8/23/2014 South Fork Complex Update

Oregon Incident Management Team #2 is transferring command of the fire to a local fire management organization Sunday at 6am.

Yesterday Some interior burning continues to fill in unburned islands well inside control lines on the north side, tying the fire into the old Thorn Creek burn, where forest vegetation and litter is light.  Fire suppression repair continued on the northeast to southeast perimeter.  Aerial reconnaissance was used to patrol the perimeter and monitor fire behavior. 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 The northwest and eastern flanks are in mop-up status.  Other areas around the perimeter are being patrolled and suppression repair is progressing.  Aerial reconnaissance will patrol and monitor fire behavior. Closures The public is advised to travel slowly through these areas and be aware of the possibility of falling trees weakened from fire, rolling rocks and fire traffic.   Note - Forest Rd. 21 is closed between the NF boundary on the north and the junction of Rd. 2108. ·         Malheur National Forest:  The following area is open:  County Road 42;  Forest Road 24;Forest Road 2180 from its intersection with Forest Road 24 continuing N/NW to the intersection with Forest Road 21.  Lands east of Forest Road 21 north to the forest boundary (this portion of FR 21 is closed).  The portion of FR21 from its intersection with FR2180 east to its terminus with county road 63 is open.  ·         BLM Prineville District Lands: The following closures have been enacted:  Jackass Creek Road, Murders Creek Road, Oliver Creek Road. ·         Grant County Sheriff's Office:   The level 1 evacuation is lifted 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. ·         Ochoco National Forest:  All closure orders are rescinded.  Maps and other information, are available online at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4042/

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