7/23/2014 AM Waterman Complex Fire Update

Fire Update

For Immediate Release

July 23, 2014 AM

Waterman Complex – Mitchell, Oregon

Information Center – 541-787-4321

Incident Commander Doug Johnson

Start Date	Cause	Total Acres	Percent Containment	Crews	Engines	Water Tenders	Helos	Dozers	Total Personnel
7/12/2014	Lightning	12,520	80%	23	39	28	4	5	872

Various amounts of rain with abundant lightning were received over the Complex.  Two remote automated weather stations (RAWS) recorded .4 inches of rain.  Initial attack firefighting resources are identified and ready to respond to new starts.

Highway (Hwy) 26 is open to two lanes of traffic within the fire area and are subject to the following restrictions:

·         Speed limit 35 MPH, strictly enforced

·         Vehicle headlight use is required

·         Stopping within the fire area is not allowed

·         Access to Forest Roads (FR) within the fire area is prohibited except for authorized vehicles

·         Highway 26 could be closed at any time due to safety hazards

A community meeting, in cooperation with the Ochoco Complex, was held in Prineville last night.  Approximately 50 residents received an update on both incidents.

Evacuation Notices

There are no current evacuation orders associated with this fire.  The Crook County Sheriff’s Office lifted the Level 1 Evacuation order for the Marks Creek area.

Current Situation

The Complex now consists of four fires, Bailey Butte, Toney Butte, Junction Springs, and Incident #376.  The Bailey Butte Fire is being actively managed.  The other fires are 100% contained and will continue to be monitored by air. Two new fire starts were identified Tuesday evening and aircraft were used to size up the fires with actions to be determined.

Bailey Butte Fire – 10,276 acres, 80% contained.  The fire has not grown from beyond the fire line established on Tuesday.  A hand held infrared camera is being utilized to identify visually hidden heat sources. Firefighters will take advantage of rain received to assist mop up efforts.

Toney Butte Fire – 2,229 acres, 100% contained.  The fire will be monitored by the air.  Smoke may be visible from interior burning.

Junction Springs Fire – 15 acres, 100% contained. This fire remains in patrol status and monitored by air.

Incident #376 - .25 acres, 100% contained. 

Weather:

A Red Flag Warning for abundant lightning is forecasted over the area for Wednesday.  Firefighters will remain diligent watching for effects of strong, erratic winds associated with thunderstorms and take necessary precautions.

Ochoco National Forest Closure Area:

A Forest Closure Order 06-07-01-14-001-01 is in effect on Ochoco National Forest System lands.  The closure prohibits the public from entering the Closure Area except under special exemption.  The closure is due to firefighting activities and the safety of the public within the Closure Area.  The public is encouraged to check with the Forest before they travel.  To view the entire Forest Closure Order please see the following link:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/centraloregon/alerts-notices/?aid=24081

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR):  A TFR remains in place over the Bailey Butte fire. Please check the NOTAM for current information.

For more information on the Waterman Complex visit