8/16/2014 AM South Fork Complex Update

Yesterday Hotshot crews continued improving hand line on the northeast side with the goal of tying the direct line into the Thorn Creek burn scar. Crews worked from both the north and south ends of the fire line along the east side toward the middle in the Duncan Creek area. In the Magic Lantern Creek area, crews continued improving and holding the line to make sure the fire is contained. The west side of the fire was in patrol and mop up status. Overall, crews made good progress securing the fire perimeter and continuing with suppression repair work . Oregon Incident Management Team 2 arrived and shadowed PNW Team #3 in preparation for assuming command of the fire. Weather and Fire Behavior A slight warming and drying trend is expected to continue for the next few days. As the lighter fuels dry, burnout operations may be possible as early as Sunday. Today's Operations Fire crews will continue to hold and improve containment lines around the fire perimeter. Emphasis will be to continue containment efforts on the northeastern perimeter of the fire south of Dayville. Mop up will continue on the southeastern and northwestern perimeter. The west side of the fire is in patrol and suppression repair status. Burnout preparation will continue on the northeast side of the fire. When conditions allow, firefighters will start burning the fuel between the containment line and the fire front. It's possible that a smoke column will be visible when the burnout is under way and as fire activity increases. A burnout is conducted when the terrain is too dangerous to put firefighters directly against the fireline. Lines are constructed in safer areas and the fuel is burned out to stop the fire. Change of Command Oregon Incident Management Team 2 took command of the fire at 6:00 A.M. today.
Closures and Evacuations A level 1 evacuation was lifted at 6:00 P.M. Friday, and south end of the fire. A Level 1 evacuation remains in effect for the area bounded by the 2150 road on the south, the 21 road on the east, Highway 26 on the north and  on the west by a line running due north from the Aldrich Lookout to Highway 26. A closure is in place on the Malheur National Forest and the Ochoco National Forest surrounding the fires. All roads and trails are closed within the closure area. Closure information is available online at inciweb.nwcg.gov.
Additional Information
Maps and other information, are available online at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4042/

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South Fork Complex Fire information  is also available at:

Blog:  http://SouthForkComplex.blogspot.com/ 

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Quick Facts Incident Summary
Approximate Size:	64,864 acres
Fire Containment:	60%
Incident Commander:	Eric Knerr, OR IMT Team #2
Resources on the Fire:	Crews: 20 Helicopters: 8 Engines: 24 Dozers: 4 Water Tenders: 8
Total Personnel:	725
Jurisdiction:	USDA-Forest Service USDI-Bureau of Land Management Oregon Department of Forestry
South Fork Complex Fire information  is also available at: Blog:  http://SouthForkComplex.blogspot.com/	Twitter: @SouthForkInfo Facebook:  South Fork Complex