9/03/2014 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 – Moderate fire behavior was observed as crews continued to add hose lays west down both the north and the south flanks of the fire. Helicopters were utilized to keep the fire in check, supply water to several mobile pump/tank combination modules and support the spike camps with supplies and equipment. Patrol and mop-up continued in the eastern portion of the fire, which had burned across the Pacific Crest Trail. Resource advisors worked with fire crews to minimize the environmental effects from the spike camps and the suppression efforts. Fire fighters continued working on the indirect contingency lines, primarily located along roads west and east of the fire, outside of the Sky Lakes Wilderness. This includes clearing and brushing to widen the containment lines using chippers and masticators.
 
Weather and Fire Behavior – The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch this evening through Thursday afternoon because of a combination of strong winds and extremely dry conditions. The weather forecast calls for warmer temperatures with dry air and increasing atmospheric conditions. These conditions could increase the potential for active fire behavior over the next several days.

Today’s Operations – Although fire crews will continue to work directly around the burning perimeter today they may have to disengage on the western flank if windy and dry conditions create a threat danger to their safety. Fire fighters will continue indirect tactics 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 following roads being prepared for a contingency line: On the east – Roads east of Westside Rd between Nichols Rd and Malone Springs. On the west – Portions of Road 37 between Parker Meadows and Imnaha Guard Station. The public is advised to drive cautiously when in these areas.