9/20/2017 Jones & Kelsey Fire Update

Jones Fire / Kelsey Fire

9/20/2017 - 8 a.m.

Fire Information: (541) 937-5219

jonesfire2017@gmail.com

Jones Fire -     Size:  10,522 acres   Containment:  75%   Cause: Lightning

Kelsey Fire -   Size: 527 acres       Containment:  15%     Cause: Lightning

An area closure is now in place surrounding the Kelsey Fire to provide for public and firefighter safety in the affected area.  This week’s rain will help suppression objectives, but is unlikely to be enough to put the fire out.

Yesterday’s Activity –On the Jones Fire crews spent the day removing material cut during the preparation of contingency firelines as well as nonessential equipment, supplies and protective wrapping from structures.  Plans continue for the repair of suppression activities.  Crews did not engage on the Kelsey Fire due to poor weather conditions.  

Today’s Operations – On the Jones Fire crews will scout suppression opportunities for the uncontained portion of the fire south of Forest Road 18.  They will also continue to remove excess equipment from the fireline, mop up and patrol.  The Kelsey Fire will be unstaffed and in a monitor status until weather conditions allow firefighters to safely re-engage. 

Weather and Fire Behavior – The cool and showery weather pattern is expected to continue through the week. Fire behavior will consist of smoldering and consumption of heavy fuels due to the precipitation and lower temperatures.  

Area Closures:

Jones Fire - The Willamette National Forest has expanded the area closure further southeast to include FR 1912 from its junction with FR 1825 to FR1839, then continuing on  FR 1839 to its junction with FR 18.  These segments of road and all lands to the northwest where they intersect with the previous order are closed. 

Kelsey Fire – An area closure has been placed around the Kelsey Fire covering an area north of the railroad line along Highway 58, roughly bounded by FR 5871 on the west, FR 24 on the north, FR 2421 on the northeast and FR 5883 on the southeast.

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

·         Forest Closure Information (Roads, Campgrounds, Trails): https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices or call (541) 225-6350

·         For information concerning smoke: https://tools-c2.airfire.org/outlooks/2017/Whitewater#Area1

·         Travel Information: https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/RCMap.asp# or call 511