7/30/2014 7:30 am Logging Unit Fires Update

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014 – 8:00 a.m. PDT Fire Status Update

Fire	Acres	% Contained	Total Personnel
Total Logging Unit Fires	10,447	80	945
Bear Butte 2-North	3803	80
Haily Butte	107
Camas Prairie/Logging Unit	6420
Skyline	116
N. Pinhead	1

 News & Highlights for the Logging Unit Fires

·         Oregon Incident Management Team #1 (Ross Williams) is shadowing with Pacific Northwest Team #2 (Chris Schulte) in preparation of assuming management of the Logging Unit Fire. PNW Team #2 thanks the firefighters for their excellent work and great safety record on the Logging Unit Fires.

·         A fire weather watch is in effect through Saturday for thunderstorms producing abundant lightning. Some of the thunderstorms could produce erratic winds and hail.

·         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.

·         Potential 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 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).

·         One interagency hotshot crews, twenty-seven 20-person hand crews, 41 engines, 13 dozers and 19 water tenders, one air attack, three heavy helicopters and one light helicopter are currently assigned. 

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

Logging Unit Operations Summary:

The Skyline and Haily Butte Fires are in patrol status. Crews will continue with mop up efforts on the Logging Unit/Camas Prairie and Bear Butte 2 Fires, utilizing air support as needed. Crews are continuing to work on the contingency line in the 170/174 road system. Clear skies will allow good flying conditions for helicopter water bucket support.

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: Today is transition day with a new fire team; firefighters are reminded to make sure communications are clear and understood. Conditions are changing and posting fire lookouts today is stressed; situational awareness is very important with the changing weather conditions and potential thunderstorms. Weather is getting hotter and drier, there are large patches of unburned fuel and downdrafts can be expected around thunderstorms. Fire weakened trees and snags are a big concern, particularly where firefighters are working on the margins between burned areas and unburned islands. As weather warms, crews are reminded to stay hydrated to prevent heat related illness.

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: Monsoonal moisture continues to flow into central Oregon from the south and southwest.  Hot and dry conditions will continue to develop each morning with chances for thunderstorms to form across the higher terrain during the afternoon/evening. Above normal temps and poor relative humidity recovery will help keep conditions very dry over the area.  Lightning is more likely than rain.  Monsoon moisture will continue to move into the region with increasing chances for isolated thunderstorms Thursday through Sunday.

Today, partly cloudy with winds S 5-8 mph becoming NW gusting to 15 mph.  Temps low 80s to mid-90s and humidities 14-25%. A mid-level Haines Index of 5 possible.  Outlook for Thursday night is partly cloudy with continued max temps 87-95. Chance of isolated thunderstorms 25%.  Extended forecast Friday through Sunday partly cloudly with a 20% chance of isolated thunderstorms each day. Min temps in the upper 50s/lower 60s and max temps in the upper 80s/mid 90s.

TODAY’S EXPECTED FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today will continue to dry the available dead fine fuels.  Reburn potential continues to exist in pockets of unburned and areas of needle cast from scorched conifers. Isolated single or group tree torching will again be a possibility today.  Probability of ignition 70% increase to 80% during peak burning hours.  For initial attack, moderate resistance to control can be expected today on new initial attack fires.

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.