9/16/2014 36 Pit Fire Update

36 Pit Fire Update

September 16, 2014   -  3:00 PM

FIRE INFORMATION WEBSITE:   http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4106/                            

INFO PHONE:   360-280-4352

EMAIL: 36pitfire@gmail.com

The 36 Pit Fire was first reported on Saturday afternoon, September 13, 2014.   The fire is located 10 miles southeast of the town of Estacada, Oregon burning in steep, rugged terrain, and is currently estimated to be approximately 3,588 acres in size.  The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

***A public meeting will be held this evening at the First Baptist Church, 29101 SE Eagle Creek Road, Estacada beginning at 7:30 pm. The meeting will provide updated information on the current fire situation and evacuations presently in place.

The Washington Incident Management Team 2 was called in to assume command of the fire on Monday, September 15^th at 6:00 p.m.   A Unified Command led by Incident Commander Russ Lane of the Oregon Department of Forestry, Bruce Holloway of the Washington Incident Management Team 2, and Scott Magers of the Oregon State Fire Marshal Blue Team has been established.  The local Estacada Fire District 69 has been heavily involved in the fire suppression efforts.  Governor Kitzhaber declared a conflagration September 15^th thereby allowing for the mobilization of structural protection task forces from throughout the State of Oregon.

Most of the fire growth occurred on Sunday and Monday, burning on both sides of Highway 224.   The fire is located mainly within the Mt. Hood National Forest along the stretch of the Clackamas River roughly between the South Fork of the Clackamas River at the north and Carter Bridge Campground at the south.  A northwest portion of the fire also affects Bureau of Land Management and private lands. 

Beginning last night, weather conditions turned more favorable for firefighters as relative humidity increased to 80 percent.  Today, a marine layer expected to move across the fire area allowed firefighters to build fire line directly adjacent to the fire.   Nine crews including four hot shot crews are working to suppress the fire today and supported by one heavy Type 1 helicopter and two medium Type 2 helicopters.  Approximately 40 structural engines are currently assigned to the fire.  Additional resources have been ordered. 

Fire suppression priorities today are to hold the progression in the west and north flanks of the fire protecting property and natural resources. Night shift firefighting personnel will be patrolling and holding fire lines.  Hazards to firefighters include steep rocky terrain, rolling material, and powerlines.  The public is urged to drive safely while firefighters work to suppress the 36 Pit Fire.

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