7/24/2014 8:00 am Logging Unit Fire Update

Logging Unit Fires

Fire Information Update

https://www.facebook.com/pages/CTWS-Fire-Management/118486491629224

loggingunitfiresinfo@gmail.com

Thursday, July 24, 2014 – 8:00 a.m. PDT Fire Status Update

 

Fire	Acres	% Contained	Total Personnel
Total Logging Unit Fires	10,350	30	1193
Haily Butte	108
Camas Prairie/Logging Unit	6261
Bear Butte 2-North	3864
Skyline	116

News & Highlights for the Logging Unit Fires

• The Logging Unit Fires received significant precipitation over a large portion of the fire area. The wet conditions are allowing firefighters to make a direct attack and excellent progress with line construction and mop up.

• The Level 1 Notification for Sid Walter Flats was lifted yesterday; road and area closures remain in effect for Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands (see below).

• Seven interagency hotshot crews, twenty-seven 20-person hand crews, 57 engines, 26 dozers and 19 water tenders are currently assigned.  

• Four National Guard helicopters (2 Blackhawks and 2 Chinooks), a heavy and a medium helicopter are available for air support to the Logging Unit Fires. A temporary flight restriction is in place over Bear Butte.

• The Mt Hood National Forest has lifted the closure that was in place for the Olallie Scenic area and Forest Road 42. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail remains closed with a reroute for hikers.

• Due to the precipitation, cooler temperatures and higher humidities, fire behavior has been significantly reduced, however as weather warms and fuels dry out over the next couple of days, expect fire behavior to increase.  

Logging Unit Operations Summary:

Firefighters continue to make good progress with mopping up the Skyline and Haily Butte Fires.  On the Logging Unit/Camas Prairie Fire, most of the hand line has been completed and work on contingency lines is in progress.  Crews are in progress mopping up and plans for a burnout are delayed until conditions are dry enough for a successful operation.  On the Bear Butte 2 Fire, crews have made good progress with direct hand line and will continue with mop up and burnout when conditions warrant.  Crews are being moved to different areas of the fire as work is accomplished.

Today, while weather conditions are still moderated and beginning to warm slightly, firefighters expect to have another productive day constructing hand and dozer line, laying and pulling hose, mopping up, and felling hazard trees where necessary.  

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Road & Area Closures:

Closures that apply to public with the exception of local residents:

• B-180/Hwy 26 Jct
• B-160/Hwy 26 Jct
• B-140/Hwy 26 Jct

Closures that apply to all public:

• B-160 near the B-165 Jct
• County Line Rd at the end of the pavement
• J-100 at the Tenino Rd/J-100 Jct

Area Closures:

Log Unit/Camas Prairie Fire Closure

Northern Boundary: From the W-100/W-200/B-200 Jct, west on the W-200 to the W-240 to the S650 to the Reservation boundary.

Eastern Boundary: From the W-100/W-200/B-200 Jct, south on the B-200 to the B-200/B-210 Jct (Trout Lake Rd).

Southern Boundary: From the B-200/P-500/B-210 (Trout Lake Rd) Jct west to Trout Lake.

Bear Butte 2 Fire Closure:

All areas south of Whitewater Canyon to Jefferson Cr/Reservation Boundary.

Logging Unit Fires: Located on Warm Springs Agency approximately 25 miles NW of Warm Springs. Fire is burning in mixed conifer above 3800 feet and ponderosa pine below 3800 feet and grass & brush at lower elevations. Started: July 16, 2014. Cause: Lightning caused. Location: Western boundary of Confederated Tribes of Warms Springs lands.

SAFETY CONCERNS: Hazard trees, driving in wet conditions, slippery footing.

RESOURCE CONCERNS: Main concerns include the threat to commercial timber and natural resources on Warm Springs lands, including old growth trees, pristine spring chinook runs, water quality, wildlife, plant and cultural concerns.

WEATHER: A westerly flow will become re-established across the fire area with a notable decrease in cloud coverage. Max temperatures will begin to trend upward.  Moisture and relative humidity recovery will begin to trend down today and tonight.  Temperatures will range from the high 60s to the low 70s today with relative humidities 23-28%.  Winds SW 5-8 mph, shifting to W 10-15 mph and then NW 5-11 mph.  Visibility will improve by mid-morning.

TODAY’S EXPECTED FIRE BEHAVIOR: Precipitation measured from the Remote Automated Weather Station recorded .50-.75 inches of rain received.  This has drastically reduced fire behavior.  Due to the moisture received, reduced fire behavior is expected for the next few days.  The fire will smolder and creep with maximum flame length of 1-2” and minimal forward rate of spread.  

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS: Warm Springs Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mt Hood National Forest, Deschutes National Forest, Willamette National Forest and Prineville Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Transportation.