7/16/2018 Hendrix Fire & WAtershed Fire Update

Contact:         Chamise Kramer, Public Affairs Specialist (541) 618-2051

                        Rob Marshall, Siskiyou Mountains RD Fire Management Officer (541) 899-3865

The Hendrix Fire, which started from a lightning strike during yesterday’s weather pattern that moved through southwest Oregon, is currently estimated to be at 170 acres (as of 3:00 p.m.). Located approximately 3 air miles southwest of Wagner Gap, it is burning in heavy timber on the RRSNF and logging slash on privately owned timber lands.

The fire was reported on July 15^th at 9:30 a.m. by the Dutchman Lookout and was initially attacked by Oregon Department of Forestry and their resources. Those resources included one Type 1 and one Type 2 helicopters, one engine, one hand crew, and one overhead.

Also yesterday, air tankers dropped an estimated 10,000 gallons of retardant on the fire, but it was determined that the bucket drops from helicopters were proving to be more effective at this time. “Dense canopies were not allowing the retardant to reach the ground, where it could be most effective in helping ground crews with suppression efforts,” said Rob Marshall, Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District Fire Management Officer. As the fire suppression efforts continue, air tankers will be considered as a tool where they will be most effective.

Current resources assigned to the fire include one hotshot crew, and two Type 2 Initial Attack crews. Resources on order include air tankers, one heavy helicopter, dozers, engines, and additional crews.

A Type 2 Incident Management Team will be arriving this evening to assume command of the fire, and will be utilizing the RRSNF’s Facebook page for the Hendrix Fire. The public are encouraged to follow this page for regular updates.

A second fire that is visible in this area is the Watershed Fire, which is burning in the south end of the Ashland Watershed. It is approximately 3-5 acres in size, and is currently staffed with rappellers, smokejumpers, one engine, and a Type 2 helicopter. An additional 20-person hand crew is on order.

For more information on current fire restrictions, call (541) 618-2200 or the nearest Ranger District. People are encouraged to follow the RRSNF on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date fire danger information.