7/20/2014 9:00 am Bingham Complex Update

Bingham Complex Fire Information

(503) 854-4210

Bingham Complex burning in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness

25 percent of the fire complex contained

Detroit, OR – The Bingham Ridge Fire didn't grow yesterday and remains 275 acres. Today, crews with support from aviation resources are working toward connecting a holding line around its perimeter.  The area has lichen-draped trees which can ignite and spread rapidly when the conditions are right.  Winds will increase through the day, reaching speeds of 6-10 mph with gusts 15-20. 

Deputy Incident Commander Brian Gales stated, "Maintaining situational awareness of fuels and weather conditions is critical to firefighter exposure.  Fire behavior can change rapidly; crews remain focused on trigger points, communication, and escape routes as they work to meet the incident objectives."

The Lizard Fire, the second largest in the Bingham Complex, is 175 acres and continues to grow slowly.  Five more rappellers descended into the area to identify additional options for future access and safety zones.  A 10-person fire use module continues to monitor fire behavior, limit the fire spread to the north, and identify critical areas for containment.  The Lizard fire continues to be managed under a confine/contain strategy as the fire sits entirely in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness area. 

Seven other small fires are burning in the Complex. The team is supporting these other incidents with rappellers.  The nearby Bridge 99 fire is using a Type I helicopter as availability allows.

Crews are working out of three remote spike camps close to the fires to increase productivity.  They receive daily briefings by radio and today were reminded to keep all food items secure to minimize bear interest.

There are Area Closures in effect for portions of the Mount Jefferson Wilderness in both the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests.  Only firefighters, Forest Service or other agency personnel, and law enforcement are allowed access to the closed areas.   On the Willamette, Forest Road 2253 (Minto Rd.) is closed and the following trails are closed until further notice: Pamelia (3439), Hunts Creek (3451), Hunts Cove (3430), Grizzly Peak (3428), Bingham (3421), portions of Lake of the Woods (3493), Minto Mountain (3448), portions of the Swallow Lake Trail (3488), and Newport Drive (3438). The Pacific Crest Trail (2000) is closed between the Swallow Lake Trail (3493) junction and Milk Creek.  Closure notices have been posted at trailheads and other entry points.  Signs include directions for a Pacific Crest Trail detour. 

You can check the current status of the Bingham Fire Complex, including trail and area closures on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3949/ .  

Fire Facts – Sunday, July 20 – 0900 HOURS
Fire Size:  Approximately 452 acres total for the five fires in Bingham Complex.    

Percent Contained:  25%.

Evacuations: No homes or structures threatened.

Closures Summary: A detailed list of closures on the Willamette National Forest is available at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3949/ .

Fuels:  Patchy high elevation subalpine fir and lodgepole pine forest with dead and fallen trees and accumulations of ground fuels.

Air Resources:  Two Type I helicopters, two Type II helicopters and two Type III helicopters.

Crews:  Two Type I, Eight Type II crews and one 10-person fire use crew

Engines: 1                  Dozers: 2                    Water Tenders: 5

Total Personnel:  Approximately 420