9/02/2014 The 790 Fire Update

The 790 Fire is located 10 miles southeast of Prospect, Oregon and is burning in the Sky Lakes Wilderness. The fire is being fought with the objective of immediate full suppression, using tactics suitable to management objectives in the wilderness including utilizing natural barriers and containment lines. 

Yesterday’s Operations – The fire continued to burn with isolated areas of intense heat. Helicopters were very effective in keeping these areas from developing into larger, faster moving fires, allowing firefighters to continue with direct attack on the perimeter. Firefighters completed portions of the east and south lines. 

Crews are working their way around the western flanks on both sides, securing the fire as they go. Helicopters continued to supply water to several mobile pump/tank combination modules, allowing firefighters to avoid using water from sensitive lakes that are already drought stressed. Clearing of material continued on indirect contingency lines in areas to the west and east outside the wilderness.

The majority of firefighters remained “spiked out” in the wilderness—living in very elementary temporary camps—around the perimeter of the fire close to the fire line. Helicopters supported firefighters in the wilderness by dropping water on hotspots and supplying seven of the ten spike camps. Firefighters are also being supplied by hand carry and mule pack strings.

Weather and Fire Behavior – The weather forecast calls for temperatures 1 to 3 degrees cooler today, followed by a warming period which is expected to peak on Sunday. The cooler weather is due to a cold front, which will also bring a drop relative humidity. Very dry fuels could contribute to active fire spread with group tree torching and short-range spotting. A continued trend toward drier air and slightly higher temperatures, along with east winds on Thursday, will increase the potential for active fire behavior over the next several days.
 
Today’s Operations – Firefighters will continue using direct suppression, including installation of hose lays and mop-up, in the wilderness incorporating natural fuel breaks such as rock outcrops and building fire line where possible. Indirect tactics will continue to be used outside of the wilderness including continued clearing and preparing existing roads to be used as containment lines, should they be needed. 

Closures - The Pacific Crest Trail remains closed from the south boundary of Crater Lake National Park south to Highway 140. In addition, other trails near the fire area are closed within the Sky Lakes Wilderness. An area closure remains in effect around the fire. These closures are for both firefighter and public safety. Hunters and recreationalists need to be aware of the very dry conditions and take precautions. 

Pacific Crest Trail information is available at http://www.pcta.org/ . There is especially heavy fire traffic on the Westside Road between Short Creek and Malone Springs Roads. The public is advised to drive cautiously when traveling near fire operations.