8/23/2014 Bald Sisters Fire Update

Bald Sisters Fire Update August 23

Acres: 1,138                            Start date:  August 2, 2014
Cause:  Lightning                    Location: 12 Miles East of Prairie City, OR
Containment: 0%                    Fuels: Timber
Terrain: Steep, Rugged          Resources: 3 Crews, 4 Engines, 2 Dozers, And 2 Tenders
Total personnel: 107              Helicopters: 1    Fixed Winged Aircraft: 1

Reduced Area Closures for the Bald Sisters Fire

Yesterday

Chipping operations and clearing the fire line of debris continued yesterday. 

Weather and Fire Behavior

Afternoon cloud build up is predicted again today.  There is a potential for isolated showers.  Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 50's on the ridges and 70's in the valleys.  Erratic and gusty winds could cause flare ups.  Fire behavior includes isolated surface spread and sustained smoldering.  

Today's Operations

Little fire growth is expected today. Firefighters and aerial support will continue to monitor fire behavior and are prepared to respond should fire spread increase.  Use caution when driving FSR 13 since fire line clearing equipment and crews may still be working in the area. 

Closures

The reduced area closure for the Bald Sisters Fire took effect on Saturday, August 23, specifically:

·         Starting at the Malheur National Forest (MNF) boundary and Forest Road (FR) 2635 in Sec. 30, T 13S, R 35E to the intersection with Forest Service Road (FSR) 489 in Sec. 8, T 13S, R 35E.

·         East to intersection with FSR156 in Sec. 14, T 13S, R 35E, to intersection with FSR 2635, Sec. 14, T 13S, R 35E.

·         East on FSR 2635 to intersection with FSR 2652 in Sec. 9, T 13S, R 35 ½E.

·         South to the Grant/Baker County line in section 10, T14S R35 ½ E; 

·         Southwesterly along the Grant/Baker County line to FSR 13 in Sec. 17, T 14S, R 35 ½ E. 

·         North and northwesterly on FSR 13 to the MNF boundary in Sec. 31, T 13S, and R 35E.

·         North along MNF boundary to starting point at FSR 2635.

·         Road 2652 on the east side of the closure area is closed to traffic. FSR 13 and all other main routes around the area closure are open to travel. The lands within boundaries described above are closed.

The official Area Closure Orders, along with maps, will be available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/malheur/alerts-notices  as well as on http://inciweb.nwcg.org  For more information, call 868-347-0636 or 541-575-3000. 

Please note: The phone contact number for the Bald Sisters Fire public information office has been changed to 866-347-0636.  Also, refer to www.facebook.com/baldsistersfire.