Play back the WMV video file [10 Mb]
Oregon Department of Forestry video from the scene of the Ridge Road fire in Washington County on Sunday May 13, 2012 – narration by Brent O’Nion, ODF Forest Grove District.
ODF Public Affairs Office – 5/14/2012
ODF Central Oregon District/John Day Unit resources also responded to three small fires in the region Saturday: a lightning-caused fire near Ritter that was held to under an acre, a lightning-struck tree afire north of Mount Vernon and a one-acre fire northeast of Monument, the cause of which is currently under investigation.
The Catlow Fire was reported Saturday burning in Harney County about 29 miles northwest of Fields. The fire burned 5,300 acres of brush before being fully contained Sunday by the Bureau of Land Management.
The Murderers Creek Complex fire is located approximately 10 miles south of Dayville on the east side of the South Fork John Day River. This complex fire, made up of three incidents, is 1,090 acres in size on Monday and began Saturday due to lightning. Fire is burning in timber on a mix of ownerships, including some private lands and some BLM ownership, including the Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area and the Malheur National Forest. An interagency management team assumed command of the fire Sunday. Hunters and recreationists have been asked to leave the area as a precaution, and FS Roads 2170, 2150 and the road leading into the Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area (Murderers Creek Road) remain closed. No estimate on when the fire may be contained.
Other large fires within Oregon have moved into an intermittent reporting status; any new details would be reported through InciWeb at: www.inciweb.org/state/38
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
Despite rainy, cooler weather is western Oregon, fire conditions are still volatile in central and eastern Oregon. Oregon Department of Forestry crews in eastern Oregon were kept busy by several new fires Saturday.
The Hall Hill Two fire was the largest, estimated at 17 acres, burning in brush, timber and juniper about three miles west of Prairie City. This lightning-caused fire was reported Saturday night. Five ODF engines, two crews, water tender and bulldozer all responded to the fire. This fire was fully contained by Sunday afternoon. ODF crews were assisted on the Hall Hill Two fire by resources from the Prairie City Rural Fire District and the U.S. Forest Service.
ODF Central Oregon District resources also responded to 3 small fires in the region: a lightning-caused fire near Ritter that was held to under an acre, a lightning-struck tree afire north of Mount Vernon and a one-acre fire northeast of Monument, the cause of which is currently under investigation.
Two new large-acreage fires were also reported burning Saturday on Bureau of Land Management lands; a fire burning 13 miles south of Dayville and a 1,000 acre fire 29 miles northwest of Fields in Harney County.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
Source: Washington County Fire Defense Board
On Sunday, October 2nd, the Washington County Fire Defense Board will remove the countywide burn ban that has been in place since July.
Although weather conditions have brought about cooler temperatures and some moisture, all Washington County residents are asked to remain cautious when burning and comply with all applicable burning regulations.
ODF’s Northwest Oregon Fire Protection District – which includes Clatsop County, Columbia County, Tillamook County, western Washington County and the northwest portion of Yamhill County bordered by Hwy 47 and Hwy 18 – will be ending Regulated Use Closure requirements for the season on Saturday October 1.
For additional information about Regulated Use Closure fire precautions, consult the Oregon Department of Forestry web site: www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/precautionlevel.shtml
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
Sources: Gaston Fire District and ODF
Washington County fire departments are receiving calls concerning a large column of smoke near Hagg Lake that is visible for many miles.
The smoke is from a large controlled burn on the Stimson Mainline near the end of Sain Creek Road on private property. The Oregon Department of Forestry issued a permit for this closely monitored fire, which is expected to burn into Friday.
Unregulated burning remains banned in Washington County until further notice. Recent rains have helped reduce the threat of wildfire, but conditions remain dangerous.
ODF Public Affairs Office
Though northwest Oregon has been experiencing cooler, rainy weather, fire potential is still high in other regions of Oregon, including northeast Oregon and southwestern Oregon. Continued caution with fire while outdoors is urged.
FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on ODF protected lands have been reported during the past 24 hours.
FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:
Dollar Lake Fire — 16 miles south of Hood River – 6,304 acres and 90 percent contained. New closure information is in effect, hunters and recreationists should familiarize themselves with current conditions via the InciWeb page for the fire: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563
Mother Lode – 10 miles NW of Detroit – 2,620 acres and 10 percent contained. Some area closures remain in effect. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2536
Shadow Lake – 15 miles west of Sisters – 10,000 acres and 40 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550
Umpqua Complex — 9 miles south of Toketee in the Umpqua National Forest – 1,019 acres and 81 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2552
Red Cone Complex—within Crater Lake National Park – 1,216 acres and no containment forecast. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2648
Wasco Lake – Burning 10 miles northwest of Camp Sherman in the Deschutes National Forest – 200 acres and 70 percent contained; The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
Portland Metro area residents who may be concerned by wildland fire smoke Thursday in the area of Beaverton’s Cooper Mountain Nature Park should be made aware that this fire is a scheduled prescribed burn to control invasive plant species and reduce wildfire risk through reducing potential fuels for a wildland fire.
