8/14/2014 Staley Fire Update

Middle Fork Ranger District - Willamette National Forest

 

The current focus for crews working on the Middle Fork Ranger District is to locate and contain new starts where it is safe to do so, in addition to continuing suppression efforts on the existing fires. Light rain fell across the area, reducing the level of fire activity and allowing firefighters to respond to new lightning starts safely and efficiently. Rain and limited visibility are restricting air operations. As flying conditions permit, three helicopters will be available for water drops. Warm weather is expected to return this weekend, and with it, an increase in fire activity. Efforts continue to be focused on responding to fires closest to communities and private lands. Crews are also responding to lightning fires in remote areas across the Middle Fork Ranger District.

Deception Creek Complex

•         A 20-person crew completed line around a three-acre fire south of Oakridge near Larison Rock (#271).

•          Actions today on 271 include placement of 'cup trenches' to catch rolling logs and burning material;

specialized fallers are removing snags and fire-weakened trees; and hand crews are mopping up all heat within 120 feet of containment lines.

•          Fire personnel are responding to 12 fires ranging in size from ¼ to 18 acres.

Crews	Engines	Tenders	Dozers	Total personnel
1*	0	0	0	35

Additional resources are arriving today

Staley Complex

•        Crews continue to build direct line and strengthen indirect lines on the Staley Fire. Crews are engaged in direct line construction on the Davey Fire.

•        Fallers are felling snags and fire weakened trees as needed to provide for firefighter safety.

•        17 fires, 12 staffed and 5 that could not be located.

Crews	Engines	Tenders	Dozers	Total personnel
6	16	5	3	372

Middle Fork Ranger District Initial Attack

•        Crews cleared a road to access the 7 to 10 acre fire burning near Spirit Lake, located two miles west of the boundary of the Waldo Lake Wilderness. Crews will be constructing line today.

•        Crews continue working to contain new lightning fires in the Falls Creek area.

•        27 fires, 22 staffed and 3 that could not be located, ranging in size from a single tree to 10 acres.    

Crews	Engines	Tenders	Dozers	Total personnel
3	7	1	1	96