7/19/2014 Bingham Complex Update

Bingham Complex Fire Information

(503) 854-4210

 

Bingham Complex burning in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness

Fire crews “spike out” on the Bingham Ridge Fire Complex

Detroit, OR – The Bingham Ridge Fire, currently 275 (remapped) acres, continues to be the main focus of management effort in the Bingham Complex today.  It did not change in size yesterday.  Eight 20-person hand crews are building a direct fire line around the fire perimeter, and have nearly completed the perimeter outside the wilderness.  Crews are working out of two remote spike camps close to the fire.  This will increase productivity and reduce exposure associated with travel distances. They are supported with basic supplies and dine from “hot” and “cold” cans.  Breakfast and lunch items are kept cold and dinner served hot from specially designed insulated containers. Crews may overnight there for days at a time until their return to Bingham Ridge Fire Complex base camp at Hoodoo Ski Area for showers.

The Lizard Fire, the second largest in the Bingham Complex, will remain staffed by a 10-person fire use module. The module continues to check the fire spread to the north and identify critical areas for containment.  Planning and risk assessments are underway to determine a long-term strategy to further manage the Lizard Fire when the Bingham Ridge work is completed. Fire use modules are self sufficient and accustomed to extended periods in spike camp.  They are in the wilderness and maintain minimum impact standards such as selecting an area to camp that is already clear of vegetation and using soap at least 200 ft. away from a water source.

Several very small fires in the Complex are being suppressed by rappelers who are delivered and supported by helicopters.  Water dropping by helicopters continues to be a critical tool to hold fires and minimize their spread.

The majority of the Bingham Complex fires are located in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness Area.  Fire fighters are using techniques that will minimize impact on wilderness values.  Fire containment lines are constructed just to the width and depth necessary to stop fire spread.  They are tied into natural barriers that such as rocky outcrops when possible.  Power equipment (chainsaws and pumps) are in use, but pumps are placed away from water sources and extra efforts are made to prevent damage to riparian areas from heavy use, too much volume of water removed, or accidental fuel spills.  Tree cutting is minimized to the amount necessary to safely enable work and stop the fire spread.  No retardant is being applied; only water is being dropped when needed to dampen fire behavior.

The winds and weather are expected to be similar to yesterday with temperatures in the 70’s and winds from the NNW increasing to west through the day.  These conditions allow active fire behavior and spread, so crews must be particularly alert to changing conditions and potential spread through lichens and dead needles in the tree crowns.

There are Area Closures in effect for portions of the Mount Jefferson Wilderness in both the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests.  Only firefighters, Forest Service or other agency personnel, and law enforcement are allowed access to the closed areas.   On the Willamette, Forest Road 2253 (Minto Rd.) is closed and the following trails are closed until further notice: Pamelia (3439), Hunts Creek (3451), Hunts Cove (3430), Grizzly Peak (3428), Bingham (3421), portions of Lake of the Woods (3493), Minto Mountain (3448), portions of the Swallow Lake Trail (3488), and Newport Drive (3438). The Pacific Crest Trail (2000) is closed between the Swallow Lake Trail (3493) junction and Milk Creek.  Closure notices have been posted at trailheads and other entry points.  Signs include directions for a Pacific Crest Trail detour. 

You can check the current status of the Bingham Fire Complex, including trail and area closures on Inciweb athttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3949/ .

Fire Facts – Friday, July 17– 0900 HOURS
Fire Size:  Approximately 477 (remapped) acres total for the five fires in Bingham Complex.         

Percent Contained:  20%.

Evacuations: No homes or structures threatened.

Closures Summary: A detailed list of closures on the Willamette National Forest is available athttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3949/ .

Fuels:  Patchy high elevation subalpine fir and lodgepole pine forest with dead and fallen trees and accumulations of ground fuels.

Air Resources:  Two Type I helicopters, two Type II helicopters and two Type III helicopters.

Crews:  8 Type II crews and one 10-person fire use crew

Engines: 1                  Dozers: 1                    Water Tenders: 4

Total Personnel:  Approximately 416