Tuesday, September 16, 2014

9/16/2014 Onion Mountain Fire Update

Firefighters gained a small foothold on the east side of the Onion Mountain Fire on Monday. Using dozers and crews they were able to surround spots that had spread to the east and successfully burn out the remaining fuels to tie the line into the 640 road. A few isolated spots remain east of the 640 road, but they are contained.

On Monday, retardant was dropped along the southeast side of the fire; crews and dozers will be building line in that area today. Also today, crews plan to establish containment line along the southwest flank of the fire assisted by retardant drops as needed.

The primary spread of the fire on Monday was to the northeast and a push from the southwest is expected to continue today. Resources from Oregon Department of Forestry are engaged in the effort to stop the northeastward progress of the fire.

A structural protection group from Rural/Metro Fire Department is in place as a contingency in the event the fire were to make a run toward populated areas.

Temperatures today are expected to reach 85 degrees; relative humidity will rise to 25-30% as a cold front passes the area this evening.

The Level 1 Evacuation Notice for residences in the Pickett Creek, Shan Creek, Riverbanks Road, and Taylor Creek Road areas remain in effect. Road and Campground closures are in place for public and firefighter safety.

Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team #1 is working in cooperation with Oregon Department of Forestry and Rural/Metro Fire Department to manage the Onion Mountain Fire.

Fire at a Glance
Size: 2,949 acres
Containment: 2%
Assigned personnel: 315
Aircraft:
6 Heavy-lift helicopters
4 Medium-lift helicopters
2 Light-lift helicopters
5 Air Tankers available
2 Fixed-wing air management aircraft

Closures: Sam Brown Campground and Horse Camp, Briggs Campground, Myers Campground, Portions of Forest Road (FR) 2500, FR 2509, and FR 2706.

Notifications: Level and Area 1 Pickett Creek area, Shan Creek Road from Riverbanks Rd west; Riverbanks Rd from Limpy Creek Rd to Robertson Bridge; Taylor Crk Rd.
Level 2: None
Level 3: None
Fire Information Number:
541-471-7441
Fire Information E-Mail:
onionmtfireinfo@gmail.com
Fire Information Websites
“Josephine County Emergency Preparedness” Facebook Page
www.swofire.com

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