8/19/16 Rim Reservoir Update

BLM Moves Toward Containment on Rim Reservoir Fire

Vale, Ore. – The Vale District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has been on the site of the Rim Reservoir Fire since lightning sparked it Wednesday evening.

The Rim Reservoir Fire, located approximately 13 miles southeast of Rome, OR, has burned nearly 670 acres of public land so far. The High Desert Type 3 Team--made up of Burns and Vale District BLM fire suppression personnel—has the fire 40 percent contained.

The fire is burning on the south side of the Owyhee River Canyon. The canyon slope created some difficulty in suppression activities due to the steep and rocky terrain. Additionally, the topography is such that winds can channel through the canyon, creating “runs” in which the fire moves quickly in a particular direction—often too quickly for firefighters to catch.

For this reason, air resources, including single engine air tankers (SEATs) and helicopters were dispatched yesterday, with a mission to focus on the difficult-to-access canyon slope.

“That canyon slope is tough to access on foot and impossible for vehicles,” said Sam Delong, High Desert Type 3 Incident Commander, “so we got air resources in there and really pounded it yesterday; that’s help us achieve what we have up to this point.”

Delong says he expects that containment will be significantly increased by this evening; possibly as much as 80 percent. Full containment is anticipated by Saturday evening.

“We’re optimistic on getting this fire contained, but we don’t ever let our guard down,” Delong said.

“Safety is our top priority,” he added.  

To report suspicious smoke or a wildfire call the Vale BLM Dispatch Center at 541-473-6295.

-BLM-