8/9/16 Rail Fire Update

NEWS FROM THE FIRELINE:    Cloudy skies and cool temperatures helped to minimize the fire activity yesterday.  The below normal temperatures will persist into today.  Fire behavior will settle to allow firefighters more time to construct and improve fire lines.  Fire lines are being prepared for burn out operations in the near future. Firing activity is dependent on weather and availability of necessary resources.  A spike camp has been established at Sheep Creek Trailhead.  Some firefighters will be based out of this camp to minimize travel time and increase productivity in preparation for future burn out operations.  The fire has entered the Monument Rock Wilderness Area.  Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) are in use to lessen the scar of human activity on designated wilderness lands.  Mop-up operations will begin in areas where fire spread is not anticipated to grow any further.  Fire managers would like to wish Smokey Bear a Happy 72^nd Birthday and remind everyone that, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

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

CONTAINMENT: 10%

SIZE: 10,702 acres

LOCATION:  Approximately 10 miles southwest of Unity, Oregon

  

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

WEATHER:  Todays weather is predicted to be very similar to yesterdays.  Cloud cover and below normal temperatures will calm the fire.  Temperatures will be 60-70 degrees with RH levels at 60-70 percent.  Calm weather will result in a decrease fire activity. 

PERSONNEL & RESOURCES: 765 people, 26 crews, 10 dozers, 29 engines, 19 water tenders and 7 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.