InciWeb Articles & Incidents for Washington and Oregon

Percent of completed objectives reaches 65% on the Diamond Creek Fire Location: 11 miles NNW of Mazama, WA Total Personnel: 259 Acres: 129,000 total acres in US and Canada Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 65% Start Date: July 23, 2017 Note: The increase in percent contained reflects the percent of operational objective completed. Update: Suppression repair work continued steadily yesterday along the contingency lines and Early Winter Guard Station. Work included hand piling, log repositioning and stacking, and wood chipping. Minimal fire activity is in the Monument and Pat Creek drainages, and the northeast section of the fire. 10 fire crews, 11 engines, 3 helicopters and 4 dozers remain on the incident. Fire managers have received all resources needed to complete suppression efforts. Over the coming days and weeks, the Forest will be completing Burned Area Emergency Response assessments. Together with local emergency management, Forest hydrologists, soil...

Date Started: Aug. 11, 2017; Cause: Lightning; Acreage: 52,05(Norse Peak), 3,853 (American), 1,061 (Saw Mill); Percent Completed: 80% (Norse Peak), 95% (American), 95% (Saw Mill).Total Personnel: 753, which includes 19 Crews, 35 Engines, 7 Helicopters, 1 Bulldozer, 5 Water Tenders.Fire Summary: The heaviest rain is expected on the western and northern side of the fire.Norse Peak Fire is having minimal fire growth with isolated pockets of slow surface spread in heavy vegetation under forest canopy. State Route 410 is being cleared of debris and hazardous trees are being removed. Thinning, to remove hazardous trees along Forest Road 1900 is almost complete.On this incident, 80% of the fireline will be indirect, or not directly adjacent to the fire’s edge. The remaining 20% of the fireline will be direct. The indirect lines are 100% complete and 80% of direct line has been completed.The Incident Management Team is working closely with the Washington Department of Transportation to open...

Whitewater Fire - including Little Devil, Scorpion, Clagett Lake, Slideout, Fire #296 (Section Line) French and Potato Hill FiresSeptember 20, 2017 Daily UpdateFire Information Line: 541-719-8371, willamettewildfires2017@gmail.comLocation: Willamette National ForestWillamette National Forest Closures: 541-225-6350, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-noticesSize: 14,416 acres (total for reported fires) Containment: 43%Resources Assigned: 429 personnel (total for reported fires) Rain will continue this morning and turn to a snow/rain mixture by this afternoon. As a result, fire crews have transitioned from fire suppression to repair activities including road, trail and terrain repair and retrieval of equipment on the Little Devil, Whitewater and Scorpion Fires. Fire activity has been minimal since Monday. Weather creates a number of safety hazards for firefighters including slippery, impassible roads, difficulty navigating steep, rocky terrain and the possibility of hazard...

Smoke: Light westerly winds and continued showers will limit smoke movement across SW Oregon. Communities near Chetco Bar, Miller and Indigo fires will likely experience good air quality conditions throughout the area today. Forecast showers will continue to limit smoke production and movement. Fire: Low smoldering fire behavior expected today on fires. The Chetco Bar Fire is 190,512 and 77% contained. Chetco Fire Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5385/Miller Complex is 36,303 acres, and 65% contained. Miller Complex Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5514/#Other: Will Bayse is transitioning in as Air Resource Advisor and will take over tomorrow, Thursday, for SW Oregon.

On September 19, 2017 at 6:00 pm, Great Basin Interagency Incident Management Team, Team 1 assumed command of the eastern portion of the Chetco Bar Fire. The fire will no longer be divided into zones. All operations will be coordinated through the Great Basin Team 1. Cooler weather and intermittent rain showers will continue through Wednesday. The higher humidity and lower temperatures will reduce fire behavior. This will allow firefighters an opportunity to continue to strengthen and extend control lines. Fire suppression rehabilitation work continues, with fire crews chipping slash and repairing hand and dozer lines. Water bars are being installed on control lines to ensure that rainwater will not erode the exposed soil. The intent of fire suppression rehabilitation is to return those areas of the forest impacted by the fire to their original state. Firefighters are working to collect fire hose, pumps and other equipment across the fire area and around the perimeter. Many...

