8/16/2018 Taylor Creek and Klondike Fire Update

Taylor Creek/Klondike Fire Update Fire Information 541-474-5305 or taylorcreekfire2018@gmail.com  2018.klondike@firenet.gov

Fire Update – Wednesday, August 16, 2018 – 8:00 a.m.

** Evacuation level lowered on Galice Creek Road.** Due to the progress made along the northern edge of the Taylor Creek Fire, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded the evacuation level on Galice Creek Rd from a Level 2 to a Level 1. The Level 1 evacuation is expected to remain in place for the rest of the 2018 fire season. A Level 1 evacuation means “BE READY,” remain vigilant and stay informed on current events. You can find current evacuation information at http://bit.ly/joco-evac. Surge resources arrive to help with containment.  Three hotshot crews on short-term assignment have been inserted on the southeast side of the Klondike Fire for high priority missions. Containment levels increase on the Taylor Creek Fire. Due to progress on the northern and eastern perimeters, containment increased to 52%. Crews continue to mop up and rehabilitate firelines. Firefighters continue to provide protection to structures along the Illinois River where the fire has been most active. Fire growth was minimal along the western perimeter of both fires. Air quality will improve this weekend.   Winds out of the northeast will reduce smoky conditions in the Selma area Friday and Saturday. This will allow aircraft to more effectively assist with suppression efforts along the southern and western perimeters. California Type 1 Team 4 is scheduled to assume management of the western side of the Klondike and Taylor Creek fires on Saturday. The Alaska and California teams will be working together with agency representatives to manage these fires. Bear Camp and Peavine Roads remain closed. The risk of trees and other debris falling on these roads remains high as firefighters continue mop up and suppression repair efforts. Interactive map of current evacuation levels is available at http://bit.ly/joco-evac. Get emergency alerts at www.rvem.org.

Quick Facts Incident Summary Approximate Acreage     Taylor Cr.: 49,695 acres (approx) , Klondike: 59,105 acres (approx) Containment    Taylor Creek: 52% Klondike: 15% Reported Date (Cause)    Taylor Creek & Klondike:  July 15, 2018 (lightning) Incident Commander    Tom Kurth, Alaska Interagency Type 1 Incident Management Team Resources    Taylor Creek: 24- crews, 41- engines, 22- water tenders, 11- dozers, 1- helicopter Klondike:  17- crews, 15- engines, 13- water tenders, 4- dozers, 5 helicopters Total Personnel    Taylor Creek: 840 Klondike: 743 Cooperating Agencies    Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association, Josephine County Sheriff, Josephine County Emergency Management, Josephine County and Illinois Valley Fire Departments, U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou and Umpqua National Forests, United States National Guard, and the American Red Cross. Online Links InciWeb: Taylor Creek Fire InciWeb: Klondike Fire  Evacuation levels: http://bit.ly/joco-evac Facebook: Taylor Creek & Klondike Fires  Air Quality: www.oregonsmoke.blogspot.com