08/23/2017 High Cascades Complex Update

High Cascades Complex Fire Information
541-316-8352
BlanketCreekFireInfo@gmail.com

High Cascades Complex 

Daily Fire Update

Fire growth was seen on Blanket Creek Fire, crossing the Pacific Crest Trail in the Sky Lakes Wilderness south of Crater Lake National Park. The weather pattern is preventing smoke from dispersing which has resulted in multiple days of very unhealthy conditions for several locations. California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 will be transferring command of the fire to Pacific Northwest Team 7 effective 0700 on 8/24/2017.

 

Blanket Creek Fire -           Start Date: July 26, 2017     Cause: Lightning     Size: 5,889 acres     Containment: 76%   

Location:  Approximately seven miles east of Prospect, Oregon

Status: Fire has grown to the east and has crossed the Pacific Crest Trail in the Sky Lakes Wilderness south of Crater Lake National Park. Hikers should avoid the trail in this area. Aircraft will continue to monitor the southern side of the fire and drop water to hold the fire from spreading to the bottom of Red Blanket Creek.

Spruce Lake Fire -              Start Date: July 29, 2017     Cause: Lightning     Size: 5,360 acres     Containment: 61%  
Location:  West side of Crater Lake National Park

Status:  Interior burning of pocket fuels continues, but there is a low probability for growth. The fire is being monitored.

SHERWOOD FIRE (formerly Roseburg Fire) -   Cause: Under investigation     Size: 71 Acres     Containment: 80%       
Location: Approximately six miles west of Diamond Lake near Sherwood Butte.  

Status:  Isolated pockets of heavy dead and down fuels continue to burn in the interior and on steep slopes. Crews are strengthening containment line around the fire and mopping up hot spots. Suppression operations on the Sherwood Fire is today’s top priority.

Broken Lookout Fire -   Cause:  Lightning     Size: 818 Acres     Containment: 0%     Location: Approximately six miles west of the junction of Highways 62 and 230. 

Status:  Fire continues to back down toward Abbott Creek. Small fires from the neighboring Falcon Complex may merge with the Broken Lookout Fire. A containment strategy is being developed in conjunction with the Falcon Complex.

  Round Top, Needle, Butte, Tom, Jerry, and Silent Fires  -  Cause: Lightning    Size: Total of 25 acres   Containment: 100%        

Values to be protected: Communities of Red Blanket Creek, Prospect, Union Creek, Diamond Lake, Mazama Village, Rim Village, Park infrastructure, forest service timber sales, old growth forest stands in Northern Spotted Owl habitat, Research Natural Areas, Wild and Scenic Rogue River, sensitive aquatic resources, white bark pine and other sensitive species and habit, visitor experience, unique volcanic ecosystems and landscapes.

Fire Resources:

Fire Crews	Fire Engines	Bulldozers	Water Tenders	Helicopters	Total Personnel
9	3	0	8	5	486

Weather:  High pressure is expected to build over the fire area this weekend, and lead to hot and unstable weather.

Smoke Outlook:  To see smoke impacts in the area, check out the webcams on the Crater Lake National Park website https://www.nps.gov/crla/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm. A full smoke report is posted on the Inciweb website.

Crater Lake National Park Trail Closures:  Pacific Crest Trail from Dutton Creek Trail to North Entrance Road and from Hwy 62 to South Park Boundary; Boundary Springs Trail; Bald Crater Loop Trail; Bert Creek Trail; Lightning Springs Trail; Union Peak Trail, Stuart Falls Trail, Pumice Flat Trail. More information at https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit

Rogue River-Siskiyou NF Area Closures:  North and south of FSR 6205 from Crater Lake NP boundary west to the Forest Boundary and Park Boundary to Hwy 62. More at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/