Sunday, August 31, 2014

8/31/2014 Deception Complex Fire Information Update

Fire Information Line: 541.782.5359

Pacific Northwest Team 2 (Chris Schulte) and the Oregon Department of Forestry (Ross Holloway) took over management of the Deception Complex at 6:00 a.m. this morning under Unified Command.

The Willamette National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry initial attack firefighting resources did an excellent job in suppressing approximately 90 fire starts associated with lightning activity in July and August.  The Deception Complex represents only a very few of the numerous fires that firefighters successfully suppressed. If you get a chance, please thank your local firefighters for their hard work.

The remote weather station located near the Deception Fire recorded 1/4" of rain received yesterday. The fire area received 100% humidity recovery overnight.  A gradual warming trend is starting today through Tuesday. By Thursday, weather is predicted to return to a very warm and dry pattern.
      
Air quality is expected to be moderate today due to a clearing of smoke associated with the precipitation received.

Deception Creek Mobile Home Park, Middle Fork Ranger Station and houses along La Duke Road remain under a Level 1 evacuation notice.

Road and area closures are in affect; see below. The Waldo Lake Wilderness Area closure on the Willamette National Forest has been lifted.

Deception Complex Operations Summary:
Today on the NE flank, hotshot crews, engines and heavy equipment will continue work on contingency lines and mop up activities. On the E flank, hand crews will improve fireline, and prep for burnout if necessary, along the 5850 Road. On the W flank, crews and heavy equipment are holding and improving line south to the junction of the 1740/1790 Roads. On the N flank, crews and engines are improving hand and dozer line into Deception Creek off the 547 spur road.

On the Pool and Davey Fires, crews and engines are continuing with rehab on dozer lines, mop up activities, (utilizing infrared devices (palm IR) for heat detection purposes), and patrol.  The greatest concentration of heat is along the N flank of the fire; however, helicopters have been making good progress cooling this area utilizing water bucket drops, and a heavy duty sprinkler system is also in place.
On the Staley Fire, engines, crews and heavy equipment continue to monitor fire activity along the upper ridge, prep contingency lines along the 335 Road, and patrol, mop up and secure perimeter utilizing palm IR from the 332 Road down to and along the 300 Road.

Air Operations Summary
Currently, four heavy helicopters, three light helicopters and two air attack platforms are assigned to the Deception Complex.  Last night's infrared flight was cancelled due to cloud cover.

FIRE FACTS:
A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the Deception Fires 272, 274 and 278; a military training Route (R346) has been closed due to the TFR.

Oakridge Airport
Closed to civilian air traffic; currently serving as the helibase for the Deception Complex

Willamette National Forest Area & Trail Closures:
There are two closures on the Willamette NF association with the Deception Complex and the Staley Fire.  The Deception Complex closure is an area, road and trail closure that includes the Lawler, Deception and Larison Rock Trails.  The Staley Fire closure is an area and road closure.
 
Umpqua National Forest Closure:
There is an area, road and trail closure adjacent to the Deception Creek drainage and SW of the Deception Complex.

Check Inciweb for full closure information, including maps: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4093/ or visit the Willamette National Forest at http://www.fs.usda.gov/WILLAMETTE or the Umpqua National Forest website.

Deception Complex: Started: August 12, 2014 Cause: Lightning Location: Two miles west of Oakridge, Oregon.

SAFETY CONCERNS: Slick surfaces, increased traffic along Highway 58 associated with the holiday, recreationists nearby, large hazardous snags, steep, rocky terrain and rolling debris.
RESOURCE CONCERNS: Threatened and endangered species, including northern spotted owls and bull trout; timber resources, impacts to recreation opportunities, threatened communities of Oakridge and Westfir, municipal watershed of Westfir.
WEATHER: Expect slightly warmer temperatures today along with lower humidity levels and clearing skies.  Winds will generally be out of the NW. W to E oriented drainages will experience occasional NW gusts to 12 mph after 12 noon. Today's temperatures will range from lower to mid 70s with relative humidities lower to mid 40s.

