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.
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