7/26/2014 AM Ochoco Complex Fire Update

Ochoco Complex Fire Update

July 26, 2014

Fire Information:  541-416-0286; 541-447-6859

OchocoComplex@gmail.com

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3972/

Start Date	Cause	Size	Percent Containment	Helicopters	Engines	Crews	Dozers	Total Personnel
July 13, 2014	Lightning	10,004	69	5	11	18	4	585

Summary: Lightning swept across the area July 13 starting many fires across the Forest and neighboring BLM land.  Four of these fires are now being managed as the Ochoco Complex.  Great Basin Management Team 6, under the direction of Incident Commander Tracy Dunford assumed command of the fire at 6 pm, July 19, 2014. 

• Antelope Springs, Broadway, and Lava Fires are 100 percent contained.
• Fox Fire: Located approximately 3 miles northwest of the North Fork Wilderness Study Area, near Forest Road 4230 and 17 miles east of Post, Oregon -  9,848 acres, 64% contained;

Current Situation: Firefighters continued mop up on the Lava Fire yesterday, and a late afternoon reconnaissance flight did not detect any smoke.  Additional containment line was completed on the south side of the Fox Fire, and firefighters mopped up isolated burning fuel on the west flank.  More hand line was completed on the north side, and hotspots were attacked by firefighters with the support of engines and helicopters.  On the northeast corner crews worked on mop up along the North Fork of the Crooked River.

Warmer temperatures and humidity in the teens brings a higher potential for fire spread along the west and north sides of the fire.  Fire resources will be vigilant for potential spotting, while continuing to build containment line and mop up to extinguish all visible smokes within 100 feet of the fire perimeter. Hand line rehabilitation will begin in selected locations.  Helicopter water drops will continue.

Closures:  The closure order remains in effect, but the closed area has been reduced (for the full closure order and map, visit Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3972/);  and all open fires are now prohibited on the Prineville District of  BLM, Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, and the Crooked River National Grasslands, except in designated campgrounds.  See http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/centraloregon/home/?cid_=fsbdev3_035880.

Highway 26 east of Prineville is open to the public, with a reduced speed limit, headlights on, and no stopping in burned areas.