9/12/2014 West Fork Fire Update

East Blue Mountain Local Interagency Type 3 Team Rick Wagner, Incident Commander West Fork Fire Daily Update For September 12, 2014
	West Fork Fire at a Glance
Please note the Trail Closures and Area Closure described below for the West Fork Fire. Firefighters working from a spike camp near the fire have constructed fireline along the perimeter of the fire where it is accessible.  This line is a combination of mineral soil where possible, natural barriers such as rock and rock screes, and previously burned areas.  Crews will continue to reinforce, mop up, and secure the fireline over the next few days.  Smoke will continue to be visible from the fire as pockets of fuel burn in the interior and in the rocky areas which are inaccessible for firefighters.  Infra-red cameras are being used to identify areas of heat for firefighters to focus on as they work along the perimeter.  Helicopters will continue to be used to drop water on hot spots and active fire adjacent to the fireline. The West Fork Fire is situated within the Eagle Cap Wilderness, however the location of the fire is highly visible and has the potential to place private ownership and recreational facilities at risk.  Fire managers have been mindful of the wilderness values and natural processes affected by the fire and the suppression actions.  Under the guidance of a Wilderness Specialist, firefighters have employed Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) where appropriate, while continuing to prioritize firefighter and public safety.   Fire managers encourage the public to respect the trail and area closures around the fire to ensure public and firefighter safety.  A portion of Wallowa Lake State Park is being utilized as fire camp to support the crews and firefighting resources.  Please use caution in the area. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place for the air space surrounding the West Fork Fire. The TFR has a 5 mile radius.  Details for the West Fork Fire TFR, FDC 4/3745 can be found at http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_3745.html.  This restriction also prohibits para-gliders and hang gliders in this air space near the fire.	Size: 135 acres Location:  7 Miles south of Joseph, Oregon Containment: 25% Cause: Under Investigation Personnel: 104 2 Hot Shot Crews (20 Person) 2 Type 2 Crews (10 person) 5 helicopters Evacuations:  No evacuations currently in place. Closures/Restrictions: The West Fork Trail (Trail #1820) is closed from the junction with the Chief Joseph Trail (Trail #1803) to Six Mile Meadow (junction with Trail #1810).  Ice Lake Trail (#1808) is also closed.  An area closure is in place for the area surrounding the West Fork Fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for a 5 mile radius from the center of the fire. For More Information: Christie Shaw 541-263-0661 Kathy Arnoldus 541-786-3694 Or visit the fire on inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4101/