Fire Terms

Sunday, August 11, 2019

8/11/2019 Ward Fire Update

The Ward Fire started early afternoon August 9th, 2019 when a lightning storm came through the area. The fire instantly started running and spotting, aided by topography and winds. Crews from ODF and BLM along with Green Diamond timber company responded rapidly.

At  fire has had minimal growth since yesterday due to the moist and cool conditions and effective dozer lines built directly against the burning perimeter on the northern flank of the fire. Last night, firefighters worked to mop up 30 feet in on the fireline in the northwest flank of the fire. Crews also worked to install hose lays along the completed dozer line on the northeast portion.

The plan for today is the continue to secure, improve, and hold constructed fireline along the northern areas of the fire. The southern flank of the fire has burned up the rocky and steep ridge overlooking the Klamath River. Fire managers are scouting and looking for opportunities to hold and secure this southern perimeter. Firefighters continue to patrol for and extinguish spot fires in heavy fuels in the forested area of the fire.

The forecast calls for warmer and dryer conditions today and a return to normal temperatures in the coming week, with gusty winds possible over the fire on Tuesday.

Safety considerations will continue to be snags, rattlesnakes, power lines, and rolling debris on the steep slopes on the southern edge of the fire.

Cooperators assisting partner agencies ODF and BLM include Green Diamond Resource Company and the Klamath County Fire Chief.


8/11/2019 HK Complex AM Update


The Tupper Guard Station recorded ¼” of rainfall Saturday afternoon and evening, aiding firefighters in suppressing the nearby HK Complex. Work to mop up within the firelines in all divisions of the fire area continued throughout the day.
At the north end of the main complex fire, crews worked to strengthen hand line put in place the day before, and began to pull out fire hose from around the fire as part of the clean up. Overnight, an interior pocket in the southern portion of the complex was revived by strong winds to burn well within the fireline, producing significant smoke. Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the area to assure nothing escapes the established fireline. On Sunday, some crews and equipment will begin to demobilize, while remaining firefighters will continue mop up in smoldering areas and pulling hose off the fireline. Additional areas will be identified for any rehabilitation work needed to help return the area to its natural state. The day is expected to begin with scattered showers, and clouds should gradually lift into the afternoon with more stable airflow. Afternoon temperatures are expected to be 10 to 15 degrees below normal with locally breezy conditions.
Fire danger rating remains at HIGH and Public Use Restrictions limiting chainsaw use are in effect.
A portion of the 21 Road is closed to allow for fire traffic. If traveling in the area, alternate routes are required. In addition, a closure order issued by the Forest Service is still in effect due to fire activity in the area. The closure is formally referenced as Order Number T-2019-0614-UMA-02. All restrictions and closure orders can be seen in full at www.fs.usda.gov/Umatilla.
Fire traffic, including heavy equipment, continues to work in and around road systems even as weekend recreation brings more visitors to the area. Be alert to heavy trucks on the road and allow extra travel time. Following the storm, some roads may be more slick than usual and require extra care.

8/11/2019 Ward Fire Update

The Ward Fire started early afternoon August 9th, 2019 when a lightning storm came through the area. The fire instantly started running and spotting, aided by topography and winds. Crews from ODF and BLM along with Green Diamond timber company rapidly responded.

The fire has burned 1329 acres and is 17% contained.  As of this evening dozer-constructed firelines have been completed directly along the burning perimeter on the west, north, and east flanks of the fire. Crews will begin mopping up and securing these areas, while patrolling for spot fires.
Last night and this morning the fire received approximately 1/2 inch of rain which greatly moderated fire behavior. We expect mostly cloudy conditions tonight with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Thunderstorm activity should diminish overnight. With warmer and dryer weather returning Sunday hot spots burning inside the fire have the potential to increase fire behavior. A dry front is possible at mid-week with slight cooling and stronger afternoon breezes.

Safety considerations for this fire include snags, rattle snakes, and power lines. Narrow, wet roads are hazardous for the public and fire traffic.

Cooperators assisting partner agencies ODF, Klamath Falls Resource Area Lakeview District BLM, Green Diamond Resource Company and the Klamath County Fire Chief.

8/8/2019 - NWS Forecast Office Pendleton, OR

A Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms with abundant lightning and gusty outflow winds is in effect until 3 PM Saturday for the Lower Columbia Basin of Washington, the east slopes of the northern Oregon Cascades, the east slopes of the southern Washington Cascades and adjacent valleys to the east. A Red Flag Warning is also in effect until 10 AM Saturday for the remainder of forecast area in central and northeast Oregon and southeast Washington. The greatest chance for thunderstorms will be this afternoon and especially again Friday afternoon.

