7/28/2014 7:59 am Logging Unit Fires Update

Monday, July 28, 2014 – 8:00 a.m. PDT Fire Status Update

Fire	Acres	% Contained	Total Personnel
Total Logging Unit Fires	10,481	80	1227
Bear Butte 2-North	3852	60
Haily Butte	108
Camas Prairie/Logging Unit*	6088
Skyline	116

 *Adjusted acreage reflects more accurate mapping

News & Highlights for the Logging Unit Fires

·         The four National Guard helicopters, (2 Blackhawks and 2 Chinooks) along with a medium helicopter, have been demobilized. To date, over 800,000 gallons of water were dropped on the Logging Unit fires. The remaining helicopters, two heavy and two light, along with two fixed wing aircraft, remain available for air support.

·         Yesterday, firefighters and aerial support teamed for another successful day of progress with the Logging Unit Fires

·         Rising temperatures, dropping humidities and the progressive threat of “dry” thunderstorms may increase fire behavior and initial attack activity. Reburn potential within the interior of the fire lines may again result in visible smoke plumes.

·         Thunderstorm activity is predicted for the next several days and firefighters will assist the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs with response to new starts as requested.

·         As progress is made towards containment, excess resources will continue to demobilize. Motorists traveling on Hwy 26 can expect additional heavy equipment traffic on the roadway.

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

·         Five interagency hotshot crews, twenty-eight 20-person hand crews, 67 engines, 21 dozers and 24 water tenders are currently assigned. 

·         A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail remains closed with a reroute for hikers.

Logging Unit Operations Summary:

Firefighters continue to make good progress in all areas.

The Skyline and Haily Butte Fires are in patrol status; crews are available to respond to new starts  Crews will continue with hose lays and mop up efforts on the Logging Unit/Camas Prairie and Bear Butte 2 Fires, utilizing air support as needed. A contingency line is being prepared (J-100/J-170/J-200 road systems).

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: Conditions are changing, assess and observe from varying vantage points; situational awareness is very important with the changing weather conditions. Firefighters are advised to be aware of chain reactions when dealing with snags. Safety is paramount when driving; please slow down and be on the watch for wildlife.

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: Above normal temperatures and poor relative humidity recovery will keep conditions very dry over the area. Continued warming expected with temperatures in the high 70s-80’s and winds out of the SE at 5-8 mph gusting to 10 mph. Relative humidity between 17-23%. There is a potential of isolated high-based thunderstorms later today. Haines Index of 4-5 (indicates unstable conditions in the atmosphere that encourages active fire behavior) is likely.  Monsoonal moisture will begin to move into the region Tuesday and Wednesday with increasing chances for isolated thunderstorms Wednesday through Saturday.

TODAY’S EXPECTED FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Yesterday’s cloud cover provided cooler temperatures than expected, along with increased humidities. The forecasted weather and drying of fuels will provide another test for the fire perimeter today, with a potential for reburn in unburned islands, as well as in areas of scorched fuels. Isolated single and small group torching of trees can be expected mid-afternoon as humidity comes down and the atmosphere becomes unstable.

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.