August 19, 2011
Last night Governor John Kitzhaber declared the North River Road fire, burning just outside the city of Rogue River, a conflagration. The declaration authorized the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.
“The fire near the City of Rogue River continued to spread last night and threaten both life and property, which is why I have directed all available state resources to help contain its growth,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “My priority is to ensure that this community has every resource necessary to fight this fire and protect the citizens of Jackson County.”
The request for the conflagration was made by Fire Defense Board Chief Lang Johnson.
The fire is approximately 425 acres and approximately 40 homes are threatened. Structural task forces from Klamath and Lane counties are on scene to assist in protecting threatened structures.
As of this morning, residents that were initially advised to evacuate last night, have been allowed to return to their homes. Currently the fire is estimated to be 40% contained and is burning in grass and timber understory. The cause is under investigation. Three outbuildings have been destroyed. Expected containment is Saturday, August 20, 2011.
Oregon’s conflagration may be invoked only by the Governor and allows the State Fire Marshal to dispatch structural firefighters and equipment. More information on Conflagration and Emergency
Mobilization is available at OSFM website: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Oregon_Mob_Plan.shtml
Additional resources on surviving wildfires may be accessed at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/CommEd_WAW.shtml
Source: Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office
August 19, 2011
Aug. 19, 2011, 8:30 a.m.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
Contact: Brian Ballou, ODF public information officer, (541) 621-4156
Don Hickman, Jackson County Fire District #3 information officer, (541) 944-3873
Fire crews working on the North River Road Fire, east of the city of Rogue River, made good progress overnight with building fireline and knocking down hotspots along the fire’s perimeter. The fire is estimated at 425 acres in size and is 40 percent contained. Approximately 300 firefighters are assigned to the fire today.
A second fire west of the city of Rogue River, next to Foothill Blvd., is contained at 2.5 acres.
North River Road is closed to the public between the city of Rogue River and Twin Bridges Rd. Residents who were advised to evacuate from their homes yesterday have been allowed to return. At least 25 homes were threatened by the North River Road and Foothill Blvd. fires.
No homes burned in the fires, but three outbuildings and one vehicle were destroyed. No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fires, which broke out after 4:00 p.m. Thursday, is being investigated. A series of fires started along the edge of Interstate 5’s northbound lane between mile markers 45 and 48.
August 19, 2011
Aug. 18, 2011, 10:55 p.m.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
Contact: Brian Ballou, ODF public information officer, (541) 621-4156
Don Hickman, Jackson County Fire District #3 information officer, (541) 944-3873
A string of small grass and brush fires along Interstate 5 near the city of Rogue River started two wildfires that threatened approximately 40 homes. One of the fires burned more than 400 acres east of the city, and the second fire burned 2.5 acres west of the city. The 400-acre fire crossed North River Road, where most of the homes are located, and burned up the south side of Tin Pan Peak. The 2.5-acre fire burned next to Foothill Blvd.
The fires were reported at 4:20 p.m. Thursday.
Structural fire engines from many fire departments in Jackson and Josephine counties responded to the fire, along with engines, bulldozers, helicopters and airtankers from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Medford and Grants Pass units.
More than 200 firefighters are working tonight to complete a fireline around the blaze, and to protect homes and other structures. A few outbuildings are known to have burned, but no injuries have been reported.
Residents in the fire area along North River Road were advised to evacuate. An evacuation center is located at Rogue River Elementary School. North River Road remains closed in the fire area.
Call (541) 776-7338 for information about the evacuation center and road closures.
Brian Ballou
Fire Prevention Specialist
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 19, 2011
Aug. 18, 2011 – 10:55 p.m.Report
A string of small grass and brush fires along Interstate 5 near the city of Rogue River started two wildfires that threatened approximately 40 homes. One of the fires burned more than 400 acres east of the city, and the second fire burned 2.5 acres west of the city. The 400-acre fire crossed North River Road, where most of the homes are located, and burned up the south side of Tin Pan Peak. The 2.5-acre fire burned next to Foothill Blvd.
The fires were reported at 4:20 p.m. today.
Structural fire engines from many fire departments in Jackson and Josephine counties responded to the fire, along with engines, bulldozers, helicopters and airtankers from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Medford and Grants Pass units.
More than 200 firefighters are working tonight to complete a fireline around the blaze, and to protect homes and other structures. A few outbuildings are known to have burned, but no injuries have been reported.
Residents in the fire area along North River Road were advised to evacuate. An evacuation center is located at Rogue River Elementary School. North River Road remains closed in the fire area. Call (541) 776-7338 for information about the evacuation center and road closures.
