9/21/2014 Onion Mountain Fire Update and Evacuation Advisory

JOSEPHINE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

PRESS RELEASE

SHERIFF GIL GILBERTSON

1901 NE F St, Grants Pass, OR  97526

Office: (541) 474-5123

Fax: (541) 474-5114

E-mail: jocosheriff@co.josephine.or.us

Release Date:                          September 21, 2014, 1:00PM

Onion Mountain Fire Evacuation Advisories

Grants Pass, OR ― Effective Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 1:00pm, there are no evacuation level changes, however, at 6:00pm tonight all of the areas listed below as Level 1 will be lifted.  This will mean there will be no more evacuation zones for this fire.   The same Level 1 areas are still in effect, As of 6:00pm tonight ALL Level 1 Evacuation Advisories will be lifted, there will then be NO evacuation areas for this fire.  Please be careful while recreating in the forest this weekend as fire season is still in effect with an extreme fire danger warning.  Local residents and visitors to the Merlin area are advised to drive cautiously and adhere to posted closure notices for both public and firefighter safety.  Even after the Level 1 areas are released, these recreation and road closure will continue. Recreation, forest area closures are as follows: Sam Brown Campground and Horse Camp, Briggs Campground, Myers Campground, Portions of Forest Road (FR) 2500, FR 2509, and FR 2706.

The fire was estimated this morning to be approximately 4105 acres with 40% containment.

Yesterday, forecasted winds did not materialize over the fire and crews were able to focus on patrol and mop-up activities.  The affect of recent rain was still evident on much of the fire, giving crews continued opportunities to make good progress with suppression activities.

Firefighters all around the fire perimeter continued to reinforce existing lines, monitor interior areas, and mop-up any hot spots found.  Hose lays were extended along the perimeter, bringing water to many sections of the line, thus increasing the effectiveness of the mop-up activities.  Several hot spots were found 60 to 100 feet inside existing lines.  These were actively treated by ground crews and should present no serious threat to the current perimeter.

Minimal Impact Suppression Tanks (portable water tanks) were placed by helicopter in remote sections of the fire.  These provide water to hose lines where water sources are inadequate and/or unavailable.  Helicopters will be used to fill and resupply these tanks in support of mop-up activities. 

Today, crews will continue to monitor and mop-up along all sections of the perimeter.  Helicopters will support ground crews as needed.  Chippers will be used to treat and scatter brush removed from roadways that are being used as contingency or control lines.  The weather is expected to cool gradually over the next few days; humidity will rise; winds will be light out of the west.  This should decrease the chance of active fire developing.  Possible wetting rain is expected Wednesday and Thursday. 

LEVEL ONE Evacuation Advisory ALL being lifted at 6:00pm Tonight, There will no longer be any Evacuation areas due to this fire:

1.            The entire Pickett Creek area, including Pickett Creek Rd,  West Pickett Creek Rd and all roads off of those.  Everything North of the Robertson Bridge on the West side of the Rogue River.

2.            All of the Shan Creek Rd. system from Riverbanks Rd. to the west.

3.            All of Taylor Creek Rd. (FS25 Rd) road system from Galice Road, including connection to the 2509 Road that enters Hwy. 199 at the top of Hayes Hill.

4.            Galice Creek Rd. from Galice Rd. to Soldier Camp.

Reminder of what a Level 1 consists of: A Level I Evacuation is “Be Ready”. “Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information.Access to the Fire area is being limited by multiple staffed road blocks on all sides of the fire. For up to date notifications, please sign up for FlashAlert notifications go to https://flashalert.net and sign up for alerts from the various agencies.  For more specific fire questions, you can call the Onion Mountain Fire Information staffed by the Fire Team at 541-471-7441or view online at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4111/.