7/18/2018 South Umpqua Complex Update

The Umpqua National Forest was hit by a lightning storm on Sunday morning, July 15^th, resulting in 40 separate fires and/or smoke reports, primarily within the Tiller Ranger District. Initial attack by Forest resources resulted in significant progress, yet several fires remain. As of Wednesday morning, 300 firefighters have begun work on seven of the remaining fires, which total approximately 300 acres. Six structures are threatened and an electrical transmission line has been de-energized as a precaution. Three hotshot crews, two helicopters, multiple air-tankers, several dozers and other heavy equipment have been added to the suppression mix over the previous two days. Today, Incident Management Team 6 joins the fray to help manage the fire suppression effort.

Fire has primarily been backing slowly down slopes with occasional fingers of fire running upslope, causing torching of individual or groups of trees, especially on south-facing slopes. Fire behavior is expected to increase as temperatures are expected to reach triple digits during the next 3 days.

The Cow Creek Tribe is sponsoring a Pow wow on the Tiller District this weekend, and public traffic will be added to the already heavy fire traffic. The traveling public is reminded to expect fire traffic in the area, with busiest times being prior to 8 am and after 7 pm.

Forest Service firefighters are working cooperatively with Douglas Fire Protective Association, BLM, local fire departments, and private contractors. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has also been assisting as needed.

 
Size:  300 acres

Containment: 0%

Location: 45 miles southeast of Roseburg, Oregon (Tiller Ranger District)

Cause: Lightning

Personnel: 300

Aircraft:

1 Type 1 heavy helicopter

1 Type 2 medium helicopter

Fire Information:

541-490-1546

SouthUmpquaComplexFire@gmail.com

Inciweb:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5940/