Horse Creek Complex and Rebel Fire Update for Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, 9 a.m. Fire Information: (541) 719-8371 Online: inciweb.nwcg.gov/unit/3860 https//facebook.com/WillametteWildfires2017 Willamettewildfires2017@gmail.com Rebel Fire: 8,653 acres Horse Creek Complex: Olallie Lookout Fire, 1,572 acres; Roney Fire, 3,548 acres; Avenue Fire, 2,962 acres; Separation Fire, 17,747 acres; Nash Fire, 6,738 acres. Total all fires: 41,220 acres (The last IR flight was conducted on 9/15. No change in acreage has been measured since 9/15.) Current Resources: Personnel, 412; Crews, 7; Helicopters, 2; Engines, 26; Dozers, 2; Water Tenders, 6; Skidgens, 1. Weather: As of Tuesday afternoon, 2 ½ to 3 ½”of precipitation had fallen on the Horse Creek Complex and Rebel Fire. Snow fell at and above the 4,500 foot elevation, with a very heavy and wet 1-2” of snow/slush at Hoodoo Incident Command Post and deeper snow at higher elevations. Another 1 ½-2” of precipitation is...

Summary: The High Cascades Complex East Zone received significant rain and snow over the Spruce Lake, Blanket Creek and North Pelican Fires. Moisture reduced fire activity and the threat to Rim Village, Park Headquarters, Munson Valley, West Rim Drive, Mazama Village and the south entrance. However, weather posed challenges to resources working on the line. Poor visibility and wet roads prevented some crews from engaging in operations. “We are able to use this time to develop solid repair plans and set priorities for future operations,” said Tim Roide, Incident Commander for the East Zone. Inclement weather prevented aerial observations but managers do not anticipate any change in fire perimeter over the next several days. New acreage and containment percentages will be available when weather clears. Drier conditions are expected this weekend, which will provide fire managers a precursory view into potential fire activity for the rest of the season. The...

High Cascades Complex West Zone 9/20/2017 9:00 a.m. Fire Information: (541) 316-8352 Weather continues to be front and center in the planning process for firefighters on the Broken Lookout and Pup Fires. With winds gusting from the west-northwest from 39 to 50 mph early this morning, crews were prepared to cut wind-thrown trees out of the roadways if necessary to get to their assigned locations this morning. Rainfall in the fire area ranged from .39 inches to 1.56 inches. Snow levels are expected to drop to 5500 feet today, with an accumulation of 3 inches on portions of the fire area. Crater Lake has accumulated eight inches of snow as of this morning, and may collect up to 18 inches before this series of storms has passed. A warming and drying trend is forecast for Friday through next week, and the fires may again exhibit active fire behavior, so preparation of containment lines continues. Incident Commander Shawn Sheldon said today, “I worked at Tiller for seven years, and...

Horse Creek Complex and Rebel Fire Update for Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, 9 a.m. Fire Information: (541) 719-8371 Online: inciweb.nwcg.gov/unit/3860 https//facebook.com/WillametteWildfires2017 Willamettewildfires2017@gmail.com Rebel Fire: 8,653 acres Horse Creek Complex: Olallie Lookout Fire, 1,572 acres; Roney Fire, 3,548 acres; Avenue Fire, 2,962 acres; Separation Fire, 17,747 acres; Nash Fire, 6,738 acres. Total all fires: 41,220 acres (The last IR flight was conducted on 9/15. No change in acreage has been measured since 9/15.) Current Resources: Personnel, 412; Crews, 7; Helicopters, 2; Engines, 26; Dozers, 2; Water Tenders, 6; Skidgens, 1. Weather: As of Tuesday afternoon, 2 ½ to 3 ½”of precipitation had fallen on the Horse Creek Complex and Rebel Fire. Snow fell at and above the 4,500 foot elevation, with a very heavy and wet 1-2” of snow/slush at Hoodoo Incident Command Post and deeper snow at higher elevations. Another 1 ½-2” of precipitation is forecast to...

Miller Complex Fire Update Sept. 20, 2017 NW Incident Management Team (IMT) 9, Brian Goff, Incident Commander Information: Phone: 541-899-5302 Email: MillerComplex2017@gmail.com Current Situation: A strong upper level trough and associated cold front will move across the complex today. This morning, winds will be especially prevalent over ridges, but are expected to lessen this afternoon as the front moves east. Rain is also expected this morning, diminishing to showers this afternoon. On Friday, NW IMT 9 will be turning over management of the Miller Complex fires to a Type 3 command structure, signaling a reduction in the incident’s complexity. The Type 3 team will patrol established containment lines, rehabilitate those lines as needed, and monitor areas of the fire where natural features provide containment. These may include areas of less dense vegetation and significant rock band formations. The Type 3 team inherits the incident command post location. Approximately 200...

