The
continuing strategy for containment of the Rail Fire consists of keeping it within the eastern and western
boundaries of the Monument Rock
Wilderness while it moves southward. Toward
that end, firefighters on Tuesday initiated a firing operation along the southeast flank that extended
nearly three miles as they tried to stay ahead of the fire’s
southward progress.
Today’s plan includes
hand firing operations on both sides of the
fire and aerial ignition in
the fire’s interior to bring fire slowly
down steep slopes to the established lines. The smoke created by the firing operations will flow
primarily to the south, toward
Juntura. In the days to follow, as
the lines approach the southern extent
of the Wilderness, firefighters plan to cut across from east to west, effectively boxing the fire in and preventing it from spreading farther.
Last night’s on-the-ground
palm infrared crew found six smokes
along 2.5 miles of the eastern fireline near the Stevens Barney OHV trail. Crews are extinguishing those hot spots today,
as well as another spot fire located
on the southwestern edge of the fire.
A Level-1 Pre-Evacuation Advisory
has been issued by Grant County for
the area of Summit Rock, Elk Creek Campground
and the Hunters Creek area. The area extends from Summit Prairie Road, east to the Grant County
line and south from the Grant County
line three miles to Tub Springs. This was initiated per county policy because the fire is within five miles of the closest residence. In Grant County, Level
1 is a Pre-evacuation advisory used
primarily in slow-moving events. At this level, residents are made aware that danger exists and
encouraged to monitor the local news
outlets for information. Residents with special needs or those with pets or livestock should take note and make
preparations for relocation.
Beginning today,
Malheur National Forest has banned all
campfires, chainsaws, and combustible engines (except motor vehicles) within the Forest boundary.
The public is reminded to be
vigilant with respect to fire, and to
report any suspicious activity. Investigators are looking at arson as a cause for 14 Central Oregon fires
ignited over the past three weeks.
Fire at a Glance
Size: 32,530
Containment: 45%
Location:
5
miles west of Unity,
Oregon
Cause: Under Investigation
Personnel:
867
Resources:
24
Crews
42 Engines
7 Dozers
25 Water tenders
4
Masticators
5
Skidders/Skidgins
Aircraft:
4 Type 1 heavy helicopters
1
Type 2 medium helicopter
2
Type 3 light helicopter
Closures:
The fire area and nearby roads
are
closed. The closure order can
be found at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4914/ (Click “Maps” for the closure map)
Fire Information:
(541) 446-3592
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