9/21/2014 36 Pit Fire Update

Yesterday as predicted, fire activity increased due to the change in weather conditions. Firefighters were faced with a major wind event with high winds from the east gusting to 40 mph. Dry relative humidity and increased temperatures also accompanied the winds. The fire lines were tested and the majority of lines held, a testament to the work completed by firefighters over the past week. However, the fire did cross to the west of the South Fork of the Clackamas River, bumping up against the 45 Road/Hillock Burn Road. Fire crews worked throughout last night building fire line, holding the fire, patrolling and watching for spots.
 
During the past week, fire managers developed plans which identified the South Fork of the Clackamas River as the primary control barrier. Because of the steep terrain, fire crews were not able to get in and reinforce the line along the South Fork. The 45 Road/Hillock Burn Road was chosen as the alternate containment line. During the past week fire crews have “prepped” the 45 Road/Hillock by removing brush and understory making this a good location to stop the fire spread. Today, the priority for firefighters is to halt the progression of the fire to the west.

A Public Meeting was held last night. Over 175 people from the community attended. Fire officials explained fire strategy and fire tactics. The response from the public was very positive and supportive of firefighter efforts.

Firefighters have come from many parts of the country to fight the 36 Pit Fire. Approximately 1048 personnel are assigned to the fire, including twelve elite Hot Shot hand crews. Seventeen states are now represented and include: Alaska, California, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Resources include: two Type 1 heavy helicopters, one medium Type 2 helicopter, and one Type 3 helicopter will also be used to support suppression forces. Another Type 3 helicopter will be on the fire later today using forward looking infrared checking for any spot fires outside the line.
Fire behavior is expected to remain active with significant smoke visible today. Fire located within the South Fork of the Clackamas River is expected to be terrain driven and to spread periodically upslope toward the 45 Road/Hillock Burn Road. However, weather conditions will begin to turn more favorable as winds begin to shift in the direction coming from the west and southwest.
At the northwest, northern and southern perimeters of the fire, crews will continue to mop up hot spots, hold and secure fire lines. Firefighters are using Palm IRs, heat detection devices used for mapping and hot spot identification.

The fire is now estimated to be 5101 acres in size and is now 45 percent contained. The 78 acre spot fire located to the northwest of the main fire is now completely mopped with no hot spots or smoke visible yesterday. Hazards to crews include: extremely steep terrain on slopes in excess of 60 degrees presenting crews with footing difficulties; rolling debris; and fire weakened trees. Heavy deep fuels also present challenges to contain the fire.

The Clackamas County Sheriff has issued the following evacuation notices.
Level 3 (Leave now): Four structures on the Hillockburn Road
Level 2 (Be set to leave at a moment’s notice):
• Six structures on Hillockburn Road
• All homes on the east side of Habelt Road to Skinner Road
• All homes on Skinner Road east of Habelt Road
• All homes on the east side of Kinzy Road north of Skinner Road
• All homes on Brief Road
• Silver Fox RV Park
• Residents of SE Fall Creek Road
• Residents of Michaels Road
• Residents of Tumala Mountain Road east of Divers Road in Estacada
Level 1 (Be ready)
• All homes on Hillockburn Road west of Habelt Road to the Dodge Church
• All homes on Pederson Road
The Lazy Bend Camp and Work Center are evacuated and closed.
Promontory Park is closed.
The La Dee OHV area is closed.
ROAD CLOSURES: ODOT has opened Highway 224 to residents and workers only with valid identification.
The public is urged to be aware of increased fire related traffic on local roads and to drive defensively. For information related to evacuations, please go to: http://www.clackamas.us or call 503-655-8224. Information related to smoke can be found at: www.oregonsmoke.blogspot.com For more information, please use the contact information listed above.
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