August 17, 2017, 9:00 a.m.
Umpqua North Complex Update
Fire Information Line (541) 378-6944
Incident: During the week of August 9th, lightning started dozens of fires across the northern Umpqua National Forest along both sides of State Route 138 east of Roseburg in Douglas County, Oregon.
Incident Command: Alaska Interagency Incident Management Team; Tom Kurth, Incident Commander
Current Size: 1,710 acres approximate total of complex
Containment: 0%
Current Resources: Crews: 13, Helicopters: 4, Engines: 21, Dozers: 2, Water Tender: 7. Total Personnel: 443
Closure Notice:
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Umpqua North Complex Fire Managers, raised the evacuation back to a Level 3 Notice for the Dry Creek and Illahee areas on Wednesday at 6 pm due to increased fire activity. Highway 138 East was closed by Oregon Department of Transportation from Milepost 39 to 54, with pilot cars intermittently guiding drivers through, when fire activities allow. If traveling along this road, expect long delays and be patient. Drivers are reminded to drive safely and be watchful of firefighter activities. Portions of the river are closed along the North Umpqua River between Steamboat/Gravel Bin put-in and Susan Creek take-out remains closed to boaters and anglers due to falling trees and rolling debris. Road shoulders and pullouts between Mileposts 31 to 35 and Mileposts 45 to 50.5 of Highway 138 East, also known as the North Umpqua Highway are closed to protect public and firefighter safety.
Current Situation:
On Wednesday, fire activity across the Umpqua North Complex became more active. Clear skies and windy conditions increased fire activity across the activity. The Alaska Team continues to respond to the numerous fires burning in the Umpqua National Forest. Crews continue to work on managing fires along the road and river corridors. Helicopters with water dropping buckets are assisting firefighters on the ground to keep the Fall Creek fire from spreading westward. Fires along the highway corridor threaten power infrastructure; PacifiCorp has been able to reroute energy through other circuits.
This is box canyon country, very steep terrain and heavy brush. Coordinated efforts from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, Douglas Forest Protective Association, and local fire departments all continue to work together to aid in the firefighting efforts.
Weather Conditions:
Weather continues to be warmer and dryer with temperatures increasing from the day before.
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality monitors in Roseburg showed unhealthy air quality readings over the past 24 hours but conditions are trending toward more moderate levels.
Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fires. Pilots looking for more information on the TFR go to: http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.
Umpqua National Forest Closure Orders:
The Umpqua National Forest remains closed in areas of the North Umpqua and Diamond Lake Ranger Districts.
North Umpqua Ranger District Closure Area: See attached map.
National Forest System (NFS) Roads Closure:
NFS Road No. 4750 and all roads within the area closure listed above. NFS Road No. 2800-620
Trails: Trail No. 1414- The North Umpqua Trail, from the Forest Service boundary to the Mott & Panther Trailheads on NFS Road No. 4712, Trail No. 1502 - Fall Creek Falls Trail, Trail No. 1513 - Williams Creek Trail, Trail No. 1530 - Riverview Trail, Trail No. 1510 - Deception Trail, Trail No. 1521, Twin Lakes Loop, Trail No. 1500, Twin Lakes Trail.
Recreation Sites: Steamboat Falls Campground, Wright Creek Campground, and Horseshoe Bend Campground.
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