Sunday, August 12, 2018

8/12/2018 Miles, Columbus, Snow Shoe & Round Top Fire Update


               
                                   
Miles, Columbus, Snow Shoe, Round Top Fires
Sunday, August 12, 2018 – 9:00 a.m

Stewart Incident Command Post (541) 560-3374 and (530) 500-2990
Milo Base Camp (541) 825-3295, Southwest Oregon Joint Information Center (541) 474-5305

Summary: Recent fire conditions have improved and the imminent threat to structures has decreased. This improvement will allow structural resources associated with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office (OSFM) to return to their home agencies. “It has been an honor to serve this community and we are ready to return if you need us again.” said Ian Yocum, Red Team Incident Commander. Structure protection and initial attack will continue with the remaining resources.

Conditions in valley locations will be smoky in the morning, moderating fire behavior until the inversion breaks mid-day. Active surface fire is anticipated with occasional single/group tree torching possible, as well as short and long range fire spotting. As unburned fuel remains within fire perimeters, smoke columns are possible as the fire perimeters burn and fill in upon themselves. 

Miles Fire (30,617 acres, 5% contained): The clearer air has allowed the team to utilize air resources more heavily, which will continue today, especially on the southern flank of the fire near Alco Rock. Six helicopters are assigned to the fire and fixed wing aircraft are available for use on an as requested basis. The quick turnaround of the helicopters in this area has allowed firefighters to hold this area of the fire which has been active recently. Crews will continue to plan and construct contingency lines in coordination with landowners. South of Forest Service Road 1610, aerial resources were used Saturday to cool a spot fire near Hawk Mountain. The northeast corner of the fire has had active interior burning around the Bitter Lick Creek area, this is anticipated to continue today as the perimeter closes around unburned fuels.

Columbus Fire (9,428 acres, 10% contained): Additional spot fires occurred Saturday east of Donegan Creek which have burned into a 2017 fire scar. Active fire remains and containment lines are holding. The fire will back down to the Forest Service Road 100 and crews will burn out as needed. Where needed, fuels reduction on the Forest Service Road 160 will happen, with chipping beginning today.

Snow Shoe (3,816 acres, 93% contained): Firefighters will continue to reinforce the fire’s containment lines and control the fire, no additional acreage is anticipated. Crews will mop up the fire 300 feet in from the fire line to ensure the fire will not escape containment lines with predicted weather and fire behavior.

Round Top (154 acres, 90% contained): The fire remains checked up against control lines on all sides of the fire and no additional movement is anticipated.

Weather: An upper level ridge of high pressure will quickly build into the area as an upper level trough departs the Pacific Northwest today. This ridge will remain in place through Tuesday night before a gradual warming trend through Oregon midweek. Today’s weather will be in the upper 80’s at lower elevations, a 6 degree increase from yesterday. Humidity levels will be several percent drier today, down close to 20%. Winds will be a little lighter today with gusts possible to 15 mph. It will be sunny this morning with smoke in the valleys, with some clearing in the afternoon although it is expected to remain on the east flank of the fire.

Evacuations: Local sheriff’s offices are in charge of area evacuations. Residents of Jackson and Josephine counties may check their evacuation status here: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C. Existing Level 2 evacuations in Douglas County remain. 

Evacuee Assistance: Evacuees seeking assistance may contact the American Red Cross at (888) 680-1455. The shelter is currently on standby at Eagle Point High School.

Location: 5 miles northeast of Trail, Oregon                                                         Total Personnel: 2,192
Resources Include: 74 crews, 99 engines, 25 dozers, 6 helicopters

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