7/24/2014 Shaniko Butte Update

Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team #1 Ross Williams, Incident Commander Shaniko Butte Daily Update July 24, 2014

Light rain showers throughout Wednesday were both a blessing and a curse for firefighters working on the Shaniko Butte Fire. The moisture put out fire in the lightest fuels, predominately grasses and small shrubs. Additionally, it slowed fire spread in heavier fuels, particularly in the Mutton Mountains. On the other hand, roads became so slick that firefighters could not get equipment across roads to access many areas on the east side of the fire. As crews had to hike further to get to firelines, it reduced the time available to work on them. Additionally, cloud cover was so low that helicopters rarely had enough visibility to be able to fly. Remaining fireline construction and mop-up is primarily in the southern portion of the fire where work was slowed by the rain, but not stopped. Crews are constructing fireline along the southern edge of the burn. The projected drier weather for the next week will make it easier and faster to travel to and from those firelines. Operations Section Chief Chris Hays said, “Despite the rain we are making good progress on this last section of line and I anticipate completing it on Friday. Drier weather starting today should speed line construction and allow us to begin mop-up earlier. Drier, warmer weather will also make it easier to find remaining hot spots and extinguish them,” advised Hays. Incident Meteorologist Frederic Bunnag is calling for scattered clouds this morning, clearing about noon. We can also plan on increasingly warmer temperatures and lower relative humidity through the weekend. With over 900 lightning ground strikes in the Warm Springs area on Tuesday night, firefighters were pleased to hear today that there is little chance of lightning the rest of this week. Fire officials anticipate that Tuesday night’s lightning started numerous small fires that are simply smoldering at this time. The warmer, drier weather will cause them to become visible so they can be extinguished.

Fire at a Glance Size: 40,575 acres Containment: 80% Location:  15 miles north of the town of Warm Springs, Oregon Cause:  Started by lightning on Sunday, July 13, 2014 Assigned personnel:  286 Aircraft: 1 Heavy-lift KMAX helicopter 1 Light-lift helicopter   Fire Information Number:  541-553-8190 Fire Information Shaniko.Butte@gmail.com

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