Friday, September 4, 2020

9/4/2020 Beachie Creek Fire Update

Beachie Creek Fire Update

Friday, September 4, 2020

Size: 200 acres	Location: Opal Creek Wilderness, Willamette National Forest
Containment: 0 percent	Suppression Strategy: full suppression
Date Detected: August 16, 2020, 11:18 a.m.	Cause: unknown
Resources: 1 crew, 1 road grader, 1 water tender, 1 backhoe, 45 total personnel, 1 Type 2 helicopter. 1 Type 1 helicopter and 1 Rappel ship

Current Situation:

Thursday the fire grew to over 200 acres. The higher relative humidity levels yesterday likely slowed the movement of the fire. It continues backing down towards Beachie Creek and Opal Creek. The main progression is to the Southeast towards French Creek Ridge. Expect similar movement for Friday.

Smoke, especially in the early afternoon, will continue to affect the areas of Detroit, Jawbone Flats and communities in the Little North Fork an Elkhorn Valley. Smoke from the Lionshead and P-515 fire on the Warm Springs Reservation may be affecting the area.

Aviation will continue to be used to reduce the fire activity and limit the fire growth. While a Type 2 Initial Attack crew continues to brush roads, to reduce fuel, and prepare the roads for contingency lines.

A Type 2 Incident Command team took control of the fire at 6:00 a.m. on Friday under the command of Brian Gales. Additional resources are arriving over the weekend.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

 Increasing East winds expected early next week. High pressure remains anchored over the region with warm temperatures and dry conditions expected through the weekend. Expect favorable relative humidity recovery both Thursday and Friday night with daytime minimum relative humidity values staying above critical thresholds.

Closures: Willamette National Forest roads, trails, and lands around the fire area are closed. View the official order (Order 06-18-04-20-13) or go to InciWeb (link below) for a list and map of the closed, roads, trails, and recreation sites.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): Airspace over the Beachie Creek Fire area is restricted. Drones are not allowed within the TFR. Remember: If you fly, we can’t.

Fire Restrictions: Campfires are restricted to developed campsites with Forest Service provided fire rings. For a complete list of what is and is not allowed, go to the forest’s fire webpage: fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire. Never leave a campfire unattended. Drown it with water, stir it thoroughly, and feel it with your hand to ensure that it is out cold. The Willamette has determined for everyone’s safety that campfires will only be allowed in designated campgrounds. (Order 06-18-00-20-16).