8/5/2014 Bald Sisters Fire Update

NEWS RELEASE
Pacific Northwest Region - Malheur National Forest
431 Patterson Bridge Rd., John Day, OR   97845,  www.fs.usda.gov/malheur
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Ken Sandusky   541-575-3144                                                 Aug. 5, 2014

Shilo Burton      541-575-3008

Bald Sisters Fire Update August 5

PRAIRIE CITY, OREGON – The Bald Sisters Fire on the west slope of Baldy Mountain 12 miles east of Prairie City, OR was last estimated at approximately 230 acres. No structures are threatened at this time.

Steep terrain and heavy fuels call for an indirect containment strategy.

Primary containment objectives include establishing a dozer line where needed on the west side of fire, holding the fire north of Forest Road 1344 and improving Forest Road 1344 for access. Firefighters will continue looking for opportunities to hold the fire using available natural features.

Approximately 150 total personnel are currently assigned to this incident. This includes five 20-person hand crews, five engines, two dozers and three water tenders.

A National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) with Incident Commander Mike Quesinberry is en route to manage this incident. This Prairie City Ranger District fire is currently assigned to the John Day Interagency Type Three Team.

Additional information on this fire is available on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4055/.

Most other fires on the forest remain small, posing little potential for growth at this time.

For information on the South Fork Complex near Dayville, please see http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4042/ or call 866-347-0636.