9/27/2017 Horse Creek Complex & Rebel Fire Update

Notice: This will be the final update produced by the Alaska Incident Management Team for the Rebel Fire and Horse Creek Complex. On September 28, the McKenzie Type 3 IMT will begin managing the fire, allowing the Alaska IMT to return home after 2 ½ weeks here. The Fire Information phone number and email address remains unchanged.

Weather: Today’s temperatures will rise, relative humidity will fall and winds will increase as a thermal trough strengthens along the Oregon coast. Mostly sunny skies will lead to afternoon temperatures in the mid-70s and 30-40 percent relative humidity. Gusty winds will be sustained from the east at 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Thursday appears to be the warmest and driest day of the week before giving way to Friday precipitation that extends into the weekend and possibly next week.

Current Situation: The warm, dry and breezy conditions over the next 48 hours may cause the remaining fire to smolder and smoke more than area residents and visitors have seen since last week’s precipitation ended. Small diameter fuels such as leaves and twigs close to the fire may ignite and contribute additional smoke. A localized smoky haze could develop in the immediate vicinity of the fire. Although firefighters could see increased fire behavior, the fire will no longer be able to access heavier fuels that contribute to sustained growth and spread. Larger fuels have absorbed too much moisture from last week’s prolonged rain and snow event to contribute to fire growth. Regardless, the remaining active fire identified in the latest infrared flight will be closely patrolled and monitored by firefighters.

Next Steps: As suppression repair continues on an estimated 100-plus miles of containment lines, the McKenzie Type 3 IMT will spend the day shadowing the Alaska team to affect a smooth transition. The Type 3 team is primarily comprised of Willamette National Forest’s McKenzie District employees. The Hoodoo Ski Lodge is also in transition in that it will no longer serve as Incident Command Post and Base Camp for fire managers and staff. With the departure of the Alaska IMT, Hoodoo Ski Lodge management and employees will get back to preparing the facility for winter season recreation. The McKenzie IMT is setting up ICP operations at the McKenzie District Ranger Office. The Base Camp will be located at Camp White Branch, located off Old McKenzie Road. The IMT will maintain a PIO-staffed fire information center; fire updates will continue to keep area residents and visitors informed of the fires’ status and progress on suppression repairs.    

National Forest Closure Orders:  Area closures are still in place but some roads and trails are being reopened. Current information about closures on the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/fire/?cid=fseprd552029
http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/Deschutes/alerts-notices.
Fire restrictions have been lifted in Willamette and Deschutes National Forests, and campfires are now allowed.