8/1/2020 Matlock Fire Update

 Firefighters are making significant progress containing the 85-acre Matlock Fire, which is burning in timber on the Umatilla National Forest, 13.5 miles northwest of Ukiah, Oregon. The fire did not grow yesterday and is now 50% contained, as crews cleaned up the head of the fire to the north. Some smoldering hotspots remain, but are mainly well within the fire perimeter. Suppression efforts are directed by Incident Commander Gabe Hale and the Northeast Oregon Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team.

Today, hotshot crews are completing hand line around small spot fires on the north edge of the fire to cut off any potential for spread onto private land. Other crews and engines are mopping up along the lines, laying hose, spraying water, and digging out hot stumps. Fire managers have begun demobilizing equipment and personnel, releasing them for assignment to other fires burning in the Northwest and elsewhere.

While the weather has cooled somewhat from last week's heat wave, conditions remain extremely dry, which mean fuels ignite easily and burn rapidly. Fire managers are employing tactics which protect firefighter and public safety, while effectively minimizing fire spread and preventing damage to private lands and natural and cultural resources. Firefighters are also taking a number of precautions to prevent transmission of corona virus. Information is being provided virtually, crew camping areas are dispersed, and resources are kept apart to the extent possible.

Firefighting resources assigned include three Interagency Hotshot Crews, two Type 2IA hand crews, eight Type 6 engines, seven water tenders, one dozer, one feller-buncher/skidder team, and one processor. Aerial support includes one Type 3 helicopter.