8/26/2015 Collier Butte Fire Update

Fire Update Collier Butte Fire - Gold Beach, Oregon Fire Location: Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Incident Commander: Monty Edwards Information Center: 541-247-4447 Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4461 Email: CollierButteFire@gmail.com Facebook: U.S. Forest Service - Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Oregon Smoke Information: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, August 26, 2015, PM

Management of the Collier Butte Fire has transitioned to a Type 3 organization. As of 6 am this morning, incident commander Monty Edwards has assumed command. The Incident Command Post is located at the Gold Beach High School and the Information Center contact number remains the same. Current Situation: 11,100 acres 55% Containment 155 Personnel                   3 Crews 2 Helicopters   5 Water Tenders 5 Engines     Much of today’s work focused on mop-up and patrol along primary containment lines where burnout operations were previously conducted. Other resources concentrated efforts on chipping brush and slash accumulated during alternate and contingency line construction. Additionally, personnel surveyed options for extending the northern contingency line toward the Illinois River. Although the fire has not moved north for two weeks, managers plan to stretch line across the river south of Oak Flat in Curry County and wrap around the community on its south and east sides, thereby providing an added measure of protection to the area. Meteorologists predict a wetting rain event this weekend. Up to one inch is possible in the fire area. Waterbar construction to prevent erosion is one of the repair strategies firefighters are implementing in areas where active suppression is no longer needed. A rain event will help to cool hot spots and aid mop-up operations. It will also slow the fire’s spread to the east in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. This flank of the fire will continue to be monitored by aircraft as conditions allow. The Emergency Area Closure remains in place on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Please see the Facebook page or the Inciweb page listed above for all closure information. The temporary flight restriction over the fire area also remains in place. Bow hunting season opens this weekend. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts should use caution while recreating on private and public lands.  Extreme drought conditions exist in southwest Oregon creating very receptive fuels.  Any spark or flame may ignite a wildfire, so please follow local fire restrictions and remain mindful of fire prevention.