Red Cross Evacuation Information Center has been established at Condon High School.
Location: West, southwest and southeast of Condon
Ignition Date: August 17, 2018
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 77,500
Personnel: 443
Containment: 27%
More information:
Miles and Columbus fires
(formerly the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires)
This fire is under unified command of Pacific Northwest Team 2 (Incident Commander Chris Schulte) and ODF Team 3 (Incident Commander Link Smith).
Miles Fire – 35,455 acres, 39% contained
Columbus Fire – 10,518 acres, 35% contained
Firefighters continued mop up and removal of hose lays on the southern half of the Miles Fire and the northern edge of the Columbus Fire. Crews tasked with initial attack responsibilities responded to a new small fire west of the Snow Shoe Fire, which is now contained. Evacuation levels were lowered to Level 1 (Be Ready) in the Trail and Prospect areas.
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 49,943
Personnel: 1,323
More information:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/
Other fires
Taylor Creek and Klondike Fire – Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
The Taylor Creek and Klondike Fires were split into zones on Saturday. The fires are now referred to as “Taylor Creek and Klondike East Fires,” managed by the Alaska Incident Management Team out of Lake Selmac, and “Klondike West Fire” managed by California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 out of Gold Beach.
Crews made significant containment progress on the Taylor Creek and Klondike fires. Containment grew from 28% to 32% on the Klondike Fire and 79% to 95% on the Taylor Creek Fire.
Taylor Creek and Klondike East
Fire behavior was not as active as expected on Monday. Northeast winds cleared enough smoke to allow for aircraft use. Thanks to a successful night of tactical burning operations, the south edge of the fire is now tied into the Chetco Bar Fire burn scar, which serves as a natural firebreak due to lack of available fuel.
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 52,588 acres
Personnel: 552
Containment: 95%
More information:
Klondike Fire West
The biggest area of concern remains in the “bulge” at the fire’s edge. Yesterday, fire in this area became more active in the afternoon and spotted across Silver Creek drainage. Helicopters continue to drop water in the bulge area as visibility allows. Extreme fire conditions were predicted for today, moderating on Wednesday.
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 76,098 acres
Personnel: 989
Containment: 32%
More information:
Terwilliger Fire – Willamette National Forest
This fire saw slight growth as it burns on both the east and west side of Cougar Reservoir. Crews worked yesterday to build lines on the fire west of the reservoir. Wind gusts expected to continue through Wednesday. A Type 2 IMT has been ordered to assist the district.
Location: 5 miles southeast of Blue River
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 125
Personnel: 87
Containment: 0%
More information:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6160/
Kinzua Complex
This complex includes five fires at approx. 619 acres and is burning in grass, timber, and juniper.
Location: 10 miles around Fossil
Ignition date: August 17, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 619
Personnel: 83
More information:
August 21, 2018
HOOD RIVER, Ore. – Steep, rugged terrain has slowed mop-up work on the Westcliff Fire. Monday firefighters held the fire within the containment lines, and were able to improve control to 75%. Evacuation orders were reduced yesterday, however some areas remain under a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation. Updates are available from the Hood River County Sheriff at www.facebook.com/hrcso/.
Safety is the highest priority. Because of the cliffy nature of the terrain firefighters are being extra cautious in their actions on the fire. Potential rolling debris is a concern as crews grid through the fire interior. They must constantly be watching for crew members below and hazards above. During mop-up they dislodge material and mix water with dirt and burning fuels, thus increasing the potential for hazards to shift downslope.
Monday timber fallers were able to fall several trees which still had live fire burning within the canopy. A Type 1 helicopter was then used to drop water on the flames to reduce the heat and allow firefighters to fully extinguish the heat. The trees fell within the existing fire perimeter.
Resources on the fire today were four wildland engines, a pair of timber fallers, and a 20-person crew. Two helicopters, a Type 1 and Type 3 were available as needed to support the suppression activities. The engines and crew will return to the fire tomorrow.
Union Pacific train traffic is moving through the area slowly, coordinating with firefighters as it enters the area. Firefighters are also watching to ensure no debris has rolled onto the tracks.