TODAY'S EXPECTED FIRE BEHAVIOR: Minimal due to precipitation received, today is a good day for firefighters to make progress with mop up activities in the heavy fuels. Heavier fuel concentrations are still dry enough to completely consume.  Steep slopes will continue the threat of "roullouts". Isolated torching is possible if surface fuels have pre-heated under the canopy.  Overall fire behavior will primarily be creeping and smoldering.

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS: Willamette National Forest, Oregon Department of Forestry, Umpqua National Forest, Lane County, Oakridge/Hazeldell Fire Department, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police, Bureau of Reclamation, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency.

https://twitter.com/DeceptionORFire                             http://deceptioncomplex.blogspot.com/

Gmail account has changed to: DeceptionComplex@gmail.com

8/31/2014 - 790 Fire Update

Fire Information: (206) 947-9729
 


The 790 Fire is being fought with the objective of immediate full suppression, using tactics suitable to management objectives in the Sky Lakes Wilderness including utilizing natural barriers and containment lines. 

Location-The 790 Fire is located 10 miles southeast of Prospect, Oregon and is burning in the Sky Lakes Wilderness.
 

Yesterday’s Operations - Helicopters supported firefighters in the wilderness by dropping water on hotspots and supplying eight spike camps. Pack strings of mules were used to deliver supplies to firefighters in the wilderness area. Firefighters continued extending a hose network across the northern and southern flanks and building fireline directly against the fire’s edge. Helicopter rappel crews were added to the western flank and constructed a helicopter landing area to bring in additional crews and equipment. Firefighters strengthened lines on the east flank and “mopped up”—applying water to the burned area next to the fireline to extinguish all heat. Clearing of material continued on indirect contingency lines in roaded areas outside the Wilderness on the east and west sides. 

Weather and Fire Behavior – Firefighters expect drier air today with winds from the northwest to north on ridges. An inversion is likely to build over the fire today. Very dry fuels could contribute to active fire spread with group tree torching and short-range spotting. 

Today’s Operations – Firefighters will continue direct suppression and mop-up in the wilderness using natural fuel breaks such as rock outcrops and building fireline where possible. Indirect tactics will be used outside of the wilderness including continued clearing and prepping existing roads to be used as containment lines, should they be needed. 

Closures - The Pacific Crest Trail remains closed from the south boundary of Crater Lake National Park south to Highway 140. In addition, other trails near the fire area are closed within the Sky Lakes Wilderness. An area closure remains in effect around the fire. These closures are for both firefighter and public safety. Hunters and recreationalists need to be aware of the very dry conditions and take precautions on this busy Labor Day weekend. Current restrictions and closure information is located at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/notices/?cid=STELPRD3814604

Pacific Crest Trail information is available at http://www.pcta.org/. 

The public is advised to drive cautiously when traveling near fire operations during this busy holiday weekend.

8/31/2014 Lost Hubcap Fire Update

Last night an infra-red flight was flown that mapped the perimeter of the fire and detected the hot spots for the fire fighters to focus on today. The mapping unit mapped the fire at 2,984 acres. There was minimal growth in the fire size since Saturday night.


The fire perimeter is mapped at 14.23 miles.


Yesterday’s approximate half inch of rain helped the fire fighters efforts by wetting the fuels and extinguishing light smokes. No rain is forecasted for today. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity will keep the fire activity to a minimum. 


Fire fighters will focus on completing the fireline around the entire perimeter today, mostly on the west side. Day Operations Section Chief Joe Hessel stated “Today’s mission is clear – with a good day of hard work, we can fill in the gaps and get a line tied around this fire”. 


On portions of the fire where the line is completed, crews will begin to lay hose and fittings in preparation for the next phase: mop-up. 



There have been zero injuries to incident fire fighters. 



The incident command post is located at 289 East Hardisty St. (in the community center), Long Creek, OR.