Umpqua North Complex UpdateSeptember 20, 2017 – 9:00 a.m. Fire Information: 541-378-6944 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm) Start Date: August 11, 2017 Cause: Lightning Fuels: Timber, forest litter, tall grass, shrubs Acres: 43,139 Percent Contained: 38% The fire area received 1.6 to 2.6 inches of precipitation over the last 48 hours which reduced fire behavior to minimal surface creeping and backing fire activity. The second, stronger cold front moved in last night bringing with it increased rain showers, high winds and a chance for one to two inches of snow at elevations as low as 4,500 feet. A flash flood watch remains in effect through this afternoon along portions of Highway 138 impacted by the fire. Rain showers are expected to dissipate Thursday, and by Friday the area will begin to dry out and experience warmer temperatures. Yesterday firefighters continued to repair areas impacted by fire suppression tactics. Repair operations were significantly slowed due to rainfall....

Jones Fire / Kelsey Fire 9/20/2017 - 8 a.m. Fire Information: (541) 937-5219 jonesfire2017@gmail.com Jones Fire - Size: 10,522 acres Containment: 75% Cause: Lightning Kelsey Fire - Size: 527 acres Containment: 15% Cause: Lightning An area closure is now in place surrounding the Kelsey Fire to provide for public and firefighter safety in the affected area. This week’s rain will help suppression objectives, but is unlikely to be enough to put the fire out. Yesterday’s Activity –On the Jones Fire crews spent the day removing material cut during the preparation of contingency firelines as well as nonessential equipment, supplies and protective wrapping from structures. Plans continue for the repair of suppression activities. Crews did not engage on the Kelsey Fire due to poor weather conditions. Today’s Operations – On the Jones Fire crews will scout suppression opportunities for the uncontained portion of the fire south of Forest Road 18. They will also...

Jones Fire / Kelsey Fire 9/20/2017 - 8 a.m. Fire Information: (541) 937-5219 jonesfire2017@gmail.com Jones Fire - Size: 10,522 acres Containment: 75% Cause: Lightning Kelsey Fire - Size: 527 acres Containment: 15% Cause: Lightning An area closure is now in place surrounding the Kelsey Fire to provide for public and firefighter safety in the affected area. This week’s rain will help suppression objectives, but is unlikely to be enough to put the fire out. Yesterday’s Activity –On the Jones Fire crews spent the day removing material cut during the preparation of contingency firelines as well as nonessential equipment, supplies and protective wrapping from structures. Plans continue for the repair of suppression activities. Crews did not engage on the Kelsey Fire due to poor weather conditions. Today’s Operations – On the Jones Fire crews will scout suppression opportunities for the uncontained portion of the fire south of Forest Road 18. They will also...

Jolly Mountain Fire - Frequently Asked Questions Updated September 20, 2017 About the fire: Where is the Jolly Mountain Fire and how big is it? The Jolly Mountain Fire is burning 6 miles north/northwest of Cle Elum, WA. As of September 18, the fire has burned approximately 36,808 acres. Effective fire suppression and seasonal fall weather have considerably slowed the fire’s growth. Click here to view larger map. When and how did the fire start? The Jolly Mountain Fire was detected on August 11. The fire was started by multiple strikes from a lightning storm. Why wasn’t the fire put out when it was first reported? The fire quickly grew to 100 acres the first day and 300 acres by the next day. Steep slopes, rugged terrain and the distance from road systems limited access to the fire. Given the terrain and dense dry forest conditions, to attempt a direct attack would have been extremely dangerous. Helicopter water drops and retardant drops from planes would not...

Smoke: Air quality is generally good with the exception of moderate air quality in the overnight hours in Cle Elum. Expect the trend to continue into Thursday and Friday as more Pacific moisture effects the fire areas. Fire: The Jolly Mountain fire is currently burning in the Yakima River basin on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, north of Cle Elum, WA. The current fire size is 36,808 acres an increase of 0 acres Minimal fire behavior. The Uno Peak fire is currently burning north of Lake Chelan with a current size of 8,726 acres an increase of 0 acres. Minimal fire behavior. The Norse Peak fire is burning northwest of Yakima. The current size is 52,056 acres a decrease of 446 acres. Minimal fire behavior. Other: Precipitation in the area will continue into Friday. After Friday, a drying trend may lead to increase smoke production. There is a possibility of moderate smoke condition in the overnight hours.

