Grizzly Bear Complex Fire becomes active
with warm temperatures, ultra-dry fuels, clearer air
with warm temperatures, ultra-dry fuels, clearer air
Elgin,
Ore. – Light winds from the northeast
pushed some of the smoke away from the 67,930-acre Grizzly Bear Complex Fire
today, providing solar radiation on the fire, increasing consumption and
reduction of fuels throughout the interior, and activating fire behavior along portions
of the fire perimeter. Two areas of
primary concern tonight include fire activity along the south and northeast
perimeters.
Firefighters are concentrating efforts to catch an aggressive push by the fire to the south on a flat north of the Elbow Creek. The fire has spotted about a quarter-mile south of the 62 Road and firefighters are currently adjusting tactics to prevent further spread of the fire. This area of the Complex is considered a critical juncture.
Firefighters are concentrating efforts to catch an aggressive push by the fire to the south on a flat north of the Elbow Creek. The fire has spotted about a quarter-mile south of the 62 Road and firefighters are currently adjusting tactics to prevent further spread of the fire. This area of the Complex is considered a critical juncture.
Fire activity also increased this afternoon at the Bear Ridge Fire, a
500-acre fire burning east of Oregon Butte and 2 miles north of the main
Complex. Three helicopters have been active there, and keeping up with the increased
fire behavior all day today.
The weather continues to be dry and warm with weak wind out of the northeast.
The winds have cleared out smoke, allowing pre-heating of fuels throughout the
Complex. On Saturday temperatures are expected to cool down and humidity to
rise with an incoming cold front.
The cold front, initially predicted to bring lightning into the area,
will weaken in eastern Oregon and Washington. No lightning is expected tonight
or through the weekend. Only a few tenths of inches of rain is expected to fall
here but more is predicted for central Washington, bringing wetting rains on
the many fires burning there.
Quick Facts:
Fire Complex Size: 67,930 acres.
Fire Start Date: August 13, 2015
Location: 20 miles SE of Dayton, WA, burning on Umatilla
National Forest and private lands protected by the Oregon Dept. of Forestry and
Washington Dept. of Natural Resources.
Hazards:
Dry fuels with the potential for rapid fire growth with crowning, spotting and
wind-driven runs, poor visibility, poor roads, abundant wildlife along roads, unauthorized
drone flights.
Values
at Risk: Public safety, Communities of Troy, Grouse Flats, Eden Bench; Slick
Ear, Turkey Tail and Ski Bluewood recreation sites; Long Meadows Guard Station;
Historic Hoodoo lookout;
Communications facilities.
Communications facilities.
Cause: Lightning
Containment: 10%
Personnel: 740
Resources: 9
Crews, 52 Engines, 6 Helicopters
Structures Lost:
33
Evacuation
Levels:
Level
1: READY Be prepared
Level
2: SET Be ready to evacuate.
Level 3: GO Leave immediately
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.