7/14/2015 West Fork Fire FINAL Update

NOTICE: This is the FINAL UPDATE at this time unless further active conditions warrant
 
Management of the West Fork Fire was transferred back to the Malheur National Forest effective Monday morning.

Recent rains and cool weather have assisted in minimal fire activity. At the same time, wet conditions have delayed the repair work on the contingency lines. As conditions allow, fire crews will continue to mop up along the fire lines and patrol the area.

Today is expected to be partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to be 72 – 77 degrees with relative humidity between 25 – 30%. Today’s fire behavior should again be very limited due to moist and cool conditions. However, there is a warming trend expected through the end of the week.

The wet conditions on the fire today may again delay the repair work on the contingency lines. Crews were able to complete line around the northern and western perimeter, as well as most of the eastern perimeter. Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire.

At present the fire poses no immediate threat, but as seasonal weather returns and unburned fuels between the fire and the containment lines dry, the fire will be monitored closely.

Road Closure Termination: The closure on Forest Road 2150, from the intersection of Forest Road 2150-070 to the Aldrich Mountain Lookout has been lifted.

The North and South Zones of the Malheur National Forest will reduce to Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) I and Seasonal Regulations of Public Use Restrictions beginning at 0001 hours on Tuesday, July 14, 2015. Please be sure to monitor closely, as conditions may change quickly, prompting an increase to these regulations. Fire Staff will monitor indices daily and reevaluate restrictions as conditions warrant.

For additional forest information, contact 541-575-3000. For more information on the Malheur National Forest, please visit us at www.fs.usda.gov/malheur, follow U.S. Forest Service- Malheur National Forest on Facebook, and follow @MalheurNF on Twitter for all the latest forest news.