The fire was reported around midnight Saturday night. It is located northwest of Hood River near Westcliff Drive, between Interstate 84 and the Columbia River.
The weather forecast calls for continued dry, hot days. Please remember that wildland fuels are extremely flammable under these conditions. Regulated Use Closure is in effect for ODF’s Central Oregon District. Specific restrictions can be found at www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
August 21, 2018
Left: Air and ground resources have been heavily engaged in ODF’s Northeast Oregon District in the wake of passing thunderstorms. Firefighters have responded to more than a score of wildfires in the past day and a half.
LA GRANDE, Ore.
– Firefighting resources from ODF’s Northeast Oregon
District responded to 21 fires across the district yesterday,
following thunderstorms Sunday night and Monday morning. Most of the
fires were ¼ acre or smaller.
- Calamity Fire, located approximately
11 miles east of Pilot Rock, is burning in grass, shrubs and timber. The
fire has burned 79 acres. As of this afternoon, the fire is 80% contained.
Crews worked overnight and through the day on improving control lines and
mopping up.
- Beaver Creek Fire, located approximately
12 miles west of La Grande, is approximately 75 acres. The fire is burning
in grass and timber on steep terrain. Helicopters and ground resources
have responded to incident. The fire is 0% contained at this time.
- Hardy Fire, located approximately 7
miles north of Elgin, is approximately ½ acre and is burning in grass and
timber. Helicopters and ground resources are on scene. This fire is 0%
contained at this time.
Heavy smoke from
fires outside the area have been hampering fire detection efforts. Fire
managers ask the public to be vigilant as they are traveling through the
region. Additional thunderstorm activity is forecast through Wednesday
afternoon. Air quality is expected to be at unhealthy levels over the next few
days.
The public is reminded that ODF’s Northeast Oregon District has implemented additional public use restrictions intended to reduce human caused wildfires. The Regulated Use Closure prohibits open burning, non-industrial chainsaw use, mowing and cutting of dry grass, and welding and cutting of metal. Other activities included in the restriction can be found at http://bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml. Fire conditions are EXTREME throughout the region. Please use caution to help prevent forest fires.
August 20, 2018
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Above: Smoke from the Terwilliger
Fire from the Cougar Reservoir. |
The Terwilliger Fire, 50 miles east of Springfield, is estimated to be around 110 acres. Firefighting resources, including engines and aircraft, from the Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry responded yesterday to a new fire recently reported on the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Updated acreage will be available following an infrared flight planned for this evening.
Location: 5 miles SE of Blue River
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 110
More information:
Watson Creek Fire – Lake County
As firefighters work in challenging terrain on the Watson Creek Fire, favorable wind conditions assisted firefighting efforts on Sunday night. Last night’s infrared flight over the fire shows it has grown to 25,788 acres.
With extreme fire conditions, please prevent roadside fires by assuring that chains do not drag, and please don’t drive, idle or park in dry grass.
Location: 13 miles west of Paisley
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 25,778
Personnel: 574
More information:
Kinzua Complex
This complex includes five fires at approx. 611 acres and is burning in grass, timber, and juniper.
Miles and Columbus fires (formerly the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires)
Today, the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team (IMT) 2 transferred command to the Pacific Northwest Team (IMT) 2 led by Incident Commander Chris Schulte. Oregon Department of Forestry IMT 3 will continue to work in unified command with the incoming team.
Miles Fire – 33,204 acres, 38% contained
Columbus Fire – 9,814 acres, 35% contained
Firefighters will continue mop up and patrol as needed along the southern half of the Miles Fire and the northern edge of the Columbus Fire. Hazardous trees (snags) will be removed along travel routes and where mop up activities will be taking place. Crews are monitoring fire behavior and fuel conditions in the gap between the two fires, where forest fuels have greater moisture content and fire movement is slow.
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 47,015
Personnel: 1,412
More information:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/
Other fires
Klondike West Fire – Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
The Taylor Creek and Klondike Fires were split into zones on Saturday. The fires are now referred to as “Taylor Creek and Klondike East Fires,” managed by the Alaska Incident Management Team out of Lake Selmac, and “Klondike West Fire” managed by California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 out of Gold Beach.
