Saturday, September 20, 2014

9/20/2014 Deception Complex Fire Update

The Deception Creek Fire remained within control lines yesterday and continued to burn islands of unburned vegetation. The estimate of 6,010 acres burned within containment lines has increased by 50 acres from yesterday.
The weather pattern has switched to a warming and drying trend with above average temperatures. Fortunately, recent light rains have kept the relative humidity at levels around 50%. This has moderated the fire behavior and slowed the spread of the fire. A light east wind is expected today and will further reduce the relative humidity to as low as 20% in exposed areas by this afternoon.

Fire crews will continue to patrol all areas of the fire and repair fire-suppression activities. Chippers and large material grinders will also continue to remove excess woody debris from roads and fire lines. No helicopters were utilized yesterday to drop water on the fire, due to minimal fire activity.

The 409 firefighters, 3 helicopters, 9 engines, 1 dozer, and 12 water tenders assigned to the Deception Complex are poised to respond if fire activity increases.

Smoke over the communities of Westfir and Oakridge may be noticeable today, but is expected to be light. East winds are predicted to transport smoke away from the fire area later in the day after the inversion layer is lifted. For additional air quality information see the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency website at oregonsmoke.blogspot.com or lrapa.org
The closure order placed over the Staley Fire has been terminated by the Willamette National Forest and all roads, trails and area previously closed are now open for public use. Other public use restrictions, area, road and trail closures can be viewed at:
Willamette National Forest - fs.usda.gov/willamette or
Umpqua National Forest - fs.usda.gov/umpqua 
Fire Summary
Size: 6,010 acres
Containment: 85%
Personnel: 409
Location: 2 miles west of Oakridge, OR
Cause: lightning
Road Closures: Patterson Mountain Road and Forest Roads 2102, 5840, 5847, & 5850.
Trail Closures: Deception Trail #3466 and Lawler Trail #3473 are closed.

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