Fire Information: 541-421-3039

8/31/2014 NWCC Morning Brief

National Preparedness Level: 2

For the National Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR), see:
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.pdf

Summary:
In the Northwest (last 24 hrs), scattered lightning in Northeast Oregon with light precipitation. Light to moderate rain in many areas on the west side of Oregon and Washington.
Initial attack activity was light.

National Fire Activity Initial attack activity:
Light (52 new fires)
New large fires: *0
Large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: *8
Area Command Teams committed: 0
NIMOs committed: 0
Type 1 IMTs committed: 5
Type 2 IMTs committed: 3
*Uncontained large fires include only fires being managed under a full suppression strategy.

Northwest Preparedness Levels: Today:
33-Day: 2, 10-Day: 2, 30-Day: 1

Northwest Fire Activity
New fires and acres (Last 24 hrs)
: 5 fires for 2 acres (637 acres growth on existing large fires*)
OR: 2 fires for 0 acres
WA: 3 fires for 2 acres
*[acreage reductions not included]


Northwest Large Fires
Uncontained Large Fires: *6 (OR:6,WA:0)
*[complexes tallied as 1 fire]

IMTs Committed in NW
NIMO Teams committed: 0
Type 1 IMTs committed: 2
Type 2 IMTs committed: 2

Incidents not Previously-Reported: 0
Incidents Previously-Reported: 6

Deception / Staley Complex OR-WIF-140274. IMT1. PNW Team 2 (Schulte) / ODF (Holloway). 2 mi W of Oakridge, OR. Start 8/12. Full Suppression. Timber. Cause lightning. 2,218 acres (+141 ac). 55% containment. Low to moderate fire behavior. Progress continuing on strengthening control lines. Light precipitation received, moderating fire behavior. Cooler temps, higher humidity expected. Steep, rocky and rugged terrain. Values at risk; timber, municipal watershed, T & E species, recreation. Forest road closures. IA responsibility for 750,000 acre area. (81 confirmed fires). Includes; Deception 1,916 acres (+149 ac.), Staley 250 acres (+1 ac.), Davey 30 acres (+0 ac.), Green Lake/Spirit 34 acres (+0 ac.), Pool Creek 22 acres (+0 ac.), and miscellaneous IA fires totaling 61 acres. Unified command between the US Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry.

Lost Hubcap OR-952S-014464. IMT1. ODF Team 2 (Cline). 8 mi SW of Monument, OR. Start 8/29. Full Suppression. Timber. Cause unknown. 2,984 acres (+484 ac). 10% containment. Area received rain that moderated fire behavior. Steep, unstable slopes and slick road conditions from heavy showers. Warm, dry conditions expected to return today. Structure protections in place. 

790 Fire OR-RSF-140790. IMT2. OR Team 2 (Fillis). 30 mi NE of Medford, OR. Start 7/31. Multiple Suppression Strategies (Monitor 50%, Full Suppression 50%). Timber. Cause lightning. 2,272 acres (+12 ac.). 5% containment. Higher humidity and cooler temperatures moderated fire behavior. Expected warming and drying, but breezy conditions will continue. Area and trail closures in effect. 

Bald Sisters OR-MAF-014295.IMT3 (Bishop). 12 mi E of Prairie City, OR. Start 8/2.Confine. Timber. Cause lightning. 1,238 acres (+0 ac). 0% containment.Smoldering. Indirect firelines complete. Long term strategy. Extremely steep and rocky terrain. 

Somers OR-WWF-000793. IMT4. 15 mi E of Imnaha, OR. Start 8/4. Full Suppression. Grass. Cause lightning. 36,185 acres (+0 ac). 78% containment. Creeping and smoldering with isolated interior torching. Partly cloudy, cooler, breezy conditions forecasted.Values at risk; ranches and historic structures. 

South Fork Complex OR-PRD-000649. IMT3 (Brock). 20 mi S of John Day, OR. Start 8/1. Full Suppression. Cause lightning. 66,179 acres (+0 ac). 96% containment. Creeping and smoldering. Minimal fire growth expected. Mop up and suppression repair ongoing. Values at risk; residences, ranches, timber, T&E species, communication site, cultural and recreation resources. Campgrounds and trail closures remain in effect.
 
