8/13/2017 Blanket and Spruce Lake Fire Update

Blanket Creek Fire

Start Date: July 26, 2017   Cause: Lightning    Size: 4,820 acres   Containment: 51%    Personnel: 724

Location:  Approximately seven miles east of Prospect, Oregon

Current Situation: Crews will continue to extinguish hot spots in the northeast section of the fire working toward the rock bluff and are being assisted with helicopter water drops. With the direct sun exposure yesterday, the eastern portion of the fire did see some increased fire activity.  Large fuels including old snags from previous fires are smoldering and generating more smoke, but most is interior burning within the fire perimeter.  

Spruce Lake Fire

Start Date: July 29, 2017   Cause: Lightning    Size: 4,885 acres   Containment: 45%    Personnel: 401

Location:  West side of Crater Lake National Park

Current Situation: Yesterday, crews made progress on securing fire line in the north section of the fire just west of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Crews will continue to work on extinguishing hot spots just east of the trail. On the southeastern portion of the fire, crews will be using minimum impact tactics and extinguishing hot spots on the fire line. The area to the northeast is being monitored as the natural barriers have slowed the fire’s progression.

Initial Attack: Firefighters responded to approximately 40 new lightning ignitions across the High Cascades Ranger District and Crater Lake National Park.   These fires are being staffed and have been able to place at least 10 of those fires within monitoring status.

Values to be protected: Communities of Prospect, Union Creek, Diamond Lake, Mazama Village and Rim Village; facilities and other infrastructure; Old growth and northern spotted owl habitat; white bark pine and other sensitive species; visitor experience; unique volcanic features.

Fire Resources:

Fire	Fire Crews	Fire Engines	Bulldozers	Water Tenders	Helicopters	Total Personnel
Blanket Creek	13	23	4	23	7	724
Spruce Lake	16	5	1	3		401

Community Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, August 13th at 6pm at Diamond Lake Campground Amphitheater. Fire updates from Crater Lake National Park, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Umpqua National Forest.

Weather: A cool front is coming into the area bringing slightly cooler temperatures in the low-mid 70s and some cloud cover in the afternoon. Afternoon winds of about 11-14 mph are expected again.

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

Crater Lake NP Closures: Level 1 Evacuations notice for Rim Village and park headquarters has been lifted. West Rim Road is now open for through traffic only and no stopping is permitted. Rim Trail has also opened. Other trail closures remain in place: 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; Lightning Springs Trail; Watchman Trail; Bear Creek Trail; Rim Trail from Discovery Point to North Junction; Union Peak Trail, Stuart Falls Trail, Pumice Flat Trail. Further information can be found https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

Rogue River-Siskiyou NF Closures: FSR 6205 from Crater Lake NP boundary west to Forest Boundary. Information can be found athttps://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/