Special Announcements: A very large, weakened tree of approximately 50 inches in diameter fell across Aufderheide Scenic Byway, Forest Road 19 (FR 19), yesterday closing the road to all traffic. A large front-end loader was brought in to assist cutters in removing the tree so access for work could continue. Today, a specialized scaling contract operation will begin work along FR 19. The purpose is to identify and remove potential falling rock and fire weakened trees that are likely to come loose, fall or slide. This work must first be accomplished before other crews and work can continue along those segments of the road.
Terwilliger Hot Springs will remain closed for public safety. Hazard trees around the hot springs will likely need to be felled in the coming months, we well as, trail reconstruction.
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. The public is asked to respect the road and area closures for the protection to themselves and firefighters.
Acreage: 11,082
Completion: 80%
Public Information Phone: (541) 719-8135 Available 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Information Websites: Inciweb – https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Resources: Total personnel assigned – 318: 6-type 2 IA hand crews, 2-camp crews, 1-heavy lift helicopter, 1-light lift helicopter, 10-engines, 5-water tenders, and 6–tracked heavy equipment.
Current Fire Information: Creeping and smoldering fire activity continues in a few locations within the perimeter, mostly from large, heavy fuels that continue to be slowly consumed. A dry northwest air flow today and over the next few days will likely decrease relative humidity making moss on trees and other fine fuels more susceptible to burning. The northeast corner of the fire continues to creep slowly east into the Three Sisters Wilderness and is being closely patrolled and monitored. Chipper operations are working to dispose of the debris generated from this operation. Fire crews are monitoring fire activity from the air and ground. Patrolling and mopping-up heat on the west flank near the private lands continues to move closer to mop-up toward completion. Chipping operations are ongoing along FR 415 and 416.
FR 225 will actively be worked on to repair and close the road when completed. Helicopters are available for reconnaissance and water drops as the weather allows. Firefighters will be on heightened alert due to the potential hazards such as fire weakened trees and rocks. An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), also known as a drone, will be used to provide real time reconnaissance of areas that are too dangerous for firefighters. This UAS can also be outfitted with a infra-red camera to seek out hot spots that may threaten the fire line.
Weather:
A northwesterly flow is bringing drier and warmer conditions across the area today. Skies will be mostly sunny with breezy afternoon winds. High temperatures 57-61 degrees Ridgetops, and 62-66 degrees Valleys, with min RH values 60-65% Ridgetops, 45-50% Valleys. Winds near the fire will be out of WNW at 3-6 mph with a few gusts up to 13 mph.
Cooler temperatures with a good chance of rain showers are forecast by late on Friday into Saturday morning. Day time, high temperatures 58-68 Wednesday. Daytime Min relative humidity values ranging from 40-50%.
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/
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/
Safety Consideration: Extra attention is needed while driving Highway 126 with increased fire traffic, large machinery, and pedestrians crossing the highway. Extra road signing and law enforcement have helped reduced speeds. Local residences have noticed a positive effect on driving behavior. Distracted driving continues to also be a concern. Driving is considered one of the most dangerous activities fire fighters do.
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