Lists fires (of any size) that singly utilize Monitor, Confine, or Point Zone Protection suppression strategies, or use Multiple Suppression Strategies (which may also include a Full Suppression component).

Northwest Weather Highlights / Fire Potential:
There will be a few lingering showers today as the upper trough departs the region today. Gusty west winds can still be expected over much of the east side, but should decrease throughout the day. Temperatures will be cooler than usual with elevated humidity. Fire danger indices over the region will decrease for the next few days as a result of the cooler weather. Another upper level tough will again bring cooler weather Tuesday and Wednesday. Then a warming and drying trend is expected late in the week.

NW 7-Day Significant Fire Potential Forecast
Nat’l 7-Day Significant Fire Potential Forecast

Saturday, August 30, 2014

8/30/2014 - 790 Fire Update

Fire Information: (206) 947-9729

Location-The 790 Fire is located 10 miles southeast of Prospect, Oregon and is burning in the Sky Lakes Wilderness.

Yesterday’s Operations - Crews continued to hold the northeast and southeast flanks of the fire. Helicopters supported firefighters in the wilderness by dropping water on hotspots and supporting supply distribution to spike camps. Small fixed wing aircraft (scoopers) supported firefighters by dropping water on the fire. Water was scooped out of Lost Creek Lake nearby. Pack strings of mules are also used to deliver supplies to firefighters in the wilderness area.

Weather and Fire Behavior - A dry cold front will bring northwest winds, cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity today. Clouds are expected to increase along and west of the Cascade crest. An inversion is likely to bring very dry air to the fire area. Fire behavior includes pockets of surface fire spread developing and isolated torching in the sub-alpine areas. Short range spotting, especially on the steeper slopes could occur with higher winds.

Today’s Operations - Multiple strategies will be used including direct suppression in the wilderness using natural fuel breaks such as rock outcrops. Indirect tactics will be used outside of the wilderness including clearing and prepping existing roads to potentially be used as containment lines, should they be needed.

The eastern perimeter of the fire will continue to be mopped up (extinguishing burning material well into the fire line). On the north and south flanks of the fire, crews are laying hose in support of direct fire suppression efforts.

Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of the fire today. A new base of operations (Incident Command Post) has been established at Buck Mountain Ranch located just east of Prospect.
 
Closures - The Pacific Crest Trail remains closed from the south boundary of Crater Lake National Park south to Highway 140. In addition, other trails near the fire area are closed within the Sky Lakes Wilderness. An area closure remains in effect around the fire. These closures are for both firefighter and public safety. Hunters and recreationalists need to be aware of the very dry conditions and take precautions on this busy Labor Day weekend. Current restrictions and closure information is located at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/notices/?cid=STELPRD3814604

For additional Information: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4095

8/30/2014 Deception Complex Lowers Evacuation Levels to 1


The areas (previously in Level 2) of Deception Creek Mobile Park, Middle Fork Ranger District and residents along LaDuke Rd. have been lowered to Level 1.

This means Level I (“BE READY” for a potential evacuation): Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

8/30/2014 Deception Complex Fire Update

The Deception Complex consists of many fires ignited by lightning since mid-July. The largest fire within the complex is the Deception Creek Fire, which has grown to 1916 acres. The sum of the sizes of all the fires within the complex is 2196 acres. A number of fires which were previously included within the complex have now been turned back to the Middle Fork District for patrol and rehabilitation, and are no longer included in the acreage calculation. 

The Deception Creek Fire was buffeted by winds of up to 19 miles per hour from westerly directions on Friday afternoon. The wind caused the fire to burn more actively near the ridge tops, but the lines held and the fire did not advance to the east. Overall growth of the Deception Creek Fire was 149 acres, mostly to the southwest. Firefighters were able to accomplish some mop-up along the hand lines at the northern end of the fire. 

