Rehabilitation on most fire edges
Unity, Oregon – Fire
crews continue their assignment to keep the 41,691-acre Rail Fire from
escaping containment lines between Table Rock and Bull Run Mountain.
Southwest winds have been lofting embers from about 800 acres of
unburned fuels in the fire interior, over the ridgetop firelines, to
ignite small spot fires in steep, rocky terrain. With the assistance of
helicopters dropping water, all of these spot fires have been put out.
As needed, the helicopters have also dropped water inside the fireline
to suppress the burning, protect remaining trees, and reduce the
production of fire brands.
On
the majority of the fire edges, crews and equipment are engaged in
mop-up and fire line rehabilitation. “Mop up” includes verifying that
the fire is completely extinguished and cool to a sufficient distance
within the firelines to prevent the fire escaping or spotting. Typically
50 to 150 feet are mopped up and checked with infrared heat detecting
devices to ensure the fire is completely out along that edge.
Fire
rehabilitation tasks include retrieving firefighting equipment such as
hose, fittings and nozzles; repairing road surfaces, shoulders and
ditches; removing the slash that was created during line construction by
chipping or piling for future burning; and modifying the surfaces and
appearance of dozer lines by adding water bars and slash. This is the
main activity on the northern and eastern 2/3 of the fire perimeter.
People with valid Malheur National Forest firewood permits have been assisting this effort along FR13 by loading and removing wood that firefighters cut and stacked as they cleared firelines.
People with valid Malheur National Forest firewood permits have been assisting this effort along FR13 by loading and removing wood that firefighters cut and stacked as they cleared firelines.
A
cold front has arrived in the fire area, bringing moisture and morning
clouds, but not significant rain. Temperatures today will reach the
lower 60’s and fall to the mid-30’s tonight. Winds will be from the
Northwest.
Local
Road Closures have changed significantly in the last day. Forest Road
13 has reopened to public travel and permitted firewood loading. Many of
the roads that lead to the Fire Closure Area boundary have reopened,
but many roads, such as FR16, that define the Closure Area boundary
remain closed. Please be alert for firefighters and vehicles, and be
especially cautious because all of eastern Oregon continues to be
extremely dry.
Fire at a Glance
Size: 41,691 acres
Containment: 75%
Location: 5 miles west of Unity,Oregon
Cause: Under Investigation
Personnel: 783
Resources:
21 Crews
20 Engines
5 Dozers
30 Water tenders
1 Masticator
5 Skidders/Skidgins
Aircraft:
4 Type 1 heavy helicopters
1 Type 2 medium helicopter
2 Type 3 light helicopters
Closures: The area immediately around the Fire remains closed. Forest Road 16 remains closed south and east of the fire area. Most other roads have been opened. The closure order and map can be seen at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4914/
Click “Maps” for the current closure map.
Fire Information:
(541) 446-3592
Railwildfire@gmail.com
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