Saturday, August 28, 2010
Oak Knoll Fire Pictures
Visit our Picasa page to view pictures of the Oak Knoll Fire as well as other Oregon Department of Forestry photos.
Fire Season Restrictions Remain In Effect
Even though cooler weather is visiting the Rogue Valley, and some scattered rain may fall, fire season restrictions remain in effect across Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
- Open burning is not allowed until fire season ends. This includes piles of debris and burn barrels.
- Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds.
- Smoking in forestland areas is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle on an improved road
- Vehicles are not allowed on unimproved roads
Cool Weather Helps Oak Flat Firefighters
Cooler weather conditions are enabling firefighters at the Oak Flat Fire to complete firelines around the northern portion of the fire. Along the western flank of this portion of the fire, containment lines previously used on the Biscuit Fire have been improved. Dozer lines and existing roads between Briggs Creek and Myers Creek were cleared of brush and debris to strengthen the containment line to the north and east of the fire area. Additional contingency lines have been identified to the north. Much of the original fire area is under a patrol and rehab status.
Since the majority of the firefighting activity is better accessed from the north, the incident command post will be moving to BLM Sprague Seed Orchard in Merlin on Sunday. This will reduce driving distances for the firefighters and make for a safer, more efficient operation.
With temperatures expected to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal and a potential for scattered showers, fire fighters will be able to further strengthen firelines and better prepare for warmer and dryer conditions expected for next week when conditions for burnout operations should improve.
Sam Brown Campground, the 2500 road (Taylor Creek Road), and the 2402 road remain closed to all but fire traffic.
With bow hunting season starting this weekend, recreation activities on the river corridor, and an increase in firefighter traffic in the area, please use caution.
For additional information, please call Tim Johnson, incident information officer, at (541) 597-4250.
Since the majority of the firefighting activity is better accessed from the north, the incident command post will be moving to BLM Sprague Seed Orchard in Merlin on Sunday. This will reduce driving distances for the firefighters and make for a safer, more efficient operation.
With temperatures expected to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal and a potential for scattered showers, fire fighters will be able to further strengthen firelines and better prepare for warmer and dryer conditions expected for next week when conditions for burnout operations should improve.
Sam Brown Campground, the 2500 road (Taylor Creek Road), and the 2402 road remain closed to all but fire traffic.
With bow hunting season starting this weekend, recreation activities on the river corridor, and an increase in firefighter traffic in the area, please use caution.
For additional information, please call Tim Johnson, incident information officer, at (541) 597-4250.
Friday, August 27, 2010
ODF Fire Crews Kept Busy on Thursday
ODF Southwest Oregon District firefighters were kept busy on Thursday chasing 5 fires in Jackson and Josephine counties. The largest was a 1-acre grass and brush fire on the west bank of Bear Creek in the Talent area. The fire broke out around 6:00 p.m. but was contained within the hour by firefighters and equipment from Jackson County Fire District #5 and ODF.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The other four fires were caused by an escaped campfire (within a campground), a chunk of hot carbon blown of a vehicle's exhaust pipe, a vehicle fire and a powerline. All of these were contained at less than an acre.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The other four fires were caused by an escaped campfire (within a campground), a chunk of hot carbon blown of a vehicle's exhaust pipe, a vehicle fire and a powerline. All of these were contained at less than an acre.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Additional Oak Flat Fire Update
Yesterday was the most severe fire weather day of the 2010 fire season in some of the most rugged country in the state of Oregon. The Oak Flat fire crossed the north fire line and made a run to the north, and was spotting up to a half mile in front of the fire. Fire acreage increased by about 500 acres overnight. Firefighters were able to safely disengage from the fire, reposition and re-engage. The fine fuel is still very dry from the last couple days, so firefighters are being especially vigilant watching for spots ahead of the main fire.
In addition to the three helicopters that were working the fire, heavy air tankers dropped fire retardant in strategic places along the line. Additional crews were ordered last night to help staff the fire lines because of the extremely difficult terrain. Two additional Type 1 heavy lift helicopters were ordered and are expected to be on the fire today.
Weather conditions are forecast to be about 20 degrees cooler in the fire area today, allowing the humidity to recover. Wind direction is likely to shift from the Southwest to the Northwest by the end of the day. Smoke may affect the Grants Pass area at times.
Crews are continuing to rehab as appropriate along the west, south and east sides of the fire.
For more information on closures and fire status the following website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2066/
In addition to the three helicopters that were working the fire, heavy air tankers dropped fire retardant in strategic places along the line. Additional crews were ordered last night to help staff the fire lines because of the extremely difficult terrain. Two additional Type 1 heavy lift helicopters were ordered and are expected to be on the fire today.
Weather conditions are forecast to be about 20 degrees cooler in the fire area today, allowing the humidity to recover. Wind direction is likely to shift from the Southwest to the Northwest by the end of the day. Smoke may affect the Grants Pass area at times.
Crews are continuing to rehab as appropriate along the west, south and east sides of the fire.
