07/29/2017 Indian Creek Fire Update

U.S. Forest Service Mt. Hood National Forest
6780 Hwy 35
Parkdale, OR 97041
Voice: (541) 352-6002
Web: www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/home

Wildfire Update Fire Information (971) 220-6146 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. indiancreekfire2017@gmail.com

Indian Creek Fire Update 

July 29, 2017 

Fire Location: West side of Eagle Creek Trail, between Tunnel Falls and 7 ½ Mile Camp 

Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness within the Hood River Ranger District of the Mt. Hood National Forest 

On Friday a U.S. Forest Service National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Team took command of the fire and is continuing long term planning for the incident. Primary objectives remain the same with firefighter, aviation, and public safety as the highest priority. Operational objectives are to keep the fire west of Eagle Creek, north of the unnamed drainage at its southern flank, and south and east of Opal Creek. The Type 1 (heavy) helicopter will continue to be used to reduce forward progression of the fire.

Yesterday the Type 1 helicopter launched two flights to continue bucket work on the Indian Creek Fire. An earlier IR (infrared) flight had detected four “hot spots” that were successfully diminished with multiple bucket drops. A third flight occurred in the evening to monitor the progress of the day’s work. Despite the activity, the fire size remains at 74 acres.

The Cascade Initial Attack Handcrew is mapping contingency lines, monitoring fire behavior, and recording detailed weather observations from the fire area. This information is being utilized to anticipate future fire behavior and potential areas of growth, and to plan appropriate suppression responses.

 An area closure is in effect and can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5403/. The Pacific Crest Trail remains open, but a portion of the often-used alternate, Eagle Creek Trail, is closed to all uses. Eagle Creek trail, #440, is closed from the boundary with Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness south to its terminus at the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. Other closed trails are: Eagle Benson #434, Indian Springs #435, Eagle Tanner #433, Tanner Butte #401, and Chinidere Cutoff #406M. Road 1310 (access to Wahtum Lake) is closed beyond the 1311 junction. Also within the closure area are Tunnel Falls, 7 ½ Mile Camp, Indian Springs Campground, and Wahtum Lake Campground. Drinking water is still available at Indian Springs! 

Websites: Indian Creek Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5403/ 

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