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

8/6/2019 Northwest Geographic Area to PL3 at 0001 on 8/7/2019

The Northwest Geographic Area will increase to a Preparedness Level 3, effective Wednesday, August 7 at 0001 hours PT.

8/6/2019 Umatilla National Forest (HK Complex) Fire Update


Contact: Darcy Weseman (541) 278-3722
August 6, 2019 – 9:30 a.m.
Umatilla National Forest Lightning Fire Update

PENDLETON, Ore. –Additional new fires have been detected across the Forest following yesterday’s thunderstorms. Significant lightning activity occurred across much of the Forest, with multiple new incidents on the Umatilla National Forest reported to the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center (BMIDC) and John Day Interagency Dispatch Center (JDIDC). More smoke reports are expected throughout the next few days as weather conditions continue to stay hot and dry.
Local initial attack resources have been busy responding to these incidents. The majority of the fires are staffed and remain small, less than one acre in size. Fire crews will monitor these fires and continue to watch for additional starts.  

The Heppner Ranger District received the most significant fire activity with 12 new fires reported. Late afternoon downslope winds increased fire behavior across the district. Numerous new starts were reported near the Alder Creek Skookum Trailhead, approximately two miles east of Tupper Guard Station and are being managed as the HK Complex, which consists of 11 fires burning in grass, brush and timber. The total acreage of all the fires within the HK Complex is approximately 185 acres. The largest of the fires within the complex is estimated at 100 acres. A local Type 3 incident management team out of John Day, Oregon, will take command of the fire today at 6 p.m. and an incident command post will be set up at the Morrow County OHV Park. Current resources on scene include one 20-person hotshot crew, nine 20-person hand crews, 15 engines, and one skidgeon. Additional resources are on order. Today firefighters will continue to complete direct line construction, where terrain and fuels allow for crews to safely engage, while utilizing aircraft to slow fire spread and cool hotspots within the fire perimeter.  Crews will also work to locate and staff remaining fires that could not be located or staffed yesterday.   

The Rocky Flats Fire is also located on the Heppner Ranger District and is approximately 13 miles northeast of Spray, Oregon. The 49-acre fire was reported on Aug. 5 at 9:48 a.m. and is burning in grass, timber and juniper. The fire is 100% lined. Resources on scene include two hand crews, four engines, a skidgeon and a dozer. Today’s suppression strategy is to continue to secure the perimeter of the fire, where terrain and fuels allow for crews to safely engage, while utilizing aircraft to slow fire spread and cool hotspots within the fire perimeter. 

The North Fork John Day Ranger District reported one new fire at two acres near Wolf Springs, approximately five miles west of Ukiah. Local initial attack resources will work to build containment lines today. 

The Pomeroy Ranger District picked up one new fire. The Bucket Springs Fire is located near Saddle Butte, approximately 6 miles north of Troy, Oregon. The fire is located in rugged terrain and burning in grass and timber. The fire is estimated at 8 acres and currently staffed with local initial attack firefighters, six smokejumpers and four rapellers.  

The Walla Walla Ranger District reported seven new fires all located near Long Meadows and Elk Flat, approximately 30 miles northeast of Elgin, Oregon. The majority of the fires are staffed and remain small, less than a quarter acre in size. Fire crews will continue engaging these fires today and watch for additional starts. 

Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the week. Additional thunderstorms are forecasted for Saturday. 

Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at HIGH and Public Use Restrictions involving chainsaw use are in effect.  

Similar restrictions may be in effect on State and private lands protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WA-DNR).  More information can be found on the WA-DNR website at:  http://www.dnr.wa.gov/.  

For more information regarding Restrictions, please contact:
 
Information Hotline: Toll-Free (877) 958-9663 www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF 
Twitter: @UmatillaNF 
The latest fire information will be posted on the Blue Mountains Fire Information Blog. To receive updates on fires in the Blue Mountains, follow our blog at http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/.



View of HK Springs Fire within the HK Complex
View of HK Springs Fire within the HK Complex. Taken Aug. 5, 2019
Bucket Springs Fire. Taken Aug. 5, 2019
Bucket Springs Fire. Taken Aug. 5, 2019