8/22/2014 South Fork Complex Update

Evacuation Levels Lifted and Closure Area Reduced Effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2014 Due to decreased fire activity in and around the South Fork Complex, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Grant County Sheriff's Office are reducing closure areas and evacuation levels.   These agencies recognize that access for hunting, recreation and other activities is important.  However, the public is advised to travel slowly through these areas and be aware of the possibility of falling trees weakened from fire, rolling rocks and fire traffic.  Yesterday Fire crews continued containment efforts on the northeastern perimeter of the fire, south of Dayville. Mop-up and fire suppression repair on the southeastern and northwestern perimeter kept crews busy. The west side of the fire was patrolled by air. All burnout operations on the northeast flank were completed. Weather and Fire Behavior Upper level moisture moving down the east side of the North Pacific Ridge will lead to occasional patches of cirrus clouds over the region on Friday. Temperatures are expected to be cooler and relative humidity higher. Winds are forecast to be out of the northwest. Fire behavior will be the same as yesterday with isolated surface spread and sustained smoldering. Fire weakened trees will continue to fall. Today's Operations All divisions will be in a hold, control and mop-up phase along lines. Suppression repair is underway.  Closures

Ochoco National Forest:  All closure orders will be rescinded. 

·        Malheur National Forest:  The following area will be open:  County Road 42;  Forest Road 24;Forest Road 2180 from its intersection with Forest Road 24 continuing N/NW to the intersection with Forest Road 21.  Lands east of Forest Road 21 north to the forest boundary (this portion of FR 21 is closed).  The portion of FR21 from its intersection with FR2180 east to its terminus with county road 63 is open.  ·        BLM Prineville District Lands: The following closures have been enacted:  Jackass Creek Road, Murders Creek Road, Oliver Creek Road.

Grant County Sheriff's Office:   The level 1 evacuation will be lifted for the area bounded by the 2150 road on the south, the 21 road on the east, Highway 26 on the north and on the west by a line running due north from the Aldrich Lookout to Highway 26. Closure information is available online at inciweb.nwcg.gov.
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