Fire Terms

Saturday, August 10, 2024

8/10/2024 Pioneer Fire Update

 

Pioneer Fire Update 08-10-2024

Pioneer
Publication Type: News - 08/10/2024 - 15:49

Quick Facts

Start date:  June 8, 2024        Location:  31 miles northwest of Chelan, WA        Fire size:  37,164 acres           Containment: 13%                 Total personnel:  653              Cause:  Human-caused under investigation

 

CURRENT SITUATION: Fire activity increased yesterday as thunderstorms in the area compounded up lake winds driving the fire. Overnight infrared flight indicates the fire has moved past Little Boulder Creek, into Boulder Creek proper above Stehekin toward Rainbow Creek. Fire managers are evaluating a series of tactics to keep the fire within the 2010 Rainbow Bridge burn scar using Rainbow Creek to halt the northern progression. 

Crews assigned to the incident responded to three new lightning-caused fires predominantly in the Fox Peak area, on both sides of the peak, southeast of the Pioneer Fire. Initial attack crews will continue to try and suppress all new fires.

TODAY'S ACTIVITIES:  Fire managers continue to evaluate handline placement on the ridgetop between Rainbow and Boulder Creek to stop further encroachment into Stehekin within the 2010 Rainbow Bridge burn scar. Masticators and other heavy equipment working to reinforce containment lines along Stehekin Valley Road will continue throughout the day as crews work to keep the fire north of the road.  

WEATHER AND SMOKE:  Thunderstorms will continue to be a significant threat today. Thunderstorm coverage will be slightly less than on Friday but the storms that form will produce lightning, brief heavy rain, and gusty outflow winds. Thunderstorm chances will further decrease on Sunday with a 20 percent chance of observing lightning from any given location in the incident area. Relative humidity will increase and temperatures will decrease each day from Saturday to Monday.

The Stehekin Valley continues to be impacted by smoke from the Pioneer and Easy fires, with air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups most of the day. The full smoke report is available:  https://outlooks.airfire.org/ara-v6/published//North%20Central%20Washington/eng/f79a6d6d_20240810151953outlook.pdf
EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please contact Chelan County Emergency Management or visit https://t.ly/QoH9wfor more information.

FOREST CLOSURE: Closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htmThe Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov).Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wases-pioneer 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080

Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM

Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

8/10/2024 Elk Lane Fire Update

Acres: 5,176 acres | Start Date: August 4, 2024 | Cause: Lightning | Fuels: Timber, Brush, Tall Grass | Containment: 55% | Resources: 210

Resources: 5 hand crews | 17 engines | 3 bulldozers | 6 water tenders | 4 skidgen

Highlight: Firefighters continued to increase containment and ensure lines are secure.  Forecasted weather shows cooling temperatures (low-mid 80s), but dry conditions next week.  The fire is now 55% contained. 

Overview:  The Elk Lane Fire is approximately 5,176 acres in size.  It was started by a lightning strike on the evening of August 4th.  The fire is now being managed by the Central Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team (CO Type 3 Team).  With all evacuation levels below 3, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) Red Incident Management Team along with all remaining task forces are demobilizing today.    

Fire Activity:  Fire activity is minimal throughout the fire.  The approximate footprint of the burned area is east of the Deschutes River from Lake Simtustus to Belmont Lane, north of Belmont Lane to SW Elbe Drive and the Dry Canyon Area, south of Willow Creek, and west of NW Clackamas Drive.  Suppression efforts today will continue to focus on mopping-up and securing lines.  The great work of fire personnel has decreased threats to structures, resulting in the lowering of all evacuation levels.  The CO Type 3 Team continues to manage the fire with over 100 personnel.

Evacuations:  All evacuation levels in and around the Elk Lane Fire are below level 3.  For the most up to date evacuation information in Jefferson County visit, https://tinyurl.com/mte4e75m or the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Facebook Page at:  https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonCountyORSheriff/.  The Madras High School is still a temporary evacuation center, with the Red Cross on scene. 

Weather: Hot temperatures (low 90s), low relative humidity, and light winds are forecasted for today and tomorrow.  Cooler daytime temperatures (low-mid 80s) are forecasted starting Monday through next week.  The change in weather will help firefighters completing mop-up operations.

Importance of Fire Prevention/Fire Restrictions:   All public lands in Central Oregon, are in Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow fire prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources. The public’s cooperation in adhering to fire bans and restrictions is vital to prevent new fires from starting and to help our firefighters focus on containing the existing fires.

Fire Information: The public is encouraged to call (458) 206-1745, for updates or reports from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M   The information line will be shutting down tomorrow.   Local residents are encouraged to call the non-emergency dispatch number after tomorrow for any questions related to evacuations and/or the status of the fire.  This number is 541-384-2080.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire.