Sunday, September 17, 2017

9/17/2017 Kelsey Fire Update

Kelsey Fire
9/17/2017 8 a.m.
Fire Information: (541) 937-5219



Northwest Incident Management Team 7 will be assigned management of the Kelsey Fire starting today and will begin managing the Jones Fire tomorrow at 6 a.m.  The Incident Command Post, located at the Dexter State Recreation Site, is closed to non-fire traffic.  To shorten driving distances and improve efficiency fire crews are working out of the Flat Creek Work Station just outside of Oakridge. 

The Kelsey Fire is burning on the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest, near McCredie Hot Springs and approximately 10 miles east of the town of Oakridge, Oregon.   The fire was reported on September 9, 2017 after a passing storm produced lightning and strong winds. 

Yesterday’s Activity - The Kelsey Fire continued to challenge the containment efforts on Bunchgrass Ridge and slopped over at several points yesterday.  Hand crews successfully lined and secured these areas by the end of shift.  Scooper planes, helicopters and several retardant drops were used to support the hand crews in the effort to keep the fire north and east of Bunchgrass Ridge.  Firefighters also worked on the northwest flank of the fire, building dozer and handline to anchor the northwest portion of the fire.  The fire also continues to back down towards Kelsey Creek.

Today’s Operations – Air operations may be hampered today because of low cloud cover.  Firefighters will continue to work to keep the fire north and east of the Bunchgrass Ridge.   The hand crews and dozer operation will continue to strengthen the fireline. 

Weather and Fire Behavior - A strong Pacific cold front is expected to sweep into the areas this afternoon and evening.  Ahead of the cold front, gusty southwest winds may develop and impact the higher ridges.  Increase moist and eventually widespread showers will develop by late in the day.  Fire behavior and spread should decrease significantly with wetting rain.

All Willamette National Forest Fires: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/unit/3860/

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