Public meeting: Klondike Fire East
- Monday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Illinois Valley High School, 625 E. River St., Cave Junction
Public meetings: Klondike Fire West
- Monday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Agness Community Library, 3905 Cougar Ln., Agness
- Tuesday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m., Curry County Fairgrounds, Curry Showcase Building, 29392 Ellensburg Ave., Gold Beach
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 72,074 acres
Personnel: 951
Containment: 28%
More information:
Taylor Creek and Klondike East Fires – Josephine County
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 52,588 acres
Personnel: 563
Containment: 79%
More information:
August 19, 2018
Watson Creek Fire
This fire has burned onto ODF-protected land from Fremont-Winema National Forest (FWF) protected land. An extended attack is in progress with a high potential for IMT deployment.
Public meeting:
- Tonight, Aug. 19, 7 p.m., Community Center, Paisley
Fire managers will offer a briefing on the condition of the landscape in the fire area, show maps, and share details of the ongoing firefighting strategy.
Location: 5 miles west of Paisley
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 16,227
Personnel: 350
More information:
Eli Creek Fire
This fire is 100% contained. This will be the final report.
Location: 15 mi SW of Pilot Rock
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 3,421
Kinzua Complex
This complex includes six fires at approx. 611 acres and is burning in grass, timber, and juniper.
Miles and Columbus fires (formerly the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires)
While containment remained unchanged on the Miles and Columbus fires at 35 and 29 percent, firefighters continue to make excellent progress. The moderating factor in keeping the fires behavior in check has been the smoke from this and other fires in the area that has settled over the fire area.
The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team (IMT) 2 is timing out on this assignment and is in the process of transitioning the fire to the Pacific Northwest IMT 2, led by Incident Commander Chris Schulte. ODF IMT 3 will continue to work in unified command with the incoming team.
Miles Fire – 33,204 acres, 35% contained
A heavy layer of smoke settled over the fire yesterday that slowed growth and delayed burnout operations for an additional day. The southern half of the Miles Fire is in full mop-up with some portions moving to patrol status. The fire remains most active in the Elkhorn Peak area, where the main fire is still some distance from established control lines. The north end of the fire continues to creep through green ground fuels on a path towards the Columbus Fire.
Columbus Fire – 9,814 acres, 29% contained
The west flank of this fire is in repair mode as crews grade roads from heavy fire traffic and create water bars to prevent future erosion. The 2017 Broken Lookout Fire scar is serving as a natural barrier for the east side of Columbus Fire. Just as the Miles Fire creeps to the north towards the Columbus Fire, the Columbus Fire is working its way south towards the Miles Fire through moister vegetation.
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 47,105
Personnel: 1,487
More information:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/
Other fires
Klondike West Fire – Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
The Taylor Creek and Klondike Fires were split into zones on Saturday. The fires are now referred to as “Taylor Creek and Klondike East Fires,” managed by the Alaska Incident Management Team out of Lake Selmac, and “Klondike West Fire” managed by California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 out of Gold Beach.
Public meeting: Klondike Fire East
- Monday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Illinois Valley High School, 625 E. River St., Cave Junction
Public meetings: Klondike Fire West
- Monday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Agness Community Library, 3905 Cougar Ln., Agness
- Tuesday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m., Curry County Fairgrounds, Curry Showcase Building, 29392 Ellensburg Ave., Gold Beach
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 66,332 acres
Personnel: 845
Containment: 15%
More information:
Taylor Creek and Klondike East Fires – Josephine County
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 52,588 acres
Personnel: 569
Containment: 61%
August 18, 2018
Watson Creek
This fire has about 100 personnel and is 0% contained. It’s burning in timber (litter and understory) and brush. Approximately eight residences are threatened.
Location: 13 miles west of Paisley
Cause: Under investigation
Acres burned: 10,500
Eli Creek Fire
Gusty winds and light fuels are affecting the spread of this fire. Resources on scene include four dozers, five engines, five single-engine air tankers (SEATs), two heavy air tankers, two Type 1 helicopters, two Type 2 helicopters, and numerous landowner resources.
