8/2/2018 Sugar Pine Upate

Sugar Pine Fire Fact Sheet  August 2, 2018  10:00 a.m.

Prospect, Oregon – The Northwest Incident Management Team #13 was mobilized to control nineteen fires on the High Cascades Ranger District west of Crater Lake National Park under the collective name Sugar Pine, which is also the name of one specific fire. Most of these fires were kept small and have been contained. The largest fires Sugar Pine (5,082 acres, increased by 569 acres) and Goodview (1,795 acres, increased by 87 acres) remain uncontrolled. Approximately 7,166 acres have burned on all fires combined.

Yesterday evening the Miles Fire, managed by the neighboring South Umpqua Complex, pushed southeast along the Flat Creek drainage towards Elk Creek Road, uniting an older spotfire with the main fire body. Firefighters were able to hold the fire line behind residences above Elk Creek Road. No homes were lost. Level 3 “Go” Evacuation orders from the Jackson County Sheriff  are still in place for the upper portions of Elk Creek Road, Sugar Pine Road, and Dodes Creek Road. 

Today, firefighters will continue to protect the residences along Elk Creek Road, ready for burning out if necessary. Any hot spots from last night’s spread will be suppressed. Protection of these structures, including 29 residences, is continuously being evaluated and improved throughout the day. Current lines will be widened and improved to prevent fire spread. Contingency dozer lines are being constructed southeast of this area near Burnt Peak. 

Every day the increased fire behavior pattern corresponds with changes in weather conditions in the late afternoon, including lower relative humidity, smoke lifting, and stronger winds. Today’s weather will be about 6-7 degrees cooler than yesterday with a higher relative humidity around 25-35%. This cooling and moisture increase reduces active fire behavior and may provide opportunities for firefighters. 

Multiple fire fronts are on the landscape. This incident is dynamic and evolving, as four large fires (Sugar Pine, Miles, Goodview, and Columbus) grow closer in proximity and spread toward containment lines. The straight lines and squared corners on fire maps indicate locations of planned and progressing containment. 

Resources: 832 people including 28 crews, 8 fallers, 42 engines, 15 water tenders, 10 dozers, 7 masticators,

7 chippers, 3 skidgeons, 2 fellers, 1 road grader and 1 excavator.  1 Type I, 2 Type II and 2 Type III helicopters. Helicopter usage has been limited by heavy smoke during some parts of each day.

Closures: An Emergency Road and Area Fire Closure on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has closed all of the Forest west of Forest Road 68 near the northern boundary and all of Forest Road 6640.

Safety: Be aware of slow moving fire traffic, especially on Elk Creek Road, near the Hwy 62 entrances to Fire Camp at Joseph Stewart State Park and on Forest Service roads. Smoke can be heavy at times.  Increase following distances and drive with headlights on.  Air quality information is available at http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com.

Fire Summary: Sugar Pine (5,082 acres, 0% contained) and Goodview (1,795 acres, 0% contained): Heavy equipment and crews establishing indirect fireline south and east of the fires. Structure protection in the Elk Creek area. Round Top (154 acres, 60% contained), Union (105 acres; 78% contained), Junction (6 acres) and Sunshine (4 acres): Mop up. Hawk Creek, North Top, Kettle, Buck Basin, Gravel,Spring 2, Alder, Soldier, Coplen: Patrol status.