Collier Butte Fire – Gold Beach, Oregon
Fire Location: Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
Incident Commander: Doug Johnson
Information Center: 541-247-4447
Oregon Smoke Information: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.
Current Situation:
The 5,851-acre Collier Butte Fire is 20 percent contained with 535 personnel working on this wildfire. The fire is burning in the northwest portion of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and remote Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest System lands on the Gold Beach Ranger District. Fire managers have implemented direct and indirect containment lines to protect values at risk located to the south, west, and north of the fire while reducing firefighter exposure.
Fire activity is expected to increase today as strong winds and low humidity continue to dry fuels. There is a greater chance of torching trees and spotting in isolated areas of the fire and firefighters remain vigilant. Winds on exposed ridges are forecasted to reach gusts of 30-35 mph, but a Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) at Snow Camp recorded gusts as high as 59 mph last night. Although winds are anticipated to decrease on Tuesday, temperatures are projected to rise and reach near-record highs. An incident-specific Red Flag Warning has been issued for the area of the fire through Monday morning.
Crew efforts all over the fire today will concentrate on patrolling, monitoring and securing existing containment lines. Additionally, a new section of alternate line construction has begun in the north toward the Illinois River, while heavy equipment removes vegetation and strengthens the line from Mineral Hill to Tolman Ranch. Aircraft is being used to slow the fire’s advance and to cool hot spots to avoid torching and spotting. Managers continue to scout locations for additional containment lines and evaluate natural barriers on all sides of the fire. Firefighter safety is the primary concern, and the rugged terrain, limited access and abundant snags present a multitude of challenges.
There are currently over 100 uncontained large fires in the nation resulting in a scarcity of resources. Crews, aircraft and qualified support personnel are in high demand and short supply.
A helicopter dip tank is located on the bank of the Illinois River in Agness to treat and rinse buckets for water drops as an added safeguard against the potential spread of Port Orford cedar root disease. Resource advisors work with firefighters to provide protection measures for wilderness values and habitat for coho salmon, northern spotted owl, and marbled murrelet.
Closures:
Businesses along the south coast and Rogue River remain open. Residents and visitors to Gold Beach, Brookings and nearby communities are encouraged to drive carefully as firefighter traffic in the area has increased. Although the Event Center on the Beach is currently closed to the public, the Curry County Fairgrounds in Gold Beach will host the Fair August 27-30 as planned.
For information on closures on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, please see the Facebook page or the Inciweb page listed above.
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