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| Above: Lightning strikes in Oregon. |
Location: 15 mi SW of Pilot Rock
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 5,500
Kinzua Complex
Numerous fire starts and active fire behavior challenged firefighters yesterday in Wheeler and Morrow counties. Landowner engagement, heavy use of air resources, and quick response by the John Day Unit was critical to the effort. The District was supported in these suppression activities by our federal partners and severity resources for this thunderstorm event.
Location: John Day/Fossil area
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 550
More information:
Grizzly Road Fire
ODF performed heavy initial attack on the Grizzly Road Fire and it did not burn onto ODF-protected land. No anticipated issues.
Location: 11 mi SE of Madras
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 360
More information:
Miles and Columbus fires (formerly the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires)
These fires are being managed under unified command by the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 2 (Incident Commander Doug Turman) and components of Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3 (Incident Commander Link Smith).
Miles Fire – 32,934 acres, 35% contained
Although fire suppression efforts are progressing well, fire managers say that fire intensity remains active within the perimeter. Without a break in the weather in the foreseeable future, firefighters continue to stay ahead of the fire front through methodical burnout operations, nursing it to established control lines.
Warmer temperatures and light winds led to increased fire activity on the northwest and northeast portions of the fire. The wind also worked in the firefighters’ favor, coming out of the west and pushing the fire back into itself near Elkhorn Peak. These conditions are also conducive to tactical burnout operations, where crews slowly remove unburned vegetation between control lines and the main fire to prevent any long range spotting and active fire runs.
Columbus Fire – 9,814 acres, 29% contained
Control lines along the west and north edges of the Columbus Fire are holding well. Control lines have been completed along the east boundary in preparation for future burnout operations.
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 46,718
Personnel: 1,740
More information:
Other fires
Klondike Fire – Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
The Klondike Fire has now become the largest active wildfire in Oregon at over 66,000 acres.
Critical fire weather last night resulted in an increase in acreage of both the Taylor Creek and Klondike Fires. Low relative humidities overnight allowed the fires to burn very actively. High temperatures and winds out of the northeast gusting to 25 mph will continue today.
California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 (CIIMT) has assumed command of the western edge of the Taylor Creek and Klondike Fires. CIIMT4 was called in to continue with the aggressive fight to fully suppress the fire. This will allow the Alaska Incident Management Team to focus their effort on controlling the southeast corner of the fire that is directly threatening the communities of Selma and Cave Junction.
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 66,332 acres
Personnel: 830
Containment: 15%
More information:
Taylor Creek Fire – Josephine County
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 52,588 acres
Personnel: 632
Containment: 58%
More information:
High to extreme fire danger across most of Oregon
Find the latest fire danger levels and restrictions at ODF’s Fire Restrictions and Closures web page at
For photos and more information on Oregon wildfires and wildfire readiness, visit ODF’s wildfire blog at:
ODF 2018 FIRE STATISTICS
Fires and acres burned
(as of Aug. 18, 2018)
Lightning-caused fires = 180
Human-caused fires = 540
Total fires = 720
Total acres burned = 52,000 *
* An estimate – does not include very recent fires or all acres of recent growth on existing fires
10-year average fires and acres burned
(as of Aug. 18, 2018)
Lightning-caused fires = 221
Human-caused fires = 426
Total fires = 647
Total acres burned = 29,709
August 17, 2018
|
|
Above: Lightning Tracker Legend
Magenta: 0-1 hour; Red: 1-3 hours; Gold: 3-6 hours;
Blue: 6-10 hours; Purple: 10-16 hours; Black: 16-24 hours.
Captured on Aug. 17, 3:15 p.m.
|
Lightning over the past few days has significantly impacted most of eastern Oregon. It started on Wednesday in the Klamath-Lake District and has progressed through Central Oregon and into Northeast Oregon, starting fires across all the counties east of the crest of the Cascades. Lightning continued through this morning in Northeast Oregon. Most of the storms have had very good to significant moisture. Strikes outside the core, however, have been problematic. Additionally, holdover fires will be a significant issue for days to come.
