9/25/2017 Jones & Kelsey Fire Update

Jones Fire / Kelsey Fire

9/25/2017 - 8 a.m.

Fire Information: (541) 937-5219

jonesfire2017@gmail.com

Jones Fire -     Size:  10,220 acres   Containment:  80%   Cause: Lightning

Kelsey Fire -   Size: 441 acres       Containment:  15%     Cause: Lightning

Yesterday’s Activity - On the Jones Fire crews continued to collect and backhaul equipment and hose from the fireline.  Timber slash removal and chipping operations have been completed on containment lines on the west side of the Jones Fire.  Fire suppression repair is set to begin.  Left disturbed, containment lines can affect natural drainages causing soil erosion, damaging fish habitat, and reducing water quality.  Firefighters work to limit these effects through a variety of techniques, including the installation of water bars.  Water bars divert the flow of rain or run off and prevent the water from carving channels through the recently disturbed soil.  On the Kelsey Fire, crews made good progress establishing fireline on Bunchgrass Ridge and down the slopes working towards Kelsey Creek on west and south ends of the fire.   Helicopters supported hand crews with bucket drops cooling hot spots.

Today’s Operations - Firefighters are moving the chipping operations to the south flank of the Jones Fire.  Hand crews and engines continue to patrol and mop-up hot spots, especially in the southeastern portion, south of Forest Road 18.  Moving and sorting logs from fireline construction and hazard trees continues in the northeast and east flanks, in preparation for their removal.  On the Kelsey Fire, firefighters will continue to secure the fireline on Bunchgrass Ridge and the south and western edges of the fire.  With the clear skies helicopters will be readily available to support firefighters with bucket work, as needed. 

Weather and Fire Behavior – It is expected to be 1-2 degrees cooler today with a minimum relative humidity of 50-65 percent.  As the high pressure strengthens on Tuesday day time temperatures could reach 70-80 degrees in lower elevations and 65-70 at the Kelsey Fire.   Expect east wind gusts 20-30 mph on exposed ridge-topson Wednesday and warmer temperatures.  Heavy fuels will continue to be consumed due to current season dryness.  Deep duff may ignite with the sunshine and breeze in the next couple days.  On the Kelsey Fire falling snags and rolling materials could reach the bottom of the drainage and introduce fire across Kelsey Creek.

Closures:  Forest visitors should familiarize themselves with the area closure orders before venturing into the vicinity.  See below for detailed maps at: 

·         Jones Fire - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/5494/

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

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

For information on all Willamette National Forest Fires: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/unit/3860/