8/20/16 Withers Fire Update

 Withers Fire Update - Saturday, August 20, 2016-6:45 p.m.

Withers Fire:  Under current Red Flag warnings and extremely hot and dry conditions, firefighters continued working to strengthen and reinforce containment lines, monitoring established lines, mopping up and beginning fire repair.

 

The fire is now 65 percent contained. Most of the completed containment line borders the community of Paisley. Suppression efforts remain a top priority.

 

A local Type 3 incident management team continues working on the fire. However, resources are starting to be released from the incident. Fire managers are confident remaining resources are able to complete the remaining work.

 

Active burning continues within the fire perimeter, which may be visible from Oregon State Highway 31 and nearby communities.

 

Smoke impacts to local communities remain possible, but should be minimal.

 

A Red Flag Warning went into effect at noon until 9 p.m. today and will be in place again from noon to 9 p.m. tomorrow.  A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Monday afternoon through evening, calling for gusty winds with low relative humidity.  Fire danger remains extreme.

 

Officials have determined the fire was started by an arsonist and are actively investigating.  Anyone with information is asked to call 541-947-2504.

 

Residents and area visitors are asked to be careful when using anything that could cause a flame or spark.  Also, respect current Public Use and Fire Restrictions on federal and state lands in Lake and Klamath counties.  It only takes one coal or ember to spark a wildfire!

 

Expected Fire Behavior: Conditions continue to be hot and dry with relatively low fuel moistures.  Increased fire activity is likely as temperatures increase.

Weather: High temperatures will be in the 90s with low humidity.

Road Closures: Forest Road No. 33, also known as the River Road, from the junction with Forest Road No. 33 (also known as the high road)15 to Jones Crossing, as well as Forest Road No. 3315 from the junction with Forest Road No. 33 to the intersection with Forest Road No. 3360 are closed. Travelers must detour through Government Harvey Pass to access areas west and south of the fire zones.

Evacuation Information: The Level 3 Evacuation remains in place for campgrounds along the Chewaucan River and any residences along the River Road – anyone in this area needs to leave immediately.

Quick Facts

Incident Summary

Approximate Acreages	Withers Fire: 3,424 acres Valley Falls Fire: 2.1 acres JV Fire: 6.2 acres
Fire Containment:	Withers Fire: 65% Valley Falls Fire: 100% JV Fire: 100%
Incident Commander:	Leland Hunter, South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership Incident Management Team, Type 3
Resources on the Fire:	Crews: 8 Squad: 0 Engines: 36 Water Tenders: 7 Bulldozers: 3 Helicopters: 2 SEATS: 0 Air Attack: 0
Total Personnel:	330
Structures Lost: 0	0 Residence 0 other structures
Jurisdiction:	Bureau of Land Management & Oregon Department of Forestry
Evacuations	Level 3 “Go!” – Chewaucan River campgrounds and River Road

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