8/8/2015 National Creek Complex Fire Update

Summary: Fire managers are looking at a more aggressive firefighting strategy to take advantage of forecasted weather changes that will bring a cooler and moister pattern over the next few days.  This strategy will involve assessing more direct fire-line construction; where the line is built adjacent to the burned area.  A full suppression strategy is being pursued due to the extreme drought conditions resulting from the lack of snow-pack last winter. 

Yesterday’s Activity: An infra-red flight on Friday night showed that most of the fire growth on Friday was from spot fires connecting to each other.  The fires have been moving by burning in small concentrations of downed snags and limbs called jackpots, and then traveling up tree stems by burning dry lichens which are then transported to the next jackpot by the wind.  The Rogue River Hot-Shot crew began building direct fire-line along the northwest side of the National Fire and made good progress.  Crews on the east side of the Crescent Fire continued their line construction to the south working toward a saddle above Crescent Ridge.  Firefighters assessed opportunities for suppression along the south sides of both fires weighing the probabilities of success between direct and indirect line.  Indirect construction involves fire-line building which leaves unburned fuels between the line and the burned area.  Helicopters were in heavy use on Friday cooling down the southwest corner of the National Fire and supporting five other fires in the nearby area.  One firefighter received treatment for swelling resulting from a yellow-jacket sting. 

Today’s Plans:  The forecasted weather will begin to show subtle changes in temperature and relative humidity.  The temperature will be two or three degrees lower on Saturday and the humidity will be slightly higher.  Crews plan to start construction of direct fire-line along the south side of the National Fire above National Creek.  Engines and a dozer will continue to widen and improve roads to the west and north of the National Fire on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.  Other crews will be extending the direct lines along the east side of the Crescent Fire and the north side of the National Fire.  An early lift of the inversion layer and clear skies should facilitate helicopter support of the ground troops on Saturday.  Events including a Run Around the Rim Marathon and a bicycle ride are scheduled in Crater Lake National Park on Saturday and they should also benefit from the forecasted clear air. 

Closure:  Crater Lake National Park has closed the Bald Crater Loop Trail between Boundary Springs and Crater Springs due to potentially hazardous conditions created by the National Creek Complex Fires.  All Crater Lake National Park facilities and roads remain open and safe to use. 

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