Saturday, August 15, 2015

8/15/2015 Cornet, Windy Ridge, Eagle Complex & El Dorado Update

FIRES UPDATE: CORNET, WINDY RIDGE, EAGLE COMPLEX & EL DORADO FIRES


News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Posted on FlashAlert: August 15th, 2015 8:23 AM
Firefighters welcomed the cooler weather and lighter winds last night but wind gusts and fire conditions remain unpredictable. 

During the day, fire was driven by wind and there was extreme crowning of fire in trees with several spot fires. 

Local fire resources from Baker County are being assisted by nearly 700 firefighters and personnel from around the state. 

> > Evacuations 
Level 3=Go! Level 2=Be Ready Level 1=Get Set 

For more details about evacuation instructions, visit http://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/Documents/Ready,%20Set,%20Go!%20Evacuation%20Levels. pdf 

> CORNET 
Level 1 (READY) - Elk Creek Lane to Griffin Gulch Lane 
Level 2 (GET SET) -Bridgeport 
Level 3 (GO) -Beaver Creek -Black Mountain -Denny Creek -French Gulch -Greater Gowen Valley Rural Fire to French Gulch -Old Auburn Ln 

> WINDY RIDGE 
Level 1 (READY) - Durkee 
Level 2 (GET SET) - Sutton Creek 
Level 3 (GO) -Alder Creek -Burnt River Canyon -Dry Creek -Cry Creek Cutoff -Ebell Creek -Hill Creek Rd. 

> ELDORADO 
Level 1 (READY) - East of Bull Run Rd. -Job Creek & South of Job Creek -South of Campbell Ln 
Level 2 (GET SET) -Dry Gulch Area -Ripley Gulch Area 
Level 3 (GO) -Beam Creek Area (Malheur County) -Camp Creek South of Hwy 26 -Eldorado Ditch Area -Long Creek Area (Baker County) -Long Creek Reservoir/Campground -Ironside (Malheur County) 

> EAGLE COMPLEX 
Level 1 (READY) 
Level 2 (GET SET) -FS 77 Rd. -Bennett Peak Area -Main Eagle Area -Tamarack Campground 
Level 3 (GO) 

Road Closures 
Highway 245 still closed 11 miles north of Hereford 
Highway 7 has reopened 
Highway 26 closed from milepost 213-231 
Interstate 84 has reopened, but may need to close again depending on fire conditions 

Structure Loss 
Several structures have been destroyed by the fires. Field crews are still working to determine exact numbers and locations. In some cases, assessments are hampered by dangerous trees that still need to be felled before crews or residents can safely access the area. Some homes were saved due to work done in advance by homeowners and firefighters to create a defensible space and keep areas wet and clear. For more information about improving your home's odds of withstanding a wildfire, visit http://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/homewildfiresafety.asp 

Areas Affected Cornet Fire - 26,000 acres, five percent contained 
Windy Ridge Fire - 22,862 acres 
Eagle Fire Complex - 900 acres 
El Dorado Fire -12,000 acres 

Shelters 
The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Baker City Middle School with 100 beds currently available. The shelter is open 24-hours and has food, bedding and toiletries for evacuees. For more shelter information, contact David Morman at 503-569-1380. 

Incident Priorities 

Night fire crews are working on triaging and preparing structures near fire areas. 

Weather Forecast & Smoke Conditions 
Temperatures are expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 82. Less wind is expected for the weekend. Shifting winds will impact fire operations and pose safety concerns for fire commanders. 

Smoke 
Numerous fires in Baker County and the surrounding area may make smoke an issue. To monitor the air quality index, the public can access the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's website at www.deq.state.or.us/aqi. 

Recreation Areas Regulated closures are in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast and central Oregon. Please check with your local Oregon Department of Forestry office for public use restrictions on lands protected by ODF. Visit the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch webpage at: www.bmidc.org or contact a local Oregon Department of Forestry office for more complete information. 

Similar restrictions may be in effect on State and private lands protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WA-DNR). 
More information can be found on the WA-DNR website at: http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/firedanger/BurnRisk.aspx.
Contact Info:
JOINT INFORMATION CENTER / JIC Phone Number: 541-523-2905 
Cynthia Orlando, 503-945-7421 (leave message)

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