9/16/2017 Umpqua North Complex Update

Umpqua North Complex 

Fact Sheet Update

September 16, 2017 – 9:00 a.m.

                                                                       

Fire Information: 541-378-6944 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm) 

Inciweb address: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incidnet/5505/#

Start Date: August 11, 2107   

Cause: Lightning        

Fuels: Timber, forest litter, grass & shrubs

Acres:  42,775 (+1,334)                    

Percent Contained: 38%   

Current Situation:

A Type 2 Team, Great Basin Incident Management Team 3 under the command of Taiga Rohrer, assumed management responsibilities of the Umpqua North Complex yesterday at 7:00 p.m.The Incident Command Post has been moved from Glide to Broken Arrow Campground by Diamond Lake to reduce drive time for safety.

A fire from previous lightning storms, Fire 625, was reported in the Devil Canyon area. With a quick response from initial attack resources, firefighters lined the wildfire limiting it to 1.5 acres. Firefighters established a pump and hoselay directly along a 5-acre active portion of the Devils Fire to effectively spray water and limit fire growth. 

The Happy Dog and Ragged Ridge Fires exhibited minimal fire growth overall. Increased activity could be seen in the Eagle Rock area just north of Highway 138. Crews continued patrol and mop up operations to further secure existing containment lines, while using chippers to reduce fuels along roads designated as alternate lines including Forest Road 28.

The Fall Creek Fire is contained and remains in patrol status. Firefighters monitoring the Rattlesnake Fire observed low-intensity fire activity. Fire managers and Forest resource advisors have implemented repair measures to address the impact of fire suppression work. These measures include: building water bars to limit erosion, covering lines built by crews and dozers, knocking down berms and removing piles of debris from line construction.

The main objective for today remains protecting private property and critical infrastructure, minimizing damage to habitat and natural resources, and limiting long-term impacts to Highway 138 and associated recreation. Crews will focus their efforts on the east side of the Happy Dog Fire, the west flank of the Brokentooth Fire, the north end of the Ragged Ridge Fire and the Highway 138 corridor. Firefighters will mop up burning debris that may threaten established containment lines on Fire 625 and a portion of the Devil Fire. Crews will brush roads to serve as indirect lines, and patrol fire areas to ensure the fire remains within completed line.

Today’s forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with areas of smoke. High temperatures will be 70-75 degrees, while minimum humidity will range from 20 to 30 percent. Rain is expected to move into the area late Sunday.

Resources: 13 20-person crews, 35 engines, 5 bulldozers, 13 water tenders, 5 helicopters Total: 763

Evacuations:

The areas of Dry Creek, Illahee, and Slide Creek along Highway 138 from milepost 53 to 56, and the Clearwater area from milepost 56 to 61 are in Level 1 Evacuation Notice “Be Ready.”

Closures:

Oregon Department of Transportation is currently piloting vehicles through the wildfire zone on Highway 138 from milepost 47 to 53. Be aware that conditions could change at any time and the highway may be closed due to safety concerns. Trees and rocks continue to fall across the highway every day.

For public safety, a closure order remains in place for areas of the North Umpqua and Diamond Lake Ranger Districts. The closure area map can be viewed at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd558669.pdf. The North Umpqua River remains closed from Soda Springs Dam to Susan Creek Campground. The north shore of the river from Panther Creek Road (FR 4714) to Susan Creek is open to anglers only.