8/30/2015 Grizzly Bear Complex Fire Update

High winds challenged fire containment lines yesterday

     Elgin, Ore. – Fortunately, no significant or large areas of fire growth were reported after yesterday’s high winds.  An infra-red flight was flown last night recording any heat sources across the fire area.  Most of the fire spread was observed in the northern and northeastern part of the fire, within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness.  Fire crews will be assigned tasks today designed to monitor containment lines and continue to construct and improve fire lines around the perimeter of the fire.  Other crews will mop-up (extinguish all burning material) near containment lines to further secure suppression efforts.

“A moderate breeze” is predicted today, according to Andy Haner, the Incident Meteorologist assigned to the fire.  The winds will be slightly less than yesterday, but due to an increase in humidity and lower temperatures, the fire behavior should be mitigated.  Andy has also forecast “wetting rains” of up to ¼” today, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  This should increase the relative humidity and fuel moisture in the light fuels (vegetation) to 40 or 50%.  Dean Warner, the Fire Behavior Analyst, notes that fuels under the tree canopy will remain dry and susceptible to active burning.  Overall, the rate of fire spread will be less than in previous days, and fire crews will take advantage of these conditions when they safely continue their work to fully suppress the fire.

There were reports yesterday of isolated winds gusts strong enough to blow over a remote weather station and other smaller, unsecured structures, such as tents and portable buildings

The fire lines around the Complex held the fire yesterday during the high wind event, so the evacuation levels were re-evaluated by local law enforcement officials.  Along with the recommendation and support from Brian Gales, the Incident Commander of the Washington Incident Management Team 4, some Evacuation Levels have been reduced.  The city of Asotin, WA no longer has any Evacuation Level.  The area south of the Grande Ronde River, near Flora that was in Level 2 is now at Level 1.  The area northeast of the fire, east of Highway 129 in Washington that was at a Level 2 is now at Level 1.  The area along the eastern part of the fire, near Troy, OR is now set at a level 1 (ready stage).

A Washington State National Guard communication unit has been set up in the community of Troy, OR to provide remote internet and telephone communications.  The Oregon National Guard has deployed 155 members to support suppression efforts.  They will be assisting with mop-up operations in the Troy and Grouse Flat areas.