Brian Ballou, ODF public information officer
Don Hickman, Jackson County Fire District #3 information officer
August 19, 2011
The North River Road Fire has a revised acreage estimate of 300 acres at 8:00pm. For evacuation center information, call 541 776 7338
Brian Ballou
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 19, 2011
Interstate Five has reopened near Rogue River; motorists should watch for fire equipment moving throughout the region.
The North River Road fire burning east of Rogue River is now estimated at 200 acres.
Several structures are believed threatened by the fire, and some evacuations have begun along North River Road. Cause of the fire, burning in grassland, is under investigation.
25 fire engines, from ODF and structural fire districts providing support, are responding to fire. Two air tankers and five helicopters have been ordered up to respond, as well as 3 bulldozers.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 19, 2011
Oregon Department of Forestry crews are responding to multiple fires in the Gold Hill – Rogue River area between Grants Pass and Medford. ODOT has closed the Northbound lanes of Interstate Five between MP 45 and 48 while crews battle the blazes; traffic is diverted onto Old Hwy 99
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 18, 2011
Warm, dry weather has prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to increase fire safety restrictions in the West Oregon and Northwest Oregon Forest Protection Districts beginning Saturday, Aug. 20.
ODF’s Ted Erdmann with the West Oregon District in Philomath said the decision to institute the regulated-use closure in the region was based on the “continued drying of wildland fuels, and forecasted weather patterns calling for warmer and drier weather with no measurable precipitation in the foreseeable future.”
The stepped-up restrictions include the following:
1. Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads.
2. Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated locations. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
3. Chainsaw use is prohibited.
4. Use of motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all terrain vehicles, is prohibited, except on improved roads.
5. Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2-½ lb. or larger fire extinguisher.
6. Use of fireworks is prohibited.
7. Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited.
8. Use of exploding targets is prohibited (Northwest Oregon Forest Protection District only).
The State Forester or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements.
The ODF field districts encompassed by the regulated-use closure are: the Astoria, West Oregon, Forest Grove and Tillamook districts. Recreation users heading into the Clatsop State Forest or Tillamook State Forest this weekend should be aware of additional fire precautions and use restrictions.
At this time of year, fire regulations are subject to change on short notice. To obtain the most current information prior to going afield, contact the nearest Oregon Department of Forestry office. A list of the offices can be found at: www.oregon.gov/odf.
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August 17, 2011
A fire broke out shortly after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in the 7000 block of Upper Applegate Road. The first firefighters on scene reported that a car, an outbuilding and some trees were afire, and the fire was spreading up a hill. ODF and US Forest Service engine crews, and firefighters from Applegate Valley Fire District #9 stopped the wildfire at 1/2 acre.
Two hours later, firefighters responded to a wildfire that was also in the Upper Applegate Road area, 1/4 mile from the earlier fire. The second fire was determined to have been caused by firebrands from the earlier fire.
Three helicopters dropped water from buckets onto the second fire while engine crews and other firefighters, assisted by the bulldozer from ODF’s Medford Unit, constructed fireline around the fire’s edge. By nightfall, the fire had been significantly cooled down, and a Jackson County Community Justice crew completed the fireline and continued mopping up hot spots. The Community Justice crew left the fireline at 3:30 a.m. today.
The second fire was contained at 2 acres. Crews will be working on these fires today, continuing to mop up up remaining hot spots.
Other ODF engine crews will continue to mop up slash piles that burned west of Trail on Tuesday. The cause of the fires remains under investigation
Brian Ballou
Oregon Department of Forestry / SW Oregon District
August 17, 2011
Source: Deschutes/Ochoco National Forest
Fuels specialists from the Ochoco National Forest are planning to ignite a prescribed burn on the Crooked River National Grassland today. The burn is the final 90 acres of a larger 1500-acre project started several weeks ago in the Coyote Hills area east of Haystack Reservoir and north of FS Rd 9610. 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 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.
The area around the burn will be signed to inform motorists of the prescribed fire activities. No road closures are anticipated; however, people recreating in or traveling through the area 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. The burn is expected to take one day to complete. Patrols and mop-up activities will occur during and following ignitions.
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 http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire
August 17, 2011
Wildfire is often in the news in central Oregon at this point in the summer. But so far it has been an afterthought. That is expected to change soon, with the onset of extreme fire conditions that could propel a small fire start into a major incident.
Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) officials caution that while the cool, wet weather in spring and early summer delayed the inevitable, fire season has truly arrived in the region.
