7/3/2015 Corner Creek and Sugarloaf Fire Update

Oregon Department of Forestry

Incident Management Team 1

John Buckman, Incident Commander

Fire Information: (541) 987-2348 or cornercreekfireinfo@gmail.com

The Corner Creek Fire continues to burn actively on the west side of the South Fork John Day River, about 11 miles south of Dayville. The fire grew by 7,000 acres since yesterday to a current size of 19,232 acres and is zero percent contained. Fire conditions are extremely challenging with very high temperatures and low relative humidity coupled with northwest winds, gusting to 25 mph in the afternoon. Firefighters are working to stop fire progression to the south, hold and mop up the east, and begin burn out and hold the west. Efforts continue to protect structures, extinguish spot fires, and establish control lines for the fire.

The South Fork Road/Co. Rd. 42 from Dayville to US Forest Service 58 Road junction is closed to the general public due to fire activity. Local traffic should drive with caution due to heavy fire-related traffic. The 58 Road and 5820 Road are also closed due to active burning in the vicinity. A forest closure has been issued for part of the Ochoco National Forest near the Corner Creek Fire, including the Black Canyon Wilderness. Mud Springs and Frazier campgrounds are closed to the public.

The Sugarloaf Fire is 85 percent contained, spread over 5,057 acres, but continues to burn along its northeast edge in areas of heavy fuels. Mop up continues in this area. The remainder of the Sugarloaf Fire and Blue Basin Fire are in patrol status, with emphasis on the areas around the structures. The Blue Basin Fire was declared contained at end of shift yesterday. Fire personnel and equipment are being reassigned as available to the Corner Creek Fire. A total of 851 resources have been assigned to the Sugarloaf and Corner Creek Fires.

Senator Ron Wyden visited Dayville yesterday to thank the firefighters for their hard work and encourage them to continue their efforts into the holiday weekend and the rest of the season. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for today at 3:00 p.m to Saturday at 8:00 p.m., indicating an increased chance of fire development and spread. The hot, dry weather with periods of gusty winds are expected to continue for several days. Please be cautious with fireworks and campfires and be sure to check regulated closures to avoid additional wildfire threats.