Firefighting efforts to date have held the Kelsey Fire to just over 500 acres. The extended rain in the forecast will help suppression objectives, but is unlikely to be enough to put the fire out. For firefighter and public safety, an area closure is now in place. The area will cover north of the railroad line near Highway 58 to Forest Service road 24 (these roads are not included in the closure.) While there is only one recreation feature impacted, the Bunchgrass Trail, it is a popular location for

Notice Community Meeting Applegate Valley Fire Station #9 6 pm tonight Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017 NW9 will provide an update on fire operations and team management. Evacuations: The evacuation warning for the Joe Bar community has been lifted. There are no evacuations on the Miller Complex. Miller Complex Fire Update Sept. 19, 2017 NW Incident Management Team (IMT) 9, Brian Goff, Incident Commander Complex Size: 36,302 acres Containment: 65% Personnel: 409 Information: Phone: 541-899-5302 Email: MillerComplex2017@gmail.com Evacuations: The evacuation warning for the Joe Bar community has been lifted. There are no evacuations on the Miller Complex Weather: Rains brought moisture to most of the Miller Complex over the last two days, with the largest amounts on the west side of the Abney Fire. Forecasts show more widespread, significant rain coming tonight and into Wednesday with a quarter to a half inch over most of the complex and up to one inch over the western...

All Evacuation Levels Dropped for Umpqua North Fires - 09/19/17 Effective Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at noon, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and Fire Managers will lift all evacuations related to the Umpqua North Fires. Residents living in the Dry Creek/Illahee area (Hwy 138 E, milepost 46.5 to 49.5), Slide Creek area (Hwy 138 E, milepost 53 to 56), Toketee Village (Hwy 138 E, milepost 56 to 58.5) and Toketee Ranger Station (Hwy 138 E, milepost 58.5 to 61) were previously under a Level 1 or "Be Ready" Evacuation notice. The lifting of this notice means no homes are currently being threatened by any of the fires in the Umpqua North Complex. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office and our firefighting partners ask that all residents have an emergency plan and live in a state of preparedness for when disasters may strike. You may find resources at www.dcso.com/preparedness_N.asp or

El dia de ayer, 18 de Septiembre, a las 6:00 pm, la oficina del Sheriff del condado de Curry, levanto todas las Ordenes de Evacuacion para el area del Incendio. Se espera que la lluvia y las condiciones climaticas frias continuen dandose, lo cual disminuira la actividad del fuego. El dia de hoy, el porcentage de contencion del Incendio alcanzo un 68%, un 13% mas que el dia de ayer. El impacto de humo continuara siendo de liviano a moderado en las comunidades alrededor del Incendio, permaneciendo visible desde el perimetro interno del incendio hasta que esta estacion del ano (verano) se por finalizada. El enfoque de estas operaciones ha cambiado de supresion del Incendio a supresion de rehabilitacion. La tripulacion estara trabajando en la reparacion de lineas a mano y de tractores, recogiendo las mangueras e instalando barras de acueductos con el fin de prevenir la erosion en las areas donde ya no hay fuego dentro del perimetro del incendio. Debido al clima humedo, los bomberos...

Informacion del Incendio Chetco East Zone (Condado de Josephine): (541) 597-8525 El dia Lunes, la lluvia sobre el Incendio de Chetco East Zone y en el de Indigo (No. 784) alcanzo aproximadamente ¼ de pulgada. Con las condiciones climaticas frias, aire humedo y material de combustion mojado, se dio como resultado una actividad baja en el incendio.Se dio la produccion de humo y llamas latentes ocurridas en la materia de combustion que esta protegida por un bosque tupido y en areas pequenas de materia seca. Los vuelos infrarrojos no se han podido llevar a cabo, debido a las condiciones nubladas, por lo tanto, el tamano de los incendios fue determinado a travez del uso de datos previos de IR y de puntos de GPS desde las areas de observacion. En la Zona Oeste, debido al riesgo bajo de dispersion del Incendio y lineas de fuego bien establecidas, todos las Ordenes de Evacuacion fueron levantadas (anuladas) en el Condado de Curry el dia Lunes al medio dia. El Nivel No. 2 de Evacuacion...