8/25/2015 County Line 2 Fire Update

The Oregon Incident Management Team #1 (Shawn Sheldon, IC) continues to manage the County Line 2 Fire.

Incident Commander, Shawn Sheldon emphasized to crews the reasons we are here; one of which includes protection of critical timber resources on Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation.

Prepping line with masticator and charging hose lays was the crew’s emphasis on the west side of fire during the daylight hours on Monday.  Crews pre-treated roads with water tenders and used the sprinkler system to prepare for evening burning progression.  The most effective window for burning continues to be in the evening as temperatures cool, but prior to relative humidity increasing.

There were spots across the rim and south of lines on west side of fire during the day.  Helicopter bucket drops and dozer lines kept all spots in check.  Helicopter drops were also used to pre-treat lines in anticipation of last night’s burning operation.

Crews continue to monitor, mop-up and patrol fire on north, east, and southeast perimeters.

The amount of rain on the fire last night was so light it did not affect the fire at all. Slop-overs and spots were addressed all through the night. Crews were able to burn within 1½ miles of the containment line.

The fire is down a Type I (2,000 gallon) helicopter due to maintenance. Approximately 6:30pm Monday this helicopter had hydraulic issues but was able to safely land.  Loss of this helicopter did impede planned burning operations.

Temperatures for today will be in the low 80s with relative humidity 17-22 percent; south winds early, changing to northwest 5-7mph with gusts to 12 mph.  There is still the chance of isolated thunderstorms across the area Tuesday through Friday. There is a greater potential for dry lightning across Oregon and Washington on Wednesday andThursday  with only a 30 percent chance of precipitation.