7/21/2014 Waterman Complex Morning Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 21, 2014 AM

Waterman Complex – Mitchell, Oregon

Information Center – 541-787-4321

Incident Commander Doug Johnson

Start Date	Cause	Total Acres	Percent Containment	Crews	Engines	Water Tenders	Helos	Dozers	Total Personnel
7/12/2014	Lightning	11,989	60%	23	37	24	8	11	872

Adverse winds yesterday prevented completion of the planned burnout operations to secure the existing fire lines along the Forest Road 2630 to Highway (Hwy) 26.  The limited opening of the highway will not occur on today as scheduled.

Evacuation Notices

Wheeler County Sheriff and fire officials have lowered the Level 3 evacuation order for the West Branch area.  West Branch and Marks Creek residents will remain at the Level 2 preparedness.  Residents need to remain ready to evacuate should fire conditions warrant.  The Red Cross Shelter remains open at the Crook County High School in Prineville.

Current Situation

The Complex consists of four fires (Bailey Butte, Toney Butte, Junction Springs and Incident #376.)  The Bailey Butte fire is being actively managed.  The others are 100% contained and will continued to be monitored by air.

Bailey Butte Fire – 9,745 acres, 50% contained.  Due to an increase in relative humidity, firefighters were unable to complete the scheduled burnout operation early this morning. Crews worked all night into the early morning hours continuing the burnout operation from Corral Flats to the Hwy 26 corridor to provide a secure fire line along the highway.  When the burnout and hazard tree falling is complete, Hwy 26 will partially open as soon as it is deemed safe for travel.  Fire fighters are also mopping up hot spots, chipping debris removed from fire line preparation, using helicopters to drop water to cool hotspots, and holding established fire lines.

Toney Butte Fire – 2,229 acres, 100% contained.  The fire will be monitored by the air.  Smoke may be visible from interior burning.

Junction Springs Fire – 15 acres, 100% contained. This fire remains in patrol status and monitored by air.

Incident #376 - .25 acres, 100% contained. 

Ochoco National Forest Closure Area:

A Forest Closure Order 06-07-01-14-001-01 is in effect on Ochoco National Forest System lands.  The closure prohibits the public from entering the Closure Area except under special exemption.  The closure is due to firefighting activities and the safety of the public within the Closure Area.  The public is encouraged to check with the Forest before they travel.  To view the entire Forest Closure Order please see the following link:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/centraloregon/alerts-notices/?aid=24081

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR):  The TFR over the Toney Butte fire was removed.  One TFR remains in place over the Bailey Butte fire. Please check the NOTAM for current information.

For more information on the Waterman Complex visit:

Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3961/                           Facebook Waterman Complex

                                                                     

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