Currently, there are no fires over 10 acres. This has a high probability of changing over the next few days. ODF sent up multiple detection flights this morning across the state to find any lightning-caused fires.
Miles and Columbus fires (formerly the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires)
These fires are being managed under unified command by the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 2 (Incident Commander Doug Turman) and components of Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3 (Incident Commander Link Smith).
With the Snow Shoe Fire declared fully contained yesterday, suppression resources will narrow their focus to the remaining two fires, Miles and Columbus. The final acreage for the Snow Shoe Fire stands at 3,816 acres. Fire suppression repair work and salvage logging operations will continue on Snow Shoe.
Miles Fire – 32,715 acres, 30% contained
Firefighters continue to increase containment on both of the remaining fires. The northwest flank of the Miles Fire was the most active yesterday in the Elkhorn Peak area with increased burning taking place well within control lines. With that portion of the fire burning in steep, rugged terrain, fire operations personnel continue to let the fire slowly work its way toward established control lines. They will continue to look for opportunities, under the right conditions, to conduct burnout operations when necessary.
Fire behavior in the northeast corner of the Miles Fire is moderate as crews continue to work the fire towards and along Forest Service Road 6640. The rest of the fire from the middle of the eastern edge to the south and up to the middle of the western flank is in full mop-up.
Columbus Fire – 9,762 acres, 28% contained
Control lines along the west and north edges of the Columbus Fire are holding well. Firefighters continue to improve established control lines along the east boundary of the fire by falling hazardous trees (snags), removing additional brush and chipping the material in preparation for future burnout operations.
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 46,482
Personnel: 1,897
More information:
Other fires
Klondike Fire – Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
The Klondike Fire has now become the largest active wildfire in Oregon at over 62,000 acres. It is being managed jointly with the Taylor Creek Fire. Planned burnout operations will take place along established containment lines that parallel US Highway 199 east of the fire. The burnouts, if needed, will move AWAY from the Illinois Valley, creating a wide buffer/containment zone. As the burnouts occur, they may be visible to residents of Kerby, Cave Junction and O’Brien.
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 62,731 acres
Personnel: 799
Containment: 15%
More information:
Taylor Creek Fire – Josephine County
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 52,222 acres
Personnel: 757
Containment: 52%
More information:
August 16, 2018
With Wednesday’s lightning storm failing to spark any new fires, firefighters were able to continue their efforts to gain the upper hand on several fires in southern Oregon. The Fire Weather Watch that had been in place for the southern part of the state today has been removed, even though a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms remains for eastern Oregon. Also aiding fire crews is lingering wildfire smoke providing shade and reducing fire behavior. Fire managers remain cautiously optimistic as suppression objectives are succeeding as planned.
Firefighters are sticking to objectives set early in the suppression effort by minimizing acres burned while providing for public and firefighter safety and protecting all values at risk. Crews remain primed and ready should new fire starts occur in the area, providing initial attack as needed.
|
Above: Smoke from the Miles Fire and others in southern Oregon is providing shade
that reduces fire behavior, helping firefighters looking to gain the upper hand
and fully contain several wildfires. |
Miles, Columbus, Snow Shoe and Round Top fires (formerly the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires)
These fires are being managed under unified command by the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 2 (Incident Commander Doug Turman) and components of Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3 (Incident Commander Link Smith).
Miles Fire – 32,519 acres, 25% contained
Control lines are strengthening as crews continue to douse hotspots from the perimeter deeper into the fire’s interior. With established control lines in place, crews are still working to keep the fire south of Forest Service Road 1610 on the fire’s northwest corner. When appropriate, burnout operations will continue on the northeast corner of the fire, utilizing Forest Service Road 6640 as a secure and improved containment line to work from. Fallers will continue removing hazard trees, or snags, known for spewing fire brands over containment lines that increase the potential of spot fires.
Columbus Fire – 9,762 acres, 22% contained
While much of the east flank of the fire remains open, the fire is smoldering and creeping along the 2017 Broken Lookout Fire burn scar with limited growth potential. Crews are able to work from forest service roads into the interior performing mop-up operations.