“Conditions in the forests and rangelands of central Oregon are extremely dry,” ODF’s George Ponte said. “An errant cigarette, an unattended campfire or a lightning strike could easily ignite a large fire.”
The Central Oregon District Forester said that without any significant precipitation, burning conditions will only worsen over the next several weeks before the fall weather pattern moderates the fire threat somewhat.
“We’ve been extremely fortunate so far this season in that we’ve not had any catastrophic fires and we’d like to keep it that way,” he said. “Large fires threaten public and firefighter safety, destroy property and natural resources, and are extremely expensive to suppress, and that hits everybody in the pocketbook.”
ODF is asking everyone to be extremely careful while working or recreating outdoors. Given the dry conditions, it would be very easy to accidentally cause a fire.
The following restrictions are currently in effect on private and public lands protected by ODF in central Oregon:
- Smoking is prohibited while traveling in the forest
- Open fires are prohibited except in designated areas
- Mowing of dried grass with power equipment is prohibited between hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- The use of timber harvesting or forest fuel-reduction equipment using high-speed rotary heads or flails is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- The cutting, grinding, or welding of metal is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. When conducting these activities during permissible times, the area must be cleared of flammable vegetation.
More information on restrictions and current conditions is available at:
www.oregon.gov/odf/centraloregon or by contacting your local Oregon Department of Forestry office.
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George Ponte
Central Oregon District Forester
541-447-5658 ext 231
August 17, 2011
The National Weather Service in Pendleton has modified a Red Flag Warning for dangerous fire conditions across north-central and northeastern Oregon, including Hood River County, northern Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla County and northern Wallowa County. The Warning is in effect from 3:00pm until 11pm PDT Wednesday.
Low humidity, high winds and high temperatures will converge to create high fire potential in the region. Wind gusts of 30 mph are predicted with humidity as low as 14 percent RH. Peak winds are predicted for late Wednesday afternoon into the evening.
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
August 17, 2011
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) and Clean Water Services will be joining forces on Wednesday, August 17th to clear non-native vegetation from a parcel of property owned by Clean Water Services just east of Cook Park at the end of SW 85th Street in Tigard.
Clean Water Services wants to restore the area to an oak savannah and TVF&R will assist them by setting small brush fires to burn away non-native vegetation. The event also provides firefighters the opportunity to hone their wildland firefighting techniques.
Hot and dry conditions this time of year produce ideal training circumstances because smoke rises rapidly and fuels burn quickly. If weather conditions are not favorable for a safe burn, fire commanders will cancel the event. The fire is expected to start about 1:30 pm.
Media wanting additional information about the Tigard exercise should contact Brian Barker, TVF&R Public Affairs Officer.
The Cornelius Fire Department will be holding a live fire training event burning approximately 20 acres of wheat stubble on SW Golf Course Road south of the City of Cornelius. This event will likely produce a smoke column that will be easily visible in the sky from anywhere in western Washington County, especially the Highway 219 area between Newberg and Hillsboro.
August 16, 2011
The National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a Red Flag Warning for dangerous fire conditions across northeastern Oregon, including the eastern Columbia Gorge, Umatilla County and northern Wallowa County. The Warning is in effect from Noon until 9:00 pm Wednesday.
Low humidity, high winds and high temperatures will converge to create high fire potential in the region. Wind gusts of 30 mph are predicted with humidity as low as 14 percent RH. Peak winds are predicted for late Wednesday afternoon.
The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert fire agencies of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire.
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
August 16, 2011
Source: SWOFIRE
Engine crews from ODF’s Medford Unit responded this morning to a cluster of five fires in the West Fork of Trail Creek area. The fires are on privately owned forestland and are burning in old logging slash. The largest fire is 1/2 acre and the other four are approximately 1/4 acre each.
Four of the fires were reported at 6:48 a.m. today. The fifth was discovered a couple hours later. Six ODF engines, bulldozers from the Medford and Grants Pass units, a fireline-digging crew, and the Medford Unit’s small helicopter are working to construct fireline around the fires and mop them up.
The cause of the fires is under investigation.
August 16, 2011
See it. Hear it. Feel it.
The “Return from the Burn” event at the Tillamook Forest Center on Saturday, August 20, and Sunday, August 21, commemorates the recovery – as a result of the largest reforestation effort ever undertaken – of the Tillamook State Forest from a series of catastrophic wildfires that began in 1933.
Throughout the upcoming weekend, there will be special guests and activities to help tell the story of the forest, during and before the fires. The celebration includes a children’s firefighter relay, crafts, a vintage 1930 Ford Model AA pumper truck, and a current wildland fire engine and crew, as well as displays on fire-resistant native plants, creating defensible space for homes in the forest, and historical information relating to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Centennial anniversary. A bar-b-cue lunch will be available for purchase on both days and there will even be special appearances by Smokey Bear! You can view the full schedule of events on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website at www.oregon.gov/ODF.
