9/5/2020 White River Fire Update

White River Fire Update - September 5, 2020  -9:00 a.m.

 

QUICK FACTS – FIRE SUMMARY
Start Date:  8/17/2020	Approx. Size: 17,379 acres	Resources on the Fire:	Cooperating Agencies:
Cause: Lightning	Containment: 50%	34 Crews	Wasco Co. Sheriff
Incident Commander:	Total Personnel: 1,167	53 Engines	Wasco Co. Emergency Management
Noel Livingston   Pacific Northwest Team 3	Approx. Distance:   8 miles from Maupin   7  miles from Tygh Valley	16 Dozers  18 Water Tenders   8 Helicopters	NTSB/FAA

 

 

Weather and Fire Behavior:  Although temperatures will be slightly cooler today, hot dry weather will continue to impact the fire throughout the day.  With temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s and low relative humidity, unburned islands in the fire interior are very dry and can be ignited by nearby smoldering fuels or blowing embers.  Light winds will keep fire active into the early evening.  

Last 24 hours: On the northwest and eastern portions of the fire, crews continued improving containment lines, assessing the need for suppression repair, checking for residual heat, and extinguishing smoldering logs and other fuels near the perimeter. In the southwest area near Clear Creek, fire crews developed a preliminary containment line toward the White River canyon. Helicopters assisted crews with targeted water and retardant drops in active fire zones. 

Today’s Activities:  On the northwest and eastern sides of the fire, crews and heavy equipment operators will reinforce established containment lines and mop up smoldering fuels near the perimeter. The structure protection group will continue to mop up and patrol in the Pine Grove area during their final days on the fire. In the southwest section of the fire, crews will improve the newly developed containment line near Clear Creek towards the White River. Resource advisors will plan and implement repairs to areas damaged by suppression activities.  

Driver and recreators are encouraged to used extra caution while in the area as firefighters and equipment continue to work near roadways. Evacuations and Forest Closures may also impact holiday weekend activities in the area. Check Wasco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page (facebook.com/wascocountysheriff) and the Mount Hood National Forest website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/mthood/) for details. 

Evacuations:  The Wasco County Sheriff has updated evacuation notices. For the most up-to-date information please visit the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff). An interactive evacuation map can be found at https://arcg.is/1janHC . 

Wasco County residents are encouraged to register for Wasco County Citizen Alert at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612392#/login All emergency information including evacuations will be distributed through the citizen alert system. 

 

FOR ADDITIONAL FIRE INFORMATION:  

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7013       

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFire  

Email:  2020.whiteriver@firenet.gov     

Fire Information: 541-604-8582