7/5/2015 Corner Creek and Sugarloaf AM Fire Update

Corner Creek Fire

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.

On Saturday, winds on the Corner Creek Fire pushed the blaze against firelines being built along its south and west flanks, prompting swift action from helicopters and air tankers. Cooling water and retardant dropped from the aircraft helped firefighters to keep fire growth to a minimum.

Today's forecast calls for westerly winds, switching to northerly. Temperatures are predicted to be slightly cooler with relative humidity dropping into the 10 to 17% range. Firefighters will work on establishing more fire lines along the fire perimeter and conducting burnout as needed, especially along the southern and western parts of the fire. They will continue to work on mopping up on the east side of the fire, including along the South Fork John Day River. Containment options are being evaluated on the north side of the fire in the Black Canyon Wilderness.

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.

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Sugarloaf Fire

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the Sugarloaf Fire on June 29. The team is working for the Bureau of Land Management, the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and ODF’s Central Oregon District.

The Sugarloaf Fire is located approximately 8 miles north of Dayville. The incident command post is located at the Dayville School.

As of July 5, the Sugarloaf Fire is 95 percent contained and is holding at 4,740 acres. There are a few areas with concentrations of heat, mostly on the north edge of the fire. Mop up continues in these areas. The remainder of the Sugarloaf Fire and the Blue Basin Fire (317 acres, 100% contained) are in patrol status, with emphasis on the areas around the structures. A few hot spots are still being found on the rest of the fire. A total of 312 personnel are assigned to the Sugarloaf Fire. Fire personnel and equipment are being reassigned to the Corner Creek Fire when they are no longer needed at Sugarloaf Fire.

Information about the Sugarloaf Fire is posted online at www.centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com.