8/12/2014 Staley Complex Fire Update

Lightning activity Sunday evening has produced more 40 new starts across the Willamette National Forest.    In light of the increased fire activity, the Type 3 Gila Las Cruces Interagency Management Team was ordered and arrived last night to work jointly with the Middle Fork Ranger District (MFRD) and personnel on the Staley Complex (Type 2) to respond to new starts within the area. Responsibility for suppressing these starts will be split into three response areas between the Type 2, Type 3 and MFRD into manageable areas, with personnel responding accordingly. 

The response area closest to the communities of Oakridge and Westfir have approximately nine fires, two of which are visible from town, approximately two miles south and west of Oakridge, and are at five and ten acres respectively. The remaining seven fires range in size from a tenth to half an acre. Fires close to private and communities are the highest priority.

Staley Complex Fires

It was a successful day on the Staley Fire, some burnout operations were completed and the improvements made along the road and line show signs of containment.  The Davey Fire was more active than the Staley Fire due to less precipitation.  Crews continue to look for opportunities for building indirect line.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Temperatures are expected to be 7-10 degrees cooler today, with higher relative humidity values, and wetter conditions which may assist personnel in initial attack efforts. 

Road, trail and Area Closures are in effect for Forest Service roads surrounding the Staley Complex.  New closures may be forthcoming as conditions are assessed regarding fire activity from the new starts.

Oakridge Airport Closure: The Oakridge airport is closed to civilian aircraft and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is in effect due to fire related helicopter traffic.

Quick Fire Facts
Location:	28 Miles Southeast of Oakridge, OR
Approximate Size:	Staley Fire: 194 Davey Fire:17 Total: 211 acres New starts: vary in size; tenth to half acre (majority) 5 and 10 acres (two starts near town)
Fire Containment:	0%
Start Date:	July 30, 2014
Cause:	Lightning
Incident Commander:	Chuck Russell
Resources on the Fire:	3 Type II IA Crews 4 Type II Crews 2 Helicopters 8 Engines 2 Dozers 5 Water tenders
Total Personnel:	354
Jurisdiction: