8/4/2020 Fir Mountain Fire Evening Update

FIR MOUNTAIN FIRE—EVENING UPDATE

NOTE—THIS WILL BE THE LAST EVENING UPDATE UNLESS CONDITIONS CHANGE

Despite breezy afternoon winds Tuesday, firefighters on the Fir Mountain Fire held the fire within the perimeter and only saw activity from the consumption of unburned fuels within the interior.  Fire behavior moderated from the last few days and fire resources were able to focus on establishing and reinforcing firelines.  Containment for the fire has increased to 30% this evening.  The fire is 313 acres.

Today operations used helicopters to drop water and cool the spot fires on the eastern flank to allow ground resources to build fireline on the edge of the fire.  Heavy equipment is being used to build fireline as possible while hand crews are being used in the more difficult terrain.  Heavy fuels have continued to hamper fireline construction and mop-up activities.  On the east flank of the fire firefighters were able to begin construction of hoselays to deliver water to this area of the fire.

Additional resources arrived on the fire today bringing the total assigned resources to 400.    

For public safety road closures are in place for Godberson Road and Fir Mountain Road due to fire suppression activity.  Evacuation information for the eastern flank of the fire is available at https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.

The fire was first reported August 1, 2020 and remains under investigation.