For more information on closures and fire status the following website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2066/
Oak Flat Fire Update
High temperature and low humidity created conditions for extreme fire behavior Wednesday afternoon. Late this afternoon the Oak Flat Fire crossed over the containment line on the north side and was being wind-driven to the North. The estimated containment date has been pushed back two more days to August 30.
Twelve additional 20-person hand crews have been ordered and Two more Type 1 heavy lift helicopters have been ordered.
The weather is forecast to cool some beginning Thursday which should moderate fire behavior, allowing firefighters to reestablish control lines.
Planned actions include mopping up and rehab where appropriate on all divisions. Interior islands continue to burn.
Twelve additional 20-person hand crews have been ordered and Two more Type 1 heavy lift helicopters have been ordered.
The weather is forecast to cool some beginning Thursday which should moderate fire behavior, allowing firefighters to reestablish control lines.
Planned actions include mopping up and rehab where appropriate on all divisions. Interior islands continue to burn.
Cedar Creek Fire Update
Fire crews contained the Cedar Creek Fire on the Gold Beach Ranger District Tuesday evening and are continuing to mop up and put out any remaining smokes. Fire investigators have determined that this fire was human caused.
The road and trail closure associated with this fire has been amended and Forest Road #4402206 is now open for public use. Forest Road #1107220 and the Sourdough Trail #1114 remain closed.
Today firefighters will continue to search for any remaining heat within the fire perimeter utilizing infrared technology.
If anyone has information about the cause of the Cedar Creek Fire or was in the area and noticed anything unusual they are asked to contact Andy Brinkley at 541-618-2152.
Fire danger remains High on the Gold Beach and Powers Ranger Districts and Extreme on the High Cascades, Siskiyou Mountains, and Wild Rivers Ranger Districts. All Forest visitors are urged to use extreme caution with all flammable materials, and be aware of Public Use Restrictions currently in place on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
The road and trail closure associated with this fire has been amended and Forest Road #4402206 is now open for public use. Forest Road #1107220 and the Sourdough Trail #1114 remain closed.
Today firefighters will continue to search for any remaining heat within the fire perimeter utilizing infrared technology.
If anyone has information about the cause of the Cedar Creek Fire or was in the area and noticed anything unusual they are asked to contact Andy Brinkley at 541-618-2152.
Fire danger remains High on the Gold Beach and Powers Ranger Districts and Extreme on the High Cascades, Siskiyou Mountains, and Wild Rivers Ranger Districts. All Forest visitors are urged to use extreme caution with all flammable materials, and be aware of Public Use Restrictions currently in place on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wildfire in Ashland Burns 11 Homes
A fast moving wildfire started yesterday afternoon in south Ashland and burned 11 homes. Structural and wildland firefighters from Jackson and Josephine counties battled the blaze until well after nightfall. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
News about the fire, along with information for evacuees, is available on the City of Ashland website.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Jackson County Forestland-Urban Interface Classification Committee Meets Tomorrow
The Jackson County Forestland-Urban Interface Classification Committee meets tomorrow, August 24, 10:00 a.m., at the Jacksonville Public Library, 340 West C St. The committee will review forestland-urban interface areas in the Jacksonville, Ruch and Applegate regions.
The committee focuses on developed urban and suburban lands that are in areas where potentially destructive wildfires are likely to occur, and where there is a structural density of at least four dwellings per 40 acres. Owners of these lands are required to reduce potentially flammable vegetation around structures and along driveways.
The forestland-urban interface identification and classification process is described in the Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act, also known as Senate Bill 360.
For more information about the committee and the Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act, contact Brian Ballou at (541) 621-4156. Information is also available online.
The committee focuses on developed urban and suburban lands that are in areas where potentially destructive wildfires are likely to occur, and where there is a structural density of at least four dwellings per 40 acres. Owners of these lands are required to reduce potentially flammable vegetation around structures and along driveways.
The forestland-urban interface identification and classification process is described in the Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act, also known as Senate Bill 360.
For more information about the committee and the Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act, contact Brian Ballou at (541) 621-4156. Information is also available online.
Updates on Oak Flat and Cedar Fires
Cedar Fire:
A wildfire was spotted yesterday burning in a remote area of the Gold Beach Ranger District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The Cedar Creek Fire has grown to an estimated 70 acres this morning as smokejumpers will be reinforced with four additional handcrews, and helicopter water drops.
The Cedar Creek Fire was initially reported by aerial reconnaissance Sunday at noon and estimated to be 2 acres at that time. The fire is located two miles west of Sourdough Camp and two miles north of the Oregon-California state line. Burning in grass and brush with pockets of heavy timber, twenty smokejumpers, two air tankers, and helicopters assigned to the Oak Flat Fire were deployed yesterday to attack the fire.
Today crews will work to establish a fire line around the fire and helicopters will be used to cool hot spots. Air tanker support will again be available. A Red Flag Warning has been posted for the area until Tuesday morning for high winds and low humidity.
An Incident Command Post has been established at the Coos Forest Protective Association compound in Brookings, and the Winchuck Campground will be utilized as a spike camp for the crews. Helicopter and some logistical support for the Cedar Creek Fire will be provided by the ORCA Type II Incident Management Team currently assigned to the Oak Flat Fire burning on the Wild Rivers Ranger District.
