9/06/2014 The 790 Fire Update

Yesterday’s Operations – The second consecutive day of low relative humidity and gusty east winds continued to produce active fire behavior on the 790 Fire, with the fire spotting across Big Ben Creek on the west flank of the fire. This will result in more visible smoke for the next several days. Firefighting efforts on the ground and from the air have kept the fire spread in check on the remainder of the fire. Crews continued to mop-up and secure the fire perimeter on the north, south and eastern flanks, while water drops from helicopters and “scooper” planes were able to successfully cool the fire edge on the western flank, limiting the advance of the fire in the Big Ben Creek drainage. The work on the contingency line east of the Sky Lakes Wilderness has been completed, while crews and chippers continued to fortify the west contingency line. One new fire was located within the wilderness near Dee Lake and contained at less than an acre by rapellers supported by water drops.

Weather and Fire Behavior – The Red Flag Warning has been extended until 11p.m. Saturday for strong winds and low relative humidity for the fire area. The wind is expected to shift from an easterly to a westerly flow this afternoon.

Today’s Operations – Fire fighters will assess new fire line opportunities to contain the fire in the Big Ben Creek drainage. They will again be supported by helicopters and scooper planes making water drops. On the remainder of the fire, crews will continue to secure the line and mop-up. Fire fighters will also continue to work outside of the wilderness on the western contingency line, clearing and preparing existing roads to be used for containment, should it be needed.

The public is reminded to please drive cautiously along the Forest Road 37 system from Parker Meadows to Imnaha Guard Station as firefighters and equipment continue to work along these roads to complete the western contingency line.

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 recreationists need to be aware of the very dry conditions and take precautions. Pacific Crest Trail information is available at http://www.pcta.org/ .

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:	2312 acres
Fire Containment:	48%
Incident Commander:	Brett Fillis
Resources on the Fire:	Crews: 20 Helicopters: 10 Water Tenders: 4
Total Personnel:	660