This page is designed to provide for timely and official fire information about wildland fires across the Pacific Northwest. The information is posted by the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center in partnership with Public Information Officers that work for federal, state and local fire agencies and is drawn from official sources within the wildland fire community.
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
9/1/2020 Sweet Creek MP 2 Update
Overnight, firefighters on the Sweet Creek Milepost 2 Fire completed hand line around the perimeter of all burned areas. The fire is now fully lined. They also continued putting in hose lays to bring water to the fire. Fire behavior was moderate, though the fire did grow outside the lines in two small areas. These were quickly controlled and new line has been established around them. The fire, estimated at 513 acres, is burning on private forestland near Mapleton in Lane County, Oregon. It remains 0% contained. ODF Team 1 took command of the fire yesterday at 6 pm.
Speaking at this morning’s briefing, Operations Section Chief Mike Carlson instructed crews, “Today’s goals are to hold and continue to secure lines.” Today crews will continue to secure lines by putting in hose lays to cool hot spots along the perimeter. They will also remain alert to any spots across the lines. Heavy equipment will be used to strengthen lines and open roads for access. Aircraft will make water drops to cool hot spots and be available to quickly address spot fires.
Today marks a change in the weather pattern across Oregon, with building high pressure expected to bring higher temperatures, lower relative humidity, and the potential for gusty winds. These conditions, combined with extremely dry fuels, will test fire lines over the next few days. Steep terrain also increases the likelihood of quick runs should spot fires emerge. While containment remains 0%, it is expected to increase as crews strengthen existing lines and begin to mop up hot spots inside the fire perimeter. Evacuations remain in place on Hadsall Creek (Level 3: GO!), Sweet Creek Rd (Level 2: Be Set!) and Bernhardt Creek Rd and Duncan Island Road (Level 1: Be Ready!). For more information on evacuations please visit: https://www.lanecounty.org/news/sweetcreekfires.
The Red Cross is providing accommodations for those affected by the fire. To make emergency arrangements call 888-680-1455. The health and safety of local residents, visitors and fire crews is a critically important to our mission. Best management practices include proper distancing and minimizing our physical interactions within the community. To maintain these standards, the fire can no longer accept donations of food or other supplies from the community. We appreciate your generosity and understanding.
9/1/2020 Lionshead and P-515 Update
This update is for the P-515 Fire and Lionshead Fire burning on the Warm Springs Reservation. Both fires are being managed for full suppression.
On Wednesday, September 2nd, Eric Knerr’s Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT), Northwest Team 7, will transition management of the fire to incoming Type 2 IMT, Northwest Team 10, managed by Incident Commander Alan Lawson.
Current Situation: The P-515 Fire is 4,609 acres and 92% contained. Securing of the fire perimeter continued, with interior mop up ongoing.
The Lionshead Fire is now 7,965 acres and 25% contained. Active fire behavior to the west and southwest occurred yesterday. Air resources have continued to be engaged on the northwest and southwest portion of the fire.
P-515 Fire: Mop up activities will be ongoing with removal of equipment and resources from the fire line that are no longer needed.
Lionshead Fire: Maximum effort and resources remain engaged on the northwest and southwest corners of the fire. Firefighters are extending the fire lines and working to secure these sections. Along the eastern flank, crews continue to secure and improve fire lines.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Winds are expected out of the southeast 1-5 mph in the morning, shifting to the northeast in the evening, 1-7 mph with gusts to 12mph. Temperatures will increase into the mid 70’s to 80’s. Abundant dry fuels, difficult terrain and persistent burning conditions are expected with aggressive rates of spread.
Closures: Trout Lake Road at pavement end; Road B140 at Potter’s Pond; Road B210 and Road P-500. All trails south of Trout Lake, west of M-120 Metolious Bench, east of Mt. Jefferson, and north of J-195 will be closed to the public. Tenino Road (P-200) is closed to the public, with only fire personnel and residents are allowed.
Evacuations: There are currently no evacuation orders associated with the P-515 or Lionshead Fires.
COVID-19: Precautionary measures have been implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, and implementing more virtual work. Public and firefighter safety are a top priority.
Prevention Message: Protect your property, friends, and family – prevent wildfires.
9/1/2020 White River Fire Update
QUICK FACTS – FIRE SUMMARY | |||
Start Date: 8/17/2020 | Approx. Size: 15,411 acres | Resources on the Fire: | Cooperating Agencies: |
Cause: Lightning | Containment: 10% | 32 Crews | Wasco Co. Sheriff |
Incident Commander: | Total Personnel: 1,188 | 63 Engines | Wasco Co. Emergency Management |
Noel Livingston – Pacific Northwest Team 3 Ian Yocum – OSFM Red Team | Approx. Distance: 8 miles from Maupin 7 miles from Tygh Valley | 8 Dozers 17 Water Tenders 8 Helicopters | NTSB/FAA |
White River Fire Update – Tuesday, September 1st, 2020 – 9:00 a.m. |
Weather and Fire Behavior: Increased weather instability combined with warm and dry conditions will impact fuels across the fire throughout the day and into the evening, particularly along fire perimeters and unburned islands in the fire interior. Temperatures will reach into the high 80’s-low 90’s. Terrain driven fire activity will continue to push growth, with flanking and short-range spotting expected along the southern perimeter.
Last 24 hours: Firefighting efforts took advantage of the break in weather to make progress in securing lines and suppressing fire. Hotshot crews were able to construct a line in the canyon all the way down to the river edge. Established dozer lines continued to hold, keeping fire from reaching the highway. Crews continue to perform mop up and patrolled along fire lines as fire perimeters were reinforced along the western edge. Crews were using natural features to assist with suppression efforts and performed mop up around structures. Over 250 new resources were added to aid in fire suppression efforts. Overnight resources continue to patrol and work on hot spots.
Today’s Activities: Crews and heavy equipment will continue constructing control lines and improving existing containment lines. Along the western edge firefighters will continue to perform mop up and patrol operations from the road to the river. If weather, humidity and fuel moisture levels are in alignment with safety procedures and protocols burnouts will happen along the south western edge of the fire. As Oregon State Fire Marshal crews transition home a structure group of incident resources has been formed to continue with structure mop up and protection. Along the eastern perimeter, crews and aircraft continue to hold the spread of the fire and are working towards increased containment. Crews will continue efforts to prepare for possible burnout operations in heavy timbered areas.
Oregon State Fire Marshal: Thanks to improved weather and the hard work of crews, the danger to structures has diminished significantly allowing the OSFM task forces to return to their home departments. Their unified approach with all teams and local resources allowed for a sharing of additional levels of intelligence and experience.
Evacuations: The Wasco County Sheriff has issued evacuation notices. For the most up-to-date information on the evacuation notices please visit the Wasco County Sheriff Facebook page (www.facebook.com/
Wasco County residents are encouraged to register for Wasco County Citizen Alert at: https://member.everbridge.net/
FOR ADDITIONAL FIRE INFORMATION:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Email: 2020.whiteriver@firenet.gov
Fire Information: 541-604-8582