The Tillamook Forest Center offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Tillamook State Forest, and to learn about its history and its many values in our lives. Outside, there are trails, a suspension bridge across the Wilson River, and a 40-foot tall fire lookout tower that offers a unique view of the area and the surrounding forest canopy. The state forest is managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry to produce timber revenue for counties, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat.
Earlier in April, the Tillamook Forest Center celebrated its fifth full year of operation. The Center’s anniversary comes during the Oregon Department of Forestry’s 100th year, which the agency is celebrating throughout 2011 with a variety of displays, exhibits, and activities that focus on the agency’s Centennial and history.
Admission to the Tillamook Forest Center is free, as are most of the Center’s programs and events. Donations to the Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust, which go to support Center operations, are welcome.
The Tillamook Forest Center is located near Milepost 22 on Highway 6 between Forest Grove and Tillamook. It is currently open daily, through Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information about the Tillamook Forest Center, including programs and special events, is available by going to its website: http://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/ or by calling the Center, toll-free, at 1-866-930-4646.
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August 8, 2011
Source: NW Coordination Center
The Vale and Prineville Districts of the Bureau of Land Management continue to manage several large fires in eastern Oregon, including a new one reported Saturday southeast of Burns.
The Clarks Butte fire 10 miles west of Jordan Valley in southern Malheur County has a perimeter established around the 10,000 acre fire, which is believed to caused by a lightning start. The fire, burning in grassland, is 20 percent contained. Air resources are working the fire. The fire went from about 3,000 acres to 10,000 acres within three hours. This rapid growth is due to significant wind event in connection with thunderstorms. 165 persons, 13 BLM fire engines and several aircraft are being utilized on this fire scene.
Vale District BLM officials report the Crooked Creek fire (500 acres) and the Jordan Craters fire (560 acres) have been brought under control today.
Sutton Mountain fire burning 35 miles northeast of Prineville is 70 percent contained and at 4,200 acres, according to BLM fire officials. The fire, burning in grass and timber is believed to be lightning-related.
In the BLM Prineville district, the Brown Road fire burning 9 miles north of Maupin is 90 percent contained and 5,650 acres. The fire burned along the Lower Deschutes River and moved east from the canyon bottom to the rim above the river. The campground closure between Buckhollow and Macks Canyon was lifted Sunday evening. Camping restrictions in the area have been lifted. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
Boating was re-opened from Buck Hollow to Macks Canyon. Vehicles bringing rafters or taking rafters will be able to travel without escorts along the Access Road north of Hwy 216; however, they should watch for firefighters working in the area and should yield the road to fire vehicles. Campsites below Macks Canyon are open for rafters doing an overnight float to Heritage Landing.
August 8, 2011
The National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a Red Flag Warning for fire conditions across several counties in Oregon, including eastern Jefferson, the northeastern portion of Deschutes, all of Crook, Wheeler, Grant, Baker and the northern portions of Harney and Malheur counties. The Warning is in effect until 10 PDT Monday night.
Thunderstorm activity will contain lightning strikes and are expected to trigger many wildlife ignitions with little potential for rain.
The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert fire agencies of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire.
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
August 7, 2011
Source: Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
Recreation closure impacts and re-openings have been implemented Saturday evening resulting from the Brown Road fire burning near Maupin.
Beginning 9:00pm Saturday — Segment 3 of the Lower Deschutes will re-open to boating. Boating will be allowed throughout Segment 3 from Buck Hollow to Macks Canyon. Vehicles bringing in rafters or taking out rafters will be able to travel without escort along the Access Road north of Hwy 216; however, they should watch for firefighters working in the area and should yield the road to fire vehicles.
No overnight camping will be allowed from Buck Hollow to Macks Canyon. Campsites below Macks Canyon are open for rafters doing an overnight float to Heritage Landing, as are all sites in Segment 2 above and below Maupin. The camping restriction is expected to be lifted Sunday evening. Helicopters may still be working in the area, so use caution on both the road and while on the river. Please visit the Lower Deschutes River Webpage or call Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center for more information.
August 6, 2011
Fire units from the ODF Central Oregon District, John Day Unit responded Friday afternoon to the Little Bridge fire located eight miles east of Dayville. The fire was reported after 2pm burning in brush, juniper and grassland. The fire was contained at an estimated 33.5 acres. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
