7/25/2014 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

Friday, July 25, 2014 – 8:00 a.m. PDT Fire Status Update

 

Fire	Acres	% Contained	Total Personnel
Total Logging Unit Fires	10,488	60	1291
Haily Butte	108
Camas Prairie/Logging Unit	6379
Bear Butte 2-North	3884
Skyline	116

News & Highlights for the Logging Unit Fires

·         Recent precipitation and higher humidities continue to allow firefighters to make a direct attack on the fire, resulting in excellent progress.

·         Yesterday, air operations focused water drops on the North flank of the Bear Butte 2 Fire.

 ·         Over the next 2-3 days, temperatures will increase significantly, potentially resulting in more active fire behavior.

 ·         As suppression activities are met, heavy equipment may be released.

 ·         Road and area closures remain in effect for Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands (see below).

 ·         Seven interagency hotshot crews, thirty 20-person hand crews, 59 engines, 26 dozers and 22 water tenders are currently assigned. 

 ·         Four National Guard helicopters (2 Blackhawks and 2 Chinooks), a heavy and a medium helicopter remain available for air support to the Logging Unit Fires. An additional light helicopter is scheduled to be assigned today.

 ·         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.

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Logging Unit Operations Summary:

Mop up at the Skyline and Haily Butte Fires have continued to progress and with favorable results. Both fires may be in patrol status at end of shift today.  Direct hand lines, contingency lines and mop up resumes on the Logging Unit/Camas Prairie Fire.  On the Bear Butte 2 Fire, crews will continue with direct hand and dozer lines, and prep for contingency lines and mop up.  Resources may be relocated to other areas of the fire as work is accomplished.

Today’s continued moderated weather will assist crews achieving another productive day of constructing hand and dozer lines, laying and pulling hose, mopping up, and felling 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: Near misses, eye protection and driving (setting parking brakes, parking on level surfaces).

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: The current marine layer will diminish under the westerly/southwesterly flow through the weekend. Max temperatures continue to trend upward with decreasing cloud cover. Temperatures will range from the high 60s to the high 70s today with relative humidities 20-28%. Winds NW 10-13 mph, gusting to 18 mph through sunset. Visibility building from 2 miles to 5 miles by mid-morning.

TODAY’S EXPECTED FIRE BEHAVIOR:  With the warming and drying trend, fire behavior will be limited to smoldering with maximum flame length of 1-2’. Minimal forward spread expected, providing opportunity for aggressive mop up and hand line construction.

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.