8/12/2016 Rail Update

The Rail Fire started Sunday afternoon, July 31, approximately five miles west of Unity, Oregon.  Northwest Incident Management Team Twelve (NWIMT#12) assumed command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. Monday, August 1.  

NEWS FROM THE FIRELINE:    Burn out operations began yesterday in strategic areas on the northeast and southeast portions of the fire.  Specific areas of the fire that that have a higher likelihood of threatening established fire lines are being treated first.  This approach to eliminating fuels between the edge of the fire and the pre-constructed fire lines is a tactic that is effective in containing the fire while minimizing acres burned and associated impacts to the watershed. As the firing operations continue, expect to see more smoke.  A smoke advisory is in effect from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Unity area.  Crews will continue burn out operations in targeted areas as long as weather and fire behavior are favorable.

PUBLIC INFORMATION: Public Information Officers will be in the communities of Unity, Prairie City, Sumpter, and Baker City today to provide fire updates, maps and answer questions.

CONTAINMENT: 10%

SIZE: 12,196 acres

LOCATION:  Approximately 5 miles west of Unity, Oregon

  

VEGETATION TYPE AND TERRAIN:  Grass and timber in moderate and steep terrain.

WEATHER:  Overall hot and dry conditions with temperatures predicted to reach 90 degrees and RH values as low as 15 percent.    Higher elevations will be cooler and have slightly higher humidity.  The weather pattern is still favorable for burnout operations.  

PERSONNEL & RESOURCES: 667 people, 21 crews, 10 dozers, 21 engines, 19 water tenders and 8 helicopters are assigned to the fire.

AGENCIES & COOPERATORS INVOLVED:   Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, Baker County Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Services and local residents.  The daily cooperator meeting has been suspended.

Mary Bean, Incident Information Officer

Incident Information Office Phone: (541) 446-3592