8/9/2015 Phillips Creek Fire Update

The Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 2 will hold a community meeting Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Elgin Community Center. Fire managers will be on hand to talk about the Phillips Creek Fire. Break-out sessions will follow the meeting for those that want to ask more questions. The US Forest Service, Union County Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, and representatives from the Sheriff’s Office will all be in attendance.

“The continued community support for this effort has been awesome” said Bill Gamble, Umatilla Forest Supervisor.

Smokey conditions and delays can be expected on the Hwy 204 corridor again today and a pilot car may be used between MP 32 and 36. For up to date information on highway conditions, check www.tripcheck.com.

Yesterday’s Operations: Firing operations were effective in securing fire lines on the east and portions of the west side of the fire. There were several spot fires, less than 1/4 acre in size, just outside the fire line on the north end, west of Hwy 204. The spots were quickly suppressed with the help of two Single Engine Air Tankers and helicopter support. The spots were mopped up by the end of the day. Mop-up was ongoing on most of the other flanks.

Weather and Fire Behavior: A Red Flag Warning has been issued for today for the threat of thunderstorms with potential gusty outflow winds up to 40 mph in the evening. Continued warm and dry conditions will provide the potential for very active fire behavior today.

Today’s Operations: Firing operations will continue to remove unburned fuel between the fire and the fire line on the northwest flank and in small areas on the eastern flank, along Highway 204. Actions today will expand on yesterday’s efforts, connecting areas of black within the fire lines.

Firefighters will continue mopping up hot spots from the fire’s edge towards the interior portions of the fire on multiple divisions.