9/16/2018 Terwilliger Fire Update

Special Announcements: The most timely and accurate information on the Terwilliger Fire is found on the Inciweb website within the incident specific file. Please click on “Go to the Incident” and scroll down to the “Maps” tab, click on “Maps” to view the dated, posted maps for the fire perimeter location.

Forest Service Road (FR) 19 remains closed to the public due to unsafe conditions from falling rocks, debris and fire weakened trees. The closure begins at the junction of FR 408 south to Box Canyon. Firefighters are allowed on portions of FR 19 where mitigations to reduce risks have been taken. No fire traffic, except for emergency vehicles, are allowed on FR 19 adjacent to the Cougar Reservoir; beginning from the junction of FR 415 south to the FR 1985. The Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs remain closed. The public is asked to respect the road and area closures for the protection to themselves and firefighters.

Acreage: 11,082 Containment: 75% Public Information Phone: (541) 719-8135 Available 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Information Websites:Inciweb – https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6160 Email: terwilligerfireinfo@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willamettewildfires/
Resources: Total personnel assigned – 390: 2-type 1 hand crews, 6-type 2 IA hand crews, 2-camp crews, 1-heavy lift helicopter, 1-light lift helicopter, 12-engines, 6-water tenders, and 5–tracked heavy equipment.

Current Fire Information: Creeping and smoldering fire activity was observed in a few locations near the perimeter. The northeast corner of the fire in the East Fork of the South Fork of the McKenzie River continues to creep slowly east into the Three Sisters Wilderness. Preparation of FR 1993 as a containment line is on-going which includes the removal of brush and ladder fuels in anticipation of potential fire movement up the drainage. Approximately 1 mile of preparation is successfully completed per day. Chipper operations are beginning to dispose of the debris generated from this operation. Fire crews are monitoring fire activity from the air and ground. Gridding (systematic patrol) and mopping-up heat on the west flank near the private lands is ongoing. Emphasis on locating and cooling hotspots is of the utmost importance along the west line to ensure containment lines will hold if tested in the future by strong east winds. Chipping operations of piled slash created during containment line development is ongoing along FR 415 and 416. Two burning snags were located near the south flank of the fire. One snag was felled and mopped-up; the other received multiple helicopter water drops to extinguish any heat.

Planned Actions: Fire crews will grid the fire perimeter and mop up hot spots where fire suppression activities have occurred. Chipping of material created during containment line development will be ongoing. Helicopters are available for reconnaissance and water drops as the weather allows. Firefighters will be on heightened alert for the falling of fire weakened trees and rocks with the predicted wind and rain in the forecast.

Weather: A cold front is expected to move through the area this morning followed by rain, up to .25 inches, and windy, gusty conditions. Temperatures of highs of 46-60 degrees and relative humidity of 57%. Winds will be south/southwest 2-16 mph with gusts to 30 mph through 4 pm. Firefighters will be vigilant to watch for falling hazards including rocks and trees.

Restrictions: The Willamette National Forest has implemented a Forest-wide campfire ban, which includes all campgrounds and Wilderness areas. For specific information on Forest Order 06-18-01-18-18, see the Willamette National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices. Closures: An Area Closure has been issued by the Willamette National Forest for the protection and safety of the public and firefighters. Closure order # 06-18-01-18-19 may be viewed in its entirety at http://go.usa.gov/xRnz7 or on Inciweb.

Evacuations: There are currently NO evacuation notices in place for this fire.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area. Remember, that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unauthorized, unmanned aircraft systems (drones). If you fly, we can’t!

Air Quality: For smoke monitoring information, see Oregon Department of Environmental Quality https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map or https://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/ or http://www.lrapa.org

Safety Consideration: Area Closures are currently in effect. Hunters and recreationists are encourage to “Know Before You Go”. People intending to hike or hunt in previously burned areas should remain alert and aware of their surrounds at all times. Don’t camp and linger in these burned areas. Know the forecasted weather before leaving home, assess the weather conditions, and stay clear of burned and fire weakened trees. As always, let someone know your planned route, destination, and expected return time. Safely enjoy you national forest.