8/16/2014 AM Bald Sisters Fire

A.M. Bald Sisters Fire Update August 16

Acres: 1,108                            Start date:  August 2, 2014
Cause:  Lightning                    Location: 12 Miles East of Prairie City, OR
Containment: 0%                    Fuels: Timber
Terrain: Steep, Rugged          Resources: 9 Crews, 5 Engines, 6 Dozers, 1 Tenders
Total personnel: 333              Helicopters: 1      Fixed Winged Aircraft: 2



 Firefighters Making Good Progress on Fire

Summary: There has been no additional growth on the Bald Sisters fire. The weather has been cooler and wetter resulting in favorable conditions for controlling fire growth.  A warming and drying trend is expected and could result in an increase in fire activity. Lightning resulted in several new fire starts on the Malheur.

Firefighters and heavy equipment continue to remove and pile debris to be chipped and are working on removing fuels and existing debris in and adjacent to control lines. Equipment operations started to protect the powerline corridor from Elkhorn communication site east to Thirsty Gulch . A camera providing real time photo images and video has been mounted atop the Elk Horn communications site to enable better monitoring of the fire area.

Two Type 1 hotshot crews have been assigned to the fire. They will continue scouting and assessing the fire area for potential future operations.

Weather will be partly cloudy today, west winds 7 to 10 mph and 30% humidity. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 70 degree range, A warming trend continues through the next several days with temperatures in the 80's. A cold front is expected to arrive later in the week that will also increase the chance of thunderstorms.

The Incident Command Post for the fire is now located at the Fairgrounds in John Day to enable students to return and enjoy their school year in Prairie City.

The Bald Sisters Fire information number will remain the same, 541-820-4919.

For all information on forest area closure regarding the fire, please link to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/malheur/alerts-notices/?aid=24329


Please refer to www.inciweb.nwcg.gov  or www.facebook.com/baldsistersfire for up-to-date fire information.