The prescribed burn is being jointly managed by Metro, Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. Please note that all facilities and trails within Cooper Mountain Nature Park will be closed Thursday for safety.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
For the Oct. 1 general big game season opener, predicted dry conditions in most forested areas of Oregon underscore the need for hunters to be fire safety conscious. Even though fall is in the air, careless actions can still spark a wildfire.
Parched grasses, brush and other fine fuels can ignite from a variety of sources – an errant spark from a campfire or warming fire, a discarded cigarette, or a hot exhaust system contacting vegetation. And under fall conditions, these fire starts often don’t become apparent until hours or even days later.
A warming fire built on a hillside in the early morning hours to take the chill off may appear to be out when the hunter eventually moves on. But the ashes can retain heat. On the next sunny day, a little wind can rekindle that “dead” fire and cause it to spread into a wildfire.
The safest place for a campfire is in a campground with established fire pits. Before leaving a campfire or warming fire, be sure to douse it repeatedly with water, stirring the ashes each time to ensure it is completely extinguished.
When driving a full-sized vehicle or ATV in the forest, always carry fire equipment required by the jurisdictional land management agency. And before heading to your hunting location, check the current rules on vehicle use. In some areas, off-road use of motorized vehicles may be prohibited.
Likewise with smoking: Check the rules. Depending on the fire danger level, smoking may be restricted to inside a closed vehicle or building. In any case, never discard smoking materials in grass or other vegetation.
The good news for hunters is that the dry conditions are forecast to change Sunday evening with the onset of rain in many areas.
For additional fire safety tips and current fire restrictions, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry or the Keep Oregon Green Association.
Rod Nichols
Oregon Department of Forestry
Fuels specialists from the Ochoco National Forest are planning to ignite three prescribed burns beginning Wednesday and continuing through Thursday. The burns are expected to take a total of two days to complete with mop-up and patrolling continuing as needed. Hunters should use caution when passing through these areas after the burns are complete, and should avoid sites with active prescribed fire.
The first burn is the final 80-acres of the Coyote Hills burn on the Crooked River National Grassland. The burn is located adjacent to the east side of Haystack Reservoir and north of FS Rd 9610 and most of the burn was completed this summer. The objective is to improve the health of native plants, restore spring flow and increase forage for wildlife and livestock by using prescribed fire to reduce the number of western juniper on the landscape. Smoke from this burn will be visible from Highways 97 and 26, the communities of Madras and Crooked River Ranch, and from nearby recreation sites such as Haystack Reservoir and Smith Rock State Park.
Specialists will also burn 135 acres in the Spears Meadow area, about 20 miles northeast of Prineville adjacent to Hwy 26. This burn is designed to reduce hazardous fuels along the highway. Smoke will be visible along Highway 26, as well as from nearby ranches, recreation sites and the communities of Prineville and Mitchell. Highway 26 is expected to remain open; however there is the potential for smoke to drift across the road.
The final burn is located in the Maury Mountains, about 30 miles east of Prineville. Specialists will burn approximately 280 acres in the Elk project area. The goal of the burn is to use fire to reduce the number of juniper on the landscape to improve elk habitat. This burn is located in a remote area and should have limited visibility, except to local ranches and people recreating in the area.
The areas will be signed to inform motorists of the prescribed fires. No road closures are anticipated; however, people recreating in or traveling through the areas should use caution as smoke may affect visibility and travel. If motorists encounter smoke as a result of the burning, they should slow down, turn on headlights, and proceed with care. Patrols and mop-up activities will occur during and following ignitions and night patrols will occur on an as-needed basis, depending on conditions. In addition, people should use caution when entering a recently burned area due to the presence of fire-weakened trees that may fall, and watch for dangerous stump holes.
Fuels specialists will follow policies outlined in the Oregon Department of Forestry smoke management plan, which governs controlled burns, and attempts to minimize impacts to visibility and public health. All of these burns are weather dependent and may be cancelled if conditions are not appropriate to complete the burn successfully.
For more information, visit the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire.
Lisa Clark
USDA Crooked River National Grassland and Ochoco National Forest
541.280.9560
FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on ODF protected lands have been reported during the past 24 hours.
FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:
Wasco Lake – Burning 10 miles northwest of Camp Sherman in the Deschutes National Forest – 200 acres and 70 percent contained; The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.
