9/16/2020 Echo Mountain Complex Update

 

 

Echo Mountain Complex Daily Update 9/16/2020

 

 

Rainfall totals for yesterday were not as much as firefighters were hoping to receive.  Rain gauges placed in the fire area showed that the western half of the fire received 0.13-0.18 inches of rain.  Further to the east, the rain gauges only received trace amounts of precipitation.  The lack of rain didn’t slow firefighter’s progress though.  The Echo Mountain Complex remained at 2,552 acres, but is now 40% contained. 

Firefighters are working on mopping up and securing the fire.  Mopping up is the methodical process of detecting hotspots around the fire’s perimeter and removing the heat.  This is generally conducted using water, but utilizing the high relative humidity to assist is also a tactic firefighters will employ.  Fire resources will continue this process over the next few days to make sure there are no threats to the fire line.

The incident meteorologist is predicting more significant rainfall over the fire area later in the week.  Temperatures today are forecast to be slightly cooler than yesterday.  The forecast is calling for temperatures in the 60s and higher relative humidity.

Work continues along Highway 18, however, the highway is open to through traffic.  Travelers can expect to be guided through the fire area by pilot cars.   Drivers are also reminded that fire resources will remain in the area, and drive times may be significantly longer than usual.

Areas that were previously in a Level 2 evacuation area have had evacuation orders lifted.  The current level 3 evacuation area remains in place, except for the Highway 101/18 interchange. Residential addresses between milepost 0 and 5 have been downgraded to a level 2. For more information on these levels and areas where they apply, please check:  www.co.lincoln.or.us/echomountainfire Residents affected by evacuations can call the county’s call center at 541-265-0621, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. seven days a week.