The public is warned to avoid using the Sourdough Trail (#1114) from Sourdough Camp to Packsaddle Mountain at this time.
Oak Flat Fire:
Firefighters were able to burn out large areas of the Oak Flat Fire yesterday and have successfully completed all perimeter line construction and burning out of perimeter lines. A large area of unburned fuel remains on the interior eastern portion of the fire, which fighters will burn today as weather and fire behavior permit.
Today’s fire weather forecast calls for very low humidity and higher temperatures, with an easterly wind. This means that the main threat to firelines will be down wind on the western portions of the fire. Since this area has been successfully lined and burned out, firefighters will focus control effort primarily on the eastern portions. The weather will be in their favor, although the combination of hot, dry and windy weather is expected to boost fire activity in the unburned portions of the interior through Wednesday.
Crews continue to mop up the west and south portions of the fire perimeter, and rehabilitation efforts will continue along the fire lines. Rehabilitation includes installing water bars on firelines to divert rainwater and help prevent erosion. Firefighters will use wood chippers to clean up and mulch vegetation that was cut in line construction.
Smoke can be expected in the general vicinity of Grants Pass and Cave Junction. People with respiratory conditions or those concerned about the smoke are encouraged to minimize outdoor activities.
No private lands or structures are immediately threatened by this fire. A road, trail, and campground closure is still in effect. For more information on closures and fire status, visit the following website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2066/.
A wildfire was spotted yesterday burning in a remote area of the Gold Beach Ranger District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The Cedar Creek Fire has grown to an estimated 70 acres this morning as smokejumpers will be reinforced with four additional handcrews, and helicopter water drops.
The Cedar Creek Fire was initially reported by aerial reconnaissance Sunday at noon and estimated to be 2 acres at that time. The fire is located two miles west of Sourdough Camp and two miles north of the Oregon-California state line. Burning in grass and brush with pockets of heavy timber, twenty smokejumpers, two air tankers, and helicopters assigned to the Oak Flat Fire were deployed yesterday to attack the fire.
Today crews will work to establish a fire line around the fire and helicopters will be used to cool hot spots. Air tanker support will again be available. A Red Flag Warning has been posted for the area until Tuesday morning for high winds and low humidity.
An Incident Command Post has been established at the Coos Forest Protective Association compound in Brookings, and the Winchuck Campground will be utilized as a spike camp for the crews. Helicopter and some logistical support for the Cedar Creek Fire will be provided by the ORCA Type II Incident Management Team currently assigned to the Oak Flat Fire burning on the Wild Rivers Ranger District.
The public is warned to avoid using the Sourdough Trail (#1114) from Sourdough Camp to Packsaddle Mountain at this time.
Oak Flat Fire:
Firefighters were able to burn out large areas of the Oak Flat Fire yesterday and have successfully completed all perimeter line construction and burning out of perimeter lines. A large area of unburned fuel remains on the interior eastern portion of the fire, which fighters will burn today as weather and fire behavior permit.
Today’s fire weather forecast calls for very low humidity and higher temperatures, with an easterly wind. This means that the main threat to firelines will be down wind on the western portions of the fire. Since this area has been successfully lined and burned out, firefighters will focus control effort primarily on the eastern portions. The weather will be in their favor, although the combination of hot, dry and windy weather is expected to boost fire activity in the unburned portions of the interior through Wednesday.
Crews continue to mop up the west and south portions of the fire perimeter, and rehabilitation efforts will continue along the fire lines. Rehabilitation includes installing water bars on firelines to divert rainwater and help prevent erosion. Firefighters will use wood chippers to clean up and mulch vegetation that was cut in line construction.
Smoke can be expected in the general vicinity of Grants Pass and Cave Junction. People with respiratory conditions or those concerned about the smoke are encouraged to minimize outdoor activities.
No private lands or structures are immediately threatened by this fire. A road, trail, and campground closure is still in effect. For more information on closures and fire status, visit the following website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2066/.
Red Flag Warning for Hot, Windy Weather
The National Weather Service has posted a Red Flag Warning starting tonight for poor humidity recovery and strong, gusty east winds. Temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday will rise to 95-100 degrees.
To this point, southwestern Oregon has been very fortunate to have had few human-caused fires. But all it would take to erase that good record is one spark in the wrong spot. For the next couple of days, exercise extreme caution with any activity that may cause a fire:
Be safe out there.
To this point, southwestern Oregon has been very fortunate to have had few human-caused fires. But all it would take to erase that good record is one spark in the wrong spot. For the next couple of days, exercise extreme caution with any activity that may cause a fire:
- Even though mowing and chain saws are allowed until 10:00 a.m., consider taking a couple days off from using these pieces of equipment.
- Campers should be extra vigilant about putting campfires dead out before going to bed, and at other times when a responsible adult will not be monitoring the fire.
- Keep vehicles off of dry grass. Hot exhaust pipes can quickly set grass afire.
- Check electric fences to make sure they are properly grounded.
Be safe out there.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)