Grizzly Bear Complex Fire Crews continue
working toward containment
Elgin, Ore. – Firefighters continue to make overall progress
containing the Grizzly Bear Complex fire. Direct and indirect firelines were improved
and 5% containment was achieved.
A new fire started yesterday afternoon near the north edge of the
Grizzly Bear Complex. Named Green Ridge,
it is burning in mixed fuel (grass, timber, slash). Although 60% contained yesterday, it grew
last night to 7 acres. Its cause is
being investigated.
A vehicle accident occurred last night as fire crews were deployed to
work the night shift. In the dust and smoke,
an engine staffed with three people got too close to the road shoulder and
rolled off the edge. All three
firefighters were transported to a local hospital. One has a shoulder injury. Two were
uninjured. All are well, but feeling
sore this morning.
Incident Commander Brian Gales emphasized the need to drive carefully
and manage fatigue as crews continue to work extremely hard and effectively
over this long fire season.
US Forest Service Regional Supervisor Jim Pena visited the Incident
Command Post in Elgin, Ore. yesterday.
He also expressed appreciation and support for the hard work
firefighters are engaged in on the Grizzly Bear Complex. He emphasized that the nation recognizes the
challenging weather and scarcity of firefighting resources that the northwest
is experiencing.
On the north, south and east sides of the fire, crews continue to
prepare and improve direct and indirect fire lines. The main foundations of these lines is Forest
Road 4608 on the north, Forest Road 62 on the south; and dozer line and roads
such as 4309 on the east. Scouting for
containment opportunities on the fire’s west side to prevent spread and ensure protection
of the Mill Creek watershed continues.
The majority of active fire is no longer at the communities of Troy,
Grouse Flats, and Eden Flats. Because the immediate threat has been reduced, resources
and personnel working under the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office incident
management team will be leaving the fire this morning. Some of these engines will continue working on
the fire under their standard firefighting agreements.
Although some structures were unfortunately lost, firefighters reported
that many residences in the area were saved due to the capacity and coordination
provided by Oregon State. No structures were lost yesterday.
Warm, dry weather with light winds is expected to continue today. Fires can ignite easily because fuels are so
dry. The major danger is from spot fires
that are difficult to detect in heavy fuels and smoky conditions. If the fire has an opportunity to move uphill
it can move quickly. More moderate
weather conditions are expected to develop as a cold front moves into the area
Friday night bringing a 60% chance of wetting rain.
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