Snow Shoe – 3,816 acres, 100% contained
This fire is now considered contained. Some smoldering and light burning may take place within the fire’s interior, but the growth of the fire has been stopped. Fireline repair will continue on the perimeter in an effort to mitigate any adverse effects from suppression activities. Any areas of heat near the fire perimeter will be mopped up by engines and crews. Salvage logging operations have begun to recover as much of the valued resource as possible while also reducing future bug infestation and wildfire risk. This will be the final update for the Snow Shoe Fire.
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 46,251
Containment: Combined total of 25%
Personnel: 2,111
More information:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/
Other fires
Klondike Fire – Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
The Klondike Fire has now become the largest active wildfire in Oregon at over 59,000 acres. It is being managed jointly with the Taylor Creek Fire.
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 59,105 acres
Personnel: 743
Containment: 15%
More information:
Taylor Creek Fire – Josephine County
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 49,695 acres
Personnel: 840
Containment: 52%
More information:
August 15, 2018
A weather system around 5 p.m. will lead to some cloud buildups and possibly a thunderstorm. The greatest chance for a thunderstorm is east of the Miles, Columbus, Snow Shoe, and Round Top Fires. If a thunderstorm does occur, gusty outflow winds as high as 40 mph are anticipated to make rapidly changing conditions for firefighters.
If dry lightning occurs with this system, there is an increased chance that the team will need to respond to initial attack fires. Today’s weather will be a heads up situation for firefighters on all area fires.
|
Above: Heavy smoke above southwest Oregon wildfires
adds to the challenge for aircraft supporting
firefighters on the ground. |
Ongoing fires on ODF-protected lands
Miles, Columbus, Snow Shoe and Round Top fires (formerly the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires)
These fires are being managed under unified command by the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 2 (Incident Commander Doug Turman) and components of Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3 (Incident Commander Link Smith).
Miles Fire – 31,951 acres, 15% contained
Firefighters made great progress on the fire yesterday. A control line has been completed on the entire southern perimeter of the fire from the northwest to the northeast corners. On the northwest corner, crews will work to hold the fire south of Forest Service Road 1610, mitigating hazard trees and preparing for future burn out operations when conditions permit. On the northeast corner, crews will continue burnout operations along Forest Service Road 6640 and tree fallers will work to cut down hazard trees.
Columbus Fire – 9,685 acres, 18% contained
On the northeast corner of the fire, along the Forest Service Road 160, crews will continue to chip brush along a contingency line. Reducing fuel along these lines allows firefighters an improved chance to hold fire along that edge. Control lines on the western and northern edges of the fire continue to hold well. On the east side of the fire, a contingency line is in place utilizing a burn scar from 2017.
Snow Shoe – 3,816 acres, 96% contained
Round Top – 154 acres, 95% contained
Fireline repair will continue on the perimeter in an effort to mitigate any adverse effects from suppression activities. Any areas of heat near the fire perimeter will be mopped up by engines and crews.
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 45,606
Containment: Combined total of 15%
Personnel: 2,193 total for all four fires
More information:
Other fires
Klondike Fire – Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
The Klondike Fire has now become the largest active wildfire in Oregon at over 57,000 acres. It is being managed jointly with the Taylor Creek Fire.
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 57,325 acres
Personnel: 608
Containment: 15%
More information:
Taylor Creek Fire – Josephine County
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 49,025 acres
Personnel: 909
Containment: 45%
More information:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6058/
August 15, 2018
COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. – The Gowan Road Fire broke out in grass and brush 3 miles east of Cottage Grove late Monday afternoon, Aug. 13. It was stopped at 11 acres the same day and is in mop-up. One outbuilding was destroyed. The cause is under investigation.
Of the 680 wildfires reported to date this year on ODF-protected land, the great majority have been put out at less than 10 acres. So far this year, about 78% of wildfires have been caused by humans. With fire danger at or near record levels this month, caution when outdoors is especially important.
Visit Keep Oregon Green to learn how to protect what you love.