Similar weather conditions are expected on Saturday, with temperatures reaching the lower 70’s. Some showers, however, are in the forecast, possibly arriving as early as 1:00 p.m. No more than a few hundredths of an inch are expected, but the intermittent showers may last through the night. This precipitation is expected to put a damper on fire activity, such as fire spreading through grass or brush, but the rain is not expected to penetrate the forest canopy, so most burning fuels will retain their heat.

Oakridge air quality again reached the “unhealthy” level for a short period of time on Friday, but was quickly cleaned out by the early afternoon wind. Continued smoky conditions can be expected, though forecasters are predicting that it will be at the “moderate” level on Saturday. The air-conditioned, smoke-free room at the Willamette Activity Center will open this weekend if requested by any individuals via the fire department, according to Mayor Jerry Shorey.
The Deception Creek Mobile Home Park, the Middle Fork Ranger Station, and houses along La Duke Road remain on Level 2 Evacuation Notice. 

Closure Information:
The Oakridge Airport is closed to civilian air traffic because it is being used as a helibase for the fire.
The Willamette National Forest has lifted the closure within the Waldo Lake Wilderness Area. Other Willamette National Forest closures remain unchanged. The Umpqua National Forest has closed an area adjacent to the Deception Creek drainage. Check Inciweb for full closure information, including maps:http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4093/.

Total Acres 2196
Contained 55%
20-person Crew 19
Engines 40
Dozers 4
Helicopters 6 heavy, 2 medium 3 light
Total Personnel 922

Fire Information: 541-782-5359

Deception Complex Fire Update - August 30, 2014 0900


The Deception Complex consists of many fires ignited by lightning since mid-July. The largest fire within the complex is the Deception Creek Fire, which has grown to 1916 acres. The sum of the sizes of all the fires within the complex is 2196 acres. A number of fires which were previously included within the complex have now been turned back to the Middle Fork District for patrol and rehabilitation, and are no longer included in the acreage calculation.

The Deception Creek Fire was buffeted by winds of up to 19 miles per hour from westerly directions on Friday afternoon. The wind caused the fire to burn more actively near the ridge tops, but the lines held and the fire did not advance to the east. Overall growth of the Deception Creek Fire was 149 acres, mostly to the southwest. Firefighters were able to accomplish some mop-up along the hand lines at the northern end of the fire.

Similar weather conditions are expected on Saturday, with temperatures reaching the lower 70's. Some showers, however, are in the forecast, possibly arriving as early as 1:00 p.m. No more than a few hundredths of an inch are expected, but the intermittent showers may last through the night. This precipitation is expected to put a damper on fire activity, such as fire spreading through grass or brush, but the rain is not expected to penetrate the forest canopy, so most burning fuels will retain their heat.

Oakridge air quality again reached the "unhealthy" level for a short period of time on Friday, but was quickly cleaned out by the early afternoon wind. Continued smoky conditions can be expected, though forecasters are predicting that it will be at the "moderate" level on Saturday. The air-conditioned, smoke-free room at the Willamette Activity Center will open this weekend if requested by any individuals via the fire department, according to Mayor Jerry Shorey.

The Deception Creek Mobile Home Park, the Middle Fork Ranger Station, and houses along La Duke Road remain on Level 2 Evacuation Notice.

Closure Information:

The Oakridge Airport is closed to civilian air traffic because it is being used as a helibase for the fire.

The Willamette National Forest has lifted the closure within the Waldo Lake Wilderness Area. Other Willamette National Forest closures remain unchanged. The Umpqua National Forest has closed an area adjacent to the Deception Creek drainage.  Check Inciweb for full closure information, including maps: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4093/.

Total Acres                                          2196
Contained                                           55%
20-person Crew                                  19
Engines                                               40
Dozers                                                  4
Helicopters                                         6 heavy, 2 medium 3 light
Total Personnel                                  922



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Fire Information
Deception Complex

8/30/2014 Pacific Northwest 7 Day Significant Fire Potential