Dollar Lake Fire — 16 miles south of Hood River – 6,304 acres and 90 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563
Mother Lode – 10 miles NW of Detroit – 2,620 acres and 10 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2536
Alder Springs Fire – 2 miles NW of Crooked River Ranch in the Ochoco National Forest – 1,449 acres and 100 percent contained on Monday.
Umpqua Complex — 9 miles south of Toketee in the Umpqua National Forest – 1,019 acres and 81 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2552
Red Cone Complex– 16 miles south of Hood River – 1,216 acres and no containment forecast. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2648
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
The Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Medford for high wildfire potential in Klamath County, Lake County and western Harney County has been expanded to cover eastern Jackson and eastern Douglas County as well. The warning is in effect until 11:00 Monday night.
Thunderstorm activity is predicted bringing with in isolated lightning strikes.
A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.
To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
Eight fires in the O’Brien area have been determined to be of suspicious origin, and the Oregon Dept. of Forestry and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest are seeking the public’s help in finding the person responsible for setting these fires. The first fire of suspicious origin was set June 13 and the most recent was 79-acre Lone Mtn. Fire, which started Sept. 9.
Anyone who saw a person or vehicle in the area of a wildfire in the O’Brien area this summer is encouraged to call (800) 452-7888, toll-free, to reach the Oregon Council Against Arson. Information is confidential, so please leave your name, a phone number, whether you have photographs or video of one or more of these fires in the early stages, and a description of a vehicle or person that you saw.
Brian Ballou
Oregon Department of Forestry, SW Oregon District
No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on ODF protected lands have been reported during the past 24 hours.
FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:
** NORTH-CENTRAL OREGON
The 108,096-acre High Cascades Fire complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 85 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2546
The 5,843-acre Dollar Lake Fire reported Aug. 27 burning 16 miles south of Hood River is 35 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. An area of concern is the potential impact of the fire on the Bull Run watershed for the City of Portland. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563
The 1,670-acre Mother Lode fire is burning 10 miles northwest of Detroit. A full perimeter has been established around the fire, reported on Aug. 26. The fire is 5 percent contained. An interagency incident management team assumed command of the fire Friday at 12:00 Noon. Trail and area closures are in effect, also Bull of the Woods historic lookout is at risk. InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2636
The 9,972-acre Shadow Lake Fire reported Aug. 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters is 25 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Smoke impacts on Highway 20, also Sisters/Madras area. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550
The 88-acre Substitute fire is burning in the Willamette National Forest 14 miles southeast of McKenzie Bridge. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2633
** NORTHEAST OREGON
The 8,000-acre Cactus Mountain fire was reported Wednesday burning in grassland 17 miles northeast of Imnaha in Wallowa County. Though primarily on federal lands, 130 acres of the fire are under ODF protection. Active fire spread on Saturday. Several structures are in the fire vicinity and potentially threatened. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire is 20 percent contained. The NW Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire Friday morning. Closures related to the fire area were issued Monday morning. Additional information is available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2661
The 120-acre Chicken Hill fire is burning in timber off FR 5185 in the Wallowa Whitman NF northwest of Baker City. The lightning-caused fire is 60 percent contained. Additional information is available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2660
The 315-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.
** SOUTHERN OREGON
The Lone Mountain fire was reported Friday afternoon burning in grass, brush and timber about 12 miles southwest of Cave Junction in Josephine County. The fire is about 100 acres and 95 percent contained. A unified command of the fire has been established between the U.S. Forest Service, Medford District BLM and Oregon Department of Forestry. The Oregon California Interagency Incident Management Team (ORCA) assumed fire suppression management of the fire under the unified command. An incident command post has been established at Lake Selmac County Park with over 270 fire fighters and support personnel actively working to quickly suppress the Lone Mountain Fire. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2655
The 710-acre Umpqua Complex of fires burning 9 miles south of Toketee in the Umpqua National Forest began Aug. 24. An incident management team from southern California assumed command of the fire Sunday. Additional information is available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2652
The 620-acre Red Cone complex of fires is burning 10 miles north of the Crater Lake National Park headquarters. The fire, which began Aug. 20, is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.
The 467-acre Little Butte fire burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest 16 miles northeast of Medford is now 95 percent contained. The fire was reported last Monday and Oregon Department of Forestry provided initial attack resources. Fire is managed through a unified command of Rogue River-Siskiyou NF and ODF. Fire lines have been completed and firefighters are aggressively mopping-up to meet containment objectives, seeking to reach full containment by Sunday.
