8/17/2017 High Cascades Complex Update

High Cascades Complex

Daily Fire Update

August 17, 2017 10:00 a.m.

An Oregon National Guard Strike Team of approximately 150 civilian-soldiers and civilian-airmen arrived yesterday, and will be providing support to the High Cascades Complex.  They will be working on mop up, backhaul of equipment and supplies, and fire suppression repair. 

Blanket Creek Fire -           Start Date: July 26, 2017     Cause: Lightning     Size: 5,292 acres     Containment: 60%   

Location:  Approximately seven miles east of Prospect, Oregon

Status: Containment is increasing on the east side where crews are working through snags from the 2008 Middle Fork Fire.  As fuels dry out in the afternoon, fire activity could increase to include torching of unburned trees within the fire perimeter. The “super scooper” aircraft is supporting fire crews working on the southeast end of the fire with water drops from Lost Creek Lake. Fire suppression repair has started on the west side of the fire. Handline and dozer line will be covered with native material and regraded to return it to a natural appearance and minimize post-fire erosion.

Spruce Lake Fire -              Start Date: July 29, 2017     Cause: Lightning     Size: 5,043 acres     Containment: 60%   
Location:  West side of Crater Lake National Park

Status: The east side of the fire has shown little movement for several days and is being monitored. Pumice fields and other natural barriers are limiting the fire’s growth.  On the west side, fire crews are mopping up smoldering embers and repairing fire line. Containment line on the south side of the fire is completed. Smoke will continue as dead logs smolder inside the fire perimeter.

SHERWOOD FIRE (formerly Roseburg Fire) -   Cause: Under investigation     Size: 55 Acres     Containment: 40%        Location: Approximately six miles west of Diamond Lake near Sherwood Butte.  Status:  Fire crews are building containment line, supported by “super scooper” aircraft using water from Diamond Lake.

Broken Lookout Fire -   Cause:  Lightning     Size: 32 Acres     Containment: 20%     Location: Approximately six miles west         of the junction of Highways 62 and 230   Status: Crews are working on this fire. Minimal fire activity anticipated.

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

Values to be protected: Communities of Prospect, Union Creek, Diamond Lake, Mazama Village and Rim Village; Park Headquarters and other infrastructure; old growth forest and northern spotted owl habitat; white bark pine and other sensitive species; visitor experience; unique volcanic ecosystems and landscapes.

Fire Resources:

Fire Crews	Fire Engines	Bulldozers	Water Tenders	Helicopters	Total Personnel
31	24	1	15	7	1,030

Weather:  Warmer temperatures and drier air today could lead to increasing fire activity.

Smoke Outlook:  To see smoke visibility 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; Watchman Trail; Union Peak Trail, Stuart Falls Trail, Pumice Flat Trail. More information at https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

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 athttps://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/