9/21/2017 Jones & Kelsey Fire Update

Jones Fire / Kelsey Fire

9/21/2017 - 8 a.m.

Fire Information: (541) 937-5219

jonesfire2017@gmail.com

Jones Fire -     Size:  10,017* acres   Containment:  75%   Cause: Lightning

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

The rain continued to fall in the Jones and Kelsey Fire areas yesterday creating hazardous conditions for firefighters.  Since Monday some areas have received as much as 2-3 inches of precipitation.  This has made for slippery, impassible roads, difficulty in hiking steep rocky terrain, and increased danger from fire weakened trees. 

Yesterday’s Activity - On the Jones Fire crews have transitioned from fire suppression to retrieval of equipment (hose, nozzles, pumps), and preparing for suppression repair activities.  During breaks in heavy rainfall yesterday crews continued removing material cut during the preparation of contingency firelines and began chipping along roadsides on the west flank.  Hot Shot crews scouted the uncontained fire perimeter in the Marine Creek drainage on the southeast flank to evaluate suppression options.  Weather conditions on the Kelsey Fire prevented crews from engaging in operations again yesterday.  

Today’s Operations - Firefighters on the Jones Fire will continue to patrol and mop up, as needed.  Chipping the woody debris along firelines will continue.   A Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) Team has begun to assist the Willamette NF in developing plans to address emergency stabilization needs where post-wildfire impacts pose immediate and significant threats to human life and property.   The Kelsey Fire will be continually evaluated and remain unstaffed until conditions allow firefighters to safely re-engage. 

Weather and Fire Behavior – Some intermittent showers remain in the forecast today but a chance for wetting rain is reduced.  High pressure is expected to move into the area on Friday and continue into early next week.  This will bring cool nights and mild mostly sunny days.  Fire behavior is expected to be minimal today, primarily “smoldering” of heavy forest fuels (logs, stump holes, deep duff).  These heavy fuels will continue to be consumed and hold heat until late into the Fall/Winter.   

Closures:  Forest visitors should familiarize themselves with the area closure orders before venturing into the vicinity.  See the inciweb for detailed maps at:  Jones Fire - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/5494/ and

Kelsey Fire - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/5619/

·         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

 * Better mapping has resulted in a reduction of acres burned on the Jones Fire.