** EASTERN OREGON
The 1,400-acre Buffalo fire is burning 23 miles southeast of Christmas Valley on BLM Lakeview District grasslands. This lightning-caused fire is 80 percent contained
The 3,000-acre Garden fire is burning 18 miles northeast of Fort Rock. This lightning-caused fire is burning in grasslands, brush and juniper within the BLM Lakeview District. Fire is 50 percent contained. Increase in acreage due to burnout operations to consume fuels
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning for high wildfire potential in Klamath County, Lake County and western Harney County, including the Fremont-Winema National Forest and BLM lands, from 11:00 AM Monday until 11:00 Monday night.
Thunderstorm activity is predicted, bringing with it isolated lightning strikes.
A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.
To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning for high wildfire potential in eastern Douglas, eastern Jackson, Klamath and Lake counties from 1:00 p.m. today until 11:00 Sunday night.
Thunderstorm activity is predicted bringing with in isolated lightning strikes.
A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.
To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. Please be very careful with fire and prevent accidental wildfire ignitions from sparks or open flame.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
FIRES ON LANDS OTHER THAN ODF-PROTECTED IN OREGON:
** NORTH-CENTRAL OREGON
The 107,911-acre High Cascades Fire complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 80 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2546
The 4,678-acre Dollar Lake Fire reported Aug. 27 burning 16 miles south of Hood River is 30 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. An area of concern is the potential impact of the fire on the Bull Run watershed for the City of Portland. Drivers on Oregon Hwy 35 are cautioned to turn on their headlights, slow down, and watch for fire traffic. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563
The 850-acre Mother Lode fire is burning 10 miles northwest of Detroit. A full perimeter has been established around the fire, reported on Aug. 26. The fire is not contained. An interagency incident management team assumed command of the fire Friday at 12:00 Noon. Bull of the Woods historic lookout is at risk.
The 7,329-acre Shadow Lake Fire reported Aug. 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. A new closure area is in effect – the closure now extends to the west along the southeast quadrant of Highways 20 and 126. This includes a portion of the McKenzie River Trail. Evacuations remain in place; youth camp staff will be allowed access on Sunday. Pacific Crest Trail closed. Road access into Big Lake restricted. Bend, Sisters, Black Butte Ranch and both Hwy 20 and Hwy 126 have decreased visibility. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550
The 115-acre Substitute fire is burning in the Willamette National Forest 14 miles southeast of McKenzie Bridge. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.
** NORTHEAST OREGON
The 4,000-acre Cactus Mountain fire was reported Wednesday burning in grassland 17 miles northeast of Imnaha in Wallowa County. Though primarily on federal lands, 130 acres of the fire are under ODF protection. Five ODF engines and three crews have been assigned to the fire along with resource support from helicopters, one tender and one bulldozer. A portion of the fire is within the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area. Federal initial attack resources included engines, crews, helicopters and Grangeville (ID) smoke jumpers. Several structures are in the fire vicinity and potentially threatened. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire is 25 percent contained. An interagency incident management team assumed command of the fire Friday morning.
The 120-acre Chicken Hill fire is burning in timber off FR 5185 in the Wallowa Whitman NF northwest of Baker City. The lightning-caused fire is 40 percent contained.
The 296-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.
** SOUTHERN OREGON
The 200-acre Skookum Complex of fires burning 9 miles south of Toketee in the Umpqua National Forest began Aug. 24. An incident management team is preparing to start management of the fire on Sunday.
The 245-acre Red Cone complex of fires is burning 10 miles north of the Crater Lake National Park headquarters. The fire, which began Aug. 20, is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.
The 467-acre Little Butte fire burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest 16 miles northeast of Medford is now 95 percent contained. The fire was reported Monday and Oregon Department of Forestry provided initial attack resources. Fire is managed through a unified command of Rogue River-Siskiyou NF and ODF. Fire lines have been completed and firefighters are aggressively mopping-up to meet containment objectives, seeking to reach full containment by Sunday.
** EASTERN OREGON
The 2,000-acre Buffalo fire is burning 23 miles southeast of Christmas Valley on BLM Lakeview District grasslands. This lightning-caused fire is 60 percent contained
The 1,200-acre Garden fire is burning 18 miles northeast of Fort Rock. Lightning-caused fire burning in grasslands in the BLM Lakeview District. Fire is not contained.
The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning for high wildfire potential covering Curry County, Josephine County, eastern Douglas County and portions of eastern Jackson County and the California border in effect from 11:00 Saturday morning until 11:00 Sunday night.
Hot temperatures will combine with wind gusts of 10 to 20 mph, and low relative humidity to form potentially explosive fire growth.
A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.
To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. Please be very careful with fire and prevent accidental wildfire ignitions from sparks or open flame.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry