9/15/2018 Klondike and Taylor Creek Fires Update

Klondike and Taylor Creek Fires Update
Taylorcreekfire2018@gmail.com
Fire Information (541) 247-6789
 

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FIRE UPDATE SEPTEMBER 15, 2018   Klondike Fire Southern Area Red Team Mike Dueitt, Incident Commander Overview Klondike Fire West Zone During this morning’s briefing, Deputy Incident Commander Charlie Patterson summed it up as, “For several days we’ve been working to button up the west side of the fire closest to Agness, and yesterday was a great day.” Aerial ignition helped firefighters blacken unburned pockets and reinforce control lines within the upper reaches of Fish Hook Creek and off Forest Road 150 above Indigo Creek. With forecast winds today from the southwest, the expectation is for the fire to burn into itself to consume remaining fuels and greatly reduce the threat in that area.       A cold front moving through Southwest Oregon is bringing higher winds and drier air to the fire. Lower humidity and higher winds will increase fire behavior on the highest ridge tops today. Southwest winds will result in increased fire spread in the Silver Creek drainage. Today’s plan is to mop up and hold all sides of the fire. Overall, equipment, aircraft, and personnel are being released as conditions allow, but we are keeping enough resources to complete all mop up and repair work, and to respond to any increased fire activity. Although the burning period is shortening each day and fall weather will gradually bring cooler and wetter conditions, dry easterly winds are still possible this time of year. There still is a threat of fire growth and Agness remains in a Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation status. Klondike Fire East Zone and Taylor Creek Fire Active efforts to assist forest recovery are being implemented. Such activities include the use of slash and mulches on suppression control lines to prevent erosion, grading forest roads to restore the driving surface, and hazard tree removal. Post-fire restoration is critical to preventing further damage and improving access to the forest through roads, trails, trailheads, and campgrounds. Erosion, downed trees, and burned structures, such as culverts, all must be dealt with before a road or trail is safe to open again. Firefighters continue to patrol, mop up, and stage for initial attack of new wildfires.  Road Closures Bear Camp Road, from the intersection with the Merlin-Galice Road (Josephine County Road #2400 and #2401) west to the intersection with Forest Service Road 33, will remain open for the Agness and Galice residents, permit holders, and lodges until further notice. The Weather forecast indicates this will remain in effect for several days; however, unexpected fire behavior could cause a complete closing to all non-fire traffic at any time. We really appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation. If there is unexpected fire behavior or conditions change allowing tactical firing to begin off Bear Camp Road, the road will be closed to all non-fire traffic until it is safe for the public. Road 3313 in the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest is also closed from the junction at Road 33 to the junction at Road 3680. Evacuation Level The evacuation level in the Agness Zone is 2 – Be Set   Key Statistics Acres: 140,232     Engines: 50   Containment: 64 percent     Water Tenders: 30   Total Personnel: 842     Dozers: 2   Crews (20-person): 14     Helicopters: 9   Contacts Klondike Fire Information Office:   Taylorcreekfire2018@gmail.com 541-247-6789 Air Quality Information:   http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/ Burn Restrictions: Burn restrictions are in effect in most areas. Check with the land management agency or fire district for specific restrictions. InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5998/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylorCreekandKlondikeFires/ Evacuations:   Josephine County:  https://bit.ly/2uUku2C Curry County: https://bit.ly/2PaNCLr