August 13, 2018
THE DALLES, Ore. – The Memaloose # 2 Fire was reported late Friday evening burning on the south side of Interstate 84 near the eastbound Memaloose Rest Area, three miles east of Mosier, burning on lands protected by ODF, Mosier Fire and Rescue, and the USFS Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The fire is now estimated at 167 acres and 50 percent contained. Suppression efforts are focusing on strengthening containment lines and mopping up the interior of the fire. Evacuation levels are decreasing and roads in the area continue re-opening. The fire is being managed under Unified Command with ODF and the USFS-CRGNSA. Cause: under investigation. This will be the final report about this fire on these daily updates unless the situation changes.
New fires reported on ODF-protected lands
There
were no fires 10 acres or larger reported on ODF-protected lands over the past
24 hours.
Ongoing fires on ODF-protected lands
Northeast Oregon District,
Pendleton Unit: The Little Rail Creek Fire, was reported late Friday evening, August 10, burning approximately
12 miles east of Pilot Rock in the Little Rail Creek drainage area. Fire lines
have held and the fire remains today at approximately 1,000 acres and is now 70
percent contained. Resources on the fire today include 3 crews, 4 engines, and 2
helicopters. The cause of this fire is lightning. This will be the final report
about this fire on these daily updates unless the situation changes.
Miles,
Columbus, Snow Shoe and Round Top fires
(formerly
the South Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine fires)
These
fires are being managed under unified command by the Northern Rockies Incident
Management Team 2 (Incident Commander Doug Turman) and components of Oregon
Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3 (Incident Commander Link
Smith).
On
the Miles Fire, crews continue to
make progress, including on the southern flank where the fire has twice jumped
the Elk Creek Road. Crews are also working on the northwestern side of the fire
to hold the fire south of the road. Burn-out operations continue today and crews
will also continue work to secure any exterior spotting.
On
the Columbus Fire, control lines on
the western edge at the northern perimeter are holding well. Significant heat
and the majority of perimeter growth yesterday was on the southeast flank of
the fire, with scattered heat throughout most of the interior. Crews are
conducting burn-outs as needed.
Mop-up
and patrol and monitoring continues on the Snow
Shoe and Round Top fires.
Location: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Trail
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned/Percent contained: Combined total of approximately
44,489 acres. Miles Fire: 30,974 acres, 10%
contained; Columbus Fire:
9,545 acres, 14% contained; Snow
Shoe Fire: 3,816 acres, 95% contained; Round Top Fire: 154
acres, 95% contained.
Total Personnel: 2,154
More
Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6112/
Other fires
Taylor Creek Fire – Josephine County
The
Taylor Creek/Klondike Fire
is being managed by the Alaska Incident Management Team (Incident Commander:
Tom Kurth).
There
will be a Klondike Fire Community Meeting at 6 p.m. this evening, August 13, at
the Selma Community & Education Center, 182355 Redwood Highway, Selma, OR.
Location: 10 miles west of Grants Pass
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Approximately 48,257 acres
Personnel: 1,102
Containment: 45%
More Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6058/
Klondike Fire – Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
The
Taylor Creek /Klondike Fire is being
managed by the Alaska Incident Management Team (Incident Commander: Tom Kurth).
There
will be a Klondike Fire Community Meeting at 6 p.m. this evening, August 13, at
the Selma Community & Education Center, 182355 Redwood Highway, Selma, OR.
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Approximately 55,248 acres
Personnel: 521
Containment: 15%
More Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5998/
August 7, 2018
The fires in the South
Umpqua Complex/Sugar Pine Fires have been reorganized as
the Miles, Columbus,
Snowshoe and
Round Top fires.
|
| 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.
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.
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
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Combined total of 37,726
Personnel: 1,707
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
 |
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
Cause: Human
Acres burned: 20,026
Personnel: 475
Containment: 60%
Crews
continue mopping up Garner Complex
Crews
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
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: Estimated at 8,886
Personnel: 894
Containment: 82%
Other recent fires
Taylor
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
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 39,804
Personnel: 1,568
Containment: 38%
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.
Ignition date: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 28,476
Personnel: 459
Containment: 5%
High to extreme fire danger across Oregon
Find
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
