9/16/2017 High Cascades Complex West Zone Update

High Cascades Complex West Zone

9/16/2017 9:00 a.m.

Fire Information: (541) 316-8352

 Cooler temperatures kept fire growth moderate yesterday on the Broken Lookout Fire allowing crews to make progress chipping brush and mopping up burned areas. A 70 member US Army Strike Team continued their work on the fire lines, bringing some much needed assistance to firefighters. The military is activated to help fight fires only in times of extreme fire conditions when resources are scarce.

“The work accomplished today was outstanding,” said Division Supervisor Eric Risdal. “The military stepped right up and seamlessly integrated with our existing crews. It will truly be a team effort moving forward to get this fire out.”

Fire managers are continuing to keep a close eye on fire growth near Jackson Creek. Along the creek are several structures supporting stream restoration, includingspawning and brood habitat for Chinook salmon and endangered Coho salmon. The Tiller Ranger District has invested substantial effort in the restoration project over several years. Structure protection measures are in place.

On the Pup Fire, firefighters will continue scouting for potential containment lines.  Hazard trees will be removed and existing lines will be reinforced by burn-out operations as needed to secure the eastern edge of the fire.

Weather: A dry cold front accompanied by wind will enter the fire area today. NW gusts up to 15 mph may occur in the afternoon and increase fire activity, especially in drainages aligned with the wind direction. Wet weather is expected to move in on Sunday, possibly bringing snow to higher elevations. Next week, up to an inch of rain could fall slowing fire activity.

Closures: Many road, trail, and area closures are in place for the Rogue Umpqua Divide Wilderness and surrounding lands on both the Umpqua and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests.  Forest visitors should familiarize themselves with these closures before venturing into the area.  For a complete list of closures, visithttps://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/5503/

Other restrictions: The Umpqua National Forest has lowered its Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to III (partial shutdown). The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest remains under IFPL IV (general shutdown). For a complete description of IFPLs, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/fire/?cid=fseprd545253

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