9/04/2014 The 790 Fire Update

Fire Information: (206) 947-9729

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4095

Yesterday’s Operations-- Crews continued placing hose along the southwest perimeter of the fire near Big Ben Creek. Hose is being used to put a “wet line” around the fire, to reduce impacts on the wilderness. Due to predicted weather events, crews on the west side of the fire came out of the wilderness late yesterday with plans for them to return as soon as they can safely re-engage. Mop up continued on the north, east and southeast sides of the fire. Helicopters dropped water on hot spots while also supporting firefighters with supplies. Fire fighters cleared and brushed roads outside of the wilderness on the east and west sides of the fire using brush removal equipment. This work is being done to prepare roads as fire lines in case the fire grows outside of the wilderness.
 
Weather and Fire Behavior – Despite the red flag warning for low relative humidity and strong winds, the fire activity was moderate and held within the perimeter of the fire line. A Red Flag Warning continues until 10 p.m. tonight for high winds and low relative humidity. East winds are predicted over the fire today, with gusts up to 20 mph, peaking by late morning. Individual and group tree torching, active interior fire and pockets of flare ups could occur as a result of the weather today.

Today’s Operations – Mule pack trains will be used to haul supplies into crews in the wilderness. The goal today is to complete laying hose around the entire fire area. On the east side of the fire, crews are working to repair and rehabilitate effects of fire suppression efforts. 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 west of Westside Rd between Nicholson Rd and Malone Springs. On the west – Portions of the Forest Road 37 system between Parker Meadows and Imnaha Guard Station. The public is advised to drive cautiously when in these areas.

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.

Quick Facts Incident Summary
Approximate Size:	2303 acres
Fire Containment:	33%
Incident Commander:	Brett Fillis
Resources on the Fire:	Crews: 22 Helicopters: 9 Water Tenders: 4
Total Personnel:	690