9/18/2017 High Cascades Complex Update

Summary: Great Basin Incident Management Team 4 took control of the High Cascade Complex East Zone, Sunday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m. The East Zone includes the Spruce Lake, Blanket Creek, and North Pelican fires. Scattered heat continued to produce smoke, but higher relative humidity limited fire progression Sunday. Crews monitored fire activity and improved contingency line. Preparation of hand and dozer line work will continue today, weather permitting.

Spruce Lake Fire: (15,826 acres and 22% contained) Smoke cleared yesterday allowing the fire to be viewed from the air. Minimal change in fire perimeter was observed. Little growth is expected today with cooler and wetter weather moving in. Blanket Creek Fire: (33,322 acres and 28% contained) Growth occurred on the western perimeter at the edge of the Sky Lakes Wilderness near Bessie Cabin. The cabin was wrapped for protection. Containment lines on the west are being evaluated and strengthened.  Crews continue to hold and improve containment lines to the east and southeast. North Pelican Fire: (3,589 acres and 73% contained) Fire behavior yesterday was quiet with not much fire movement.  Heavy equipment and crews continue improving contingency lines on the north and southwest edges.

Weather: A westerly cold front will bring rain today and into the week, with a corresponding increase in relative humidity, helping to minimize fire behavior. Temperatures will trend downward starting today with highs in the mid-50s, decreasing over the next few days. Snow is anticipated over 6,000 feet.

Closures: A number of area road and trail closures are in place within Crater Lake National Park, Rogue River-Siskiyou, Umpqua, and Fremont-Winema National Forests. For specific closure information, visithttps://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5503. The North Entrance Road to Crater Lake National Park is open. The West Rim Drive is closed until Friday at 4:00 p.m.  due to construction. All concession facilities and services remain open for visitors to the Park. Motorists and visitors to the area also need to be aware of delays on Highway 230 between Union Creek and the junction with Highway 138 due to road construction.

A Level 1 Evacuation Notification remains in effect for Mazama Village in Crater Lake National Park. Level 1 is the first step in the “Be Ready, Be Set, Go!” system. For more information about evacuation levels and procedures, go to http://tinyurl.com/BeReady-BeSet-Go.