9/11/2015 Grizzly Bear Complex Update

Elgin, Ore. – Warmer temperatures over the weekend will result in increased fire behavior.  More smoke will be in the air and the crews and heavy equipment will be continuing their efforts to secure containment lines and expand contingency lines.     

Although some area closures have been reduced, areas closest to the active fire area remain closed, such as Forest Road 64, 6415 and 62 roads and the high elevation potions of the 46 and 4608 roads.  The Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and some adjacent non-wilderness lands that have been directly impacted by fire will remain closed to access.  This non-wilderness area is roughly the area from Big Hole to Eden Bench. Please be cautious if you are in the forest as heavy equipment and crew transports continue to move around in the area.  See the websites listed below for maps of the most up-to-date area and road closures.

Last night’s infrared flight and resulting map showed many areas of intense heat in the fire’s perimeter. These areas are expected to have increased fire behavior, with the possibility of continued spread into unburned fuels through the weekend. 

The fire is still being monitored from the air with helicopters and they also assist with fire suppression efforts. Fire crews on the ground are also monitoring the fire in the Slick Ear, Turkey Tail, and Godman Guard Station vicinity.

Several crews are being released from the fire resulting in a drop in personnel numbers. We thank them for their efforts.  Most resources will remain assigned to the fire through the weekend and the duration hotter temperatures; fire officials will continue to evaluate resource needs as conditions change

A current closure description and map of closed roads is available at all Umatilla National Forest offices as well as on the Umatilla National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla/ in addition to the “closures” tab located at the http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4511/#.