Tuesday, August 25, 2015

8/24/2015 Willamina Creek Fire Update

WILLAMINA CREEK FIRE EVENING UPDATE - MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2015


News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Posted on FlashAlert: August 24th, 2015 9:33 PM
Willamina Creek Fire Update 

Oregon Department of Forestry 
West Oregon District - Dallas Unit 

Fire Information number: (503) 934-8153 


Current Situation: 
Crews working on the Willamina Creek Fire spent the day fully-engaged in mop-up activities. This is arduous work during which firefighters locate and fully extinguish every hot spot. This process requires digging out roots and stumps or breaking apart piles of burned fuel which still has burning material deep inside. Crews often use water to extinguish the burning material completely until they can't feel any heat. Mop up can be a long process--especially in the heavy fuels that characterize the northwest Oregon Coast Range forests. Firefighters on the Willamina Creek Fire will be mopping up the entire 230 acre fire area to ensure no hidden ember has a chance to escape and reignite the fire. Tree fallers were working in the fire area again today taking down snags and hazard trees to protect the crews who will be working below. Handheld infrared cameras will be used again tonight to help identify as many hidden hot spots as possible. A few crews will also be working on mo p up this evening. 

This will be the last evening update for this fire. Daily updates will continue to be provided in the morning once per day unless conditions change. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: 
The weather forecast is expected to become partly cloudy overnight with temperatures between 50 and 53 degrees and 84-88% humidity. 

Fire Statistics 
Location: approx. 9 miles north of Willamina, OR 
Percent contained: 75% 
Size: 230 acres 
Cause: under investigation 
Start Date: 8/19/15, approximately 5:00 pm 

Wildland resources assigned to the fire include (day and night shifts): 13 hand crews, 6 engines, 1 dozer, 6 water tenders, and overhead personnel. 

Total personnel: 197 

Cost estimate to date: $1,086,000 

Evacuations and closures: 
Four cabins along East Creek Road are under a Level 1 (Ready, in the Ready, Set, Go! system) evacuation. Willamina Creek Road and East Creek Road are closed north of the junction with Coast Creek Road. 

Places to get information: 
ODF Fire Blog - http://wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/ 
Facebook - www.facebook.com/oregondepartmentofforestry 
Twitter - www.twitter.com/ORDeptForestry

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