07/23/2014 Pine Creek/Jackknife/Donny Brook/Blackrock Fires

What: Wildland Fires   Started: July 14, 2014     Causes:  Lightning 

Location: Oregon - Pine Creek fire is 11 miles South of Fossil.  Jack Knife fire is 8 miles SE of Grass Valley.  The Black Rock fire is 10 miles east of Antelope.  The Donnybrook fire is 10 miles south east of Antelope.

All fires received varying amounts of rain yesterday from .01" to 0.4".  A Red Flag warning for abundant lightning is in effect today due to an expected mix of wet and dry thunderstorms. Wind gusts up to 30 mph this afternoon are expected.  After tomorrow, a warming and drying trend is predicted.

If you suspect possible lightning started fires, please call 911. The team continues to work closely with landowners and the local firefighting organizations and thanks them for their cooperation.  Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR's) are on the Black Rock, Pine Creek and Donnybrook fires.

Special Concerns: High winds, lightning and Red Flag conditions. Wet dirt roads have become very slick.  Please use caution when driving, as fire equipment and personnel are using area roads. The Wheeler County Sheriff has lifted the Level 1 Evacuation Orders.

Two small fires, totally approximately 3 acres, were extinguished by crews and helicopter bucket drops after the lightning event yesterday.  Detection flights will continue today.

Pine Creek Fire – Continuing mop up operations. 

Current Size:  30,245 acres Containment:  80 %  Resources on Fire:  472 Personnel,

3 helicopters, 6 Type 2 crews, 54 engines and 5 water tenders.  Palm-sized infrared detectors are being used to find hotspots.

Jack Knife Fire – Additional fire growth is not expected.  Fire will be monitored by helicopter.

Current Size:  13,263 acres   Containment:  100 %   

Donnybrook Fire – Firefighters are monitoring and putting out hotspots mostly in stumps and in slash piles.  Current size: 22,763 acres Containment: 80%  Resources on fire: 359 personnel, 15 Type 2 crews, 12 engines, 2 Skidgens, 6 water tenders.

Black Rock Fire – Helicopters will continue to work the steep areas of the fire and a crew will continue to improve fire lines.  Current size:  35,731 acres. Containment: 85% Resources on Fire: 33 Personnel,

1 helicopter, 1 Type 2 crew, and 2 engines.