8/3/2020 Fir Mountain AM Fire Update

Oregon Department of Forestry’s The Dalles Unit in-briefed a Type 3 Team from Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) Sunday evening, providing current situation and suppression objectives for the Fir Mountain Fire.  Overnight the COFMS Team worked with fire personnel, transitioning this morning to assume command.  The fire is estimated to be 250 acres, burning in logging slash (from an old logging operation), timber and younger reproduction.

Sunday was a challenging day on the fire as wind pushed the smoke column over the fire, obscuring what was happening on the ground from air resources which are used to provide critical information back to fireline leadership.  Reduced winds Sunday evening and night allowed firefighters to gain a clear view of fire behavior and fire location across the fire area.  Fire leadership determined that besides the main body of the fire there were numerous spotfires to the east of the original fire.  Some of these spotfires are estimated to be up to ten acres in size.  The furthest “spot” is near Godberson Road in Wasco County nearly a mile east of the main fire, as of this morning this fire has a dozer line around the perimeter.  This morning the Team is working to map spotfires based on information reported back from fire resources. 

Last night fire personnel were able to complete dozer line around the main body of the fire and will work today to secure the fireline.  Firefighters will work inward from the perimeter to cool any hotspots with water and dirt to reduce the risk of fire spreading outside the fireline.  Several of the other spot fires also have dozer line or handline around the perimeter or portions of the perimeter.

There are approximately 200 fire personnel assigned to the Fir Mountain Fire.  Aircraft will continue to be critical in slowing the spread of fire today to allow ground personnel to engage directly with the fire.  Today winds are expected to be similar to what firefighters experienced on Sunday.

The fire was reported late Saturday night and is currently under investigation.

ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians.  Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment.  For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.