In the past few days, several large fires have broken out in Oregon. Many of the fires were caused by lightning, and most of the fires are east of the Cascade Range.
For updates about the large fires, see the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center's web page for maps and details.
More lightning is predicted to hit the state this weekend.
Friday, August 26, 2011
A Few More Lightning-Caused Fires Pop Up Thursday
Fire watchers found a handful of lightning-caused fires on ODF-protected lands on Thursday. The largest was a 1/4-acre fire on Granite Hill, north of Grants Pass. The rest of the fires found yesterday in Jackson and Josephine counties were smaller, and all fires have fire lines around them and are mopped up.
The Granite Hill Fire was caused by a lightning bolt that hit an old antenna mast. The electrical current traveled down the metal mast and jumped to a metal fence that surrounded the mast. Sparks jumping off the fence started at least six small fires. The fires were controlled, and the burned areas added up to about 1/4 acre.
Two reconnaissance flights are scheduled for today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, that will search the forestlands for further signs of smoke.
The Granite Hill Fire was caused by a lightning bolt that hit an old antenna mast. The electrical current traveled down the metal mast and jumped to a metal fence that surrounded the mast. Sparks jumping off the fence started at least six small fires. The fires were controlled, and the burned areas added up to about 1/4 acre.
Two reconnaissance flights are scheduled for today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, that will search the forestlands for further signs of smoke.
Fire Danger Level Changes to 'Extreme' Today
The fire danger level on Oregon Dept. of Forestry-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties rises to "extreme" today. Chain saws, and power mowing and brush-cutting equipment must be shut down by 10:00 a.m. There are also restrictions on the use of other gasoline engine-powered equipment and spark-generating activities.
In the Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River between Grave Creek and Marial, no open fires, including charcoal fires, are allowed.
For complete details, see www.swofire.oregon.gov, or call ODF's Medford or Grants Pass unit offices.
Fire prevention regulations have also increased on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
In the Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River between Grave Creek and Marial, no open fires, including charcoal fires, are allowed.
For complete details, see www.swofire.oregon.gov, or call ODF's Medford or Grants Pass unit offices.
Fire prevention regulations have also increased on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Fire Danger Levels Change on Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest
Based on current and forecasted weather and indices, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is moving into extreme fire danger ratings across the entire forest. This rating includes associated public use restrictions on the Illinois River and the Wild and Scenic portion of the Rogue River. In addition, the forest is also moving into Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) II, which restricts industrial operations during the hottest hours of the day.
Effective at midnight tonight on Thursday, August 26, 2011, the fire danger rating moves into extreme and the following two public use restrictions (Order No. RSF-170) become effective:
Visitors are encouraged to be cautious with fire while out in the woods and to make sure campfires are completely extinguished before leaving. Allow the fuel in the campfire to burn down as much as possible. Spread the coals out within the fire pit and wait until the flames have died out. Pour water on the coals and embers in short bursts to avoid steam and ash. Stir repeatedly with a shovel after applying water. Repeat until there is no more steam and the hissing sound stops. Finally, shovel dirt on top of the fire and mix it in thoroughly. Check the fire by hovering the back of your hand just above it. If the fire is still warm, continue to add water, dirt and stir. Repeat until you can no longer feel heat from the fire. Remember, if you are responsible for starting a fire, you can be charged with the costs of putting it out.
Smokey Bear says, “Enjoy your outings to the woods and remember, be safe and careful with fire.”
Effective at midnight tonight on Thursday, August 26, 2011, the fire danger rating moves into extreme and the following two public use restrictions (Order No. RSF-170) become effective:
- In the Wild and Scenic River section of the Rogue River between Marial and Watson Creek, all open fires, including charcoal fires, are prohibited. Only portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used on sand or gravel bars that lie between water and high water marks. These areas must be naturally free of vegetation. Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in boats on the water, and on sand or gravel bars that lie between water and high water marks that are free of vegetation. A shovel and a one-gallon or larger bucket are required for each party.
- The second restriction prohibits camp fires outside of designated Forest Service fire rings along the Illinois River Road (Forest Road #4103), and also prohibits parking or leaving a vehicle along the road. This restriction is in place to ensure ingress/egress for emergency vehicles.
Visitors are encouraged to be cautious with fire while out in the woods and to make sure campfires are completely extinguished before leaving. Allow the fuel in the campfire to burn down as much as possible. Spread the coals out within the fire pit and wait until the flames have died out. Pour water on the coals and embers in short bursts to avoid steam and ash. Stir repeatedly with a shovel after applying water. Repeat until there is no more steam and the hissing sound stops. Finally, shovel dirt on top of the fire and mix it in thoroughly. Check the fire by hovering the back of your hand just above it. If the fire is still warm, continue to add water, dirt and stir. Repeat until you can no longer feel heat from the fire. Remember, if you are responsible for starting a fire, you can be charged with the costs of putting it out.
Smokey Bear says, “Enjoy your outings to the woods and remember, be safe and careful with fire.”
USFS Crews Respond to Lightning Fires on National Forest
Firefighting resources on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest responded to a number of lightning-caused strikes late yesterday afternoon as a result of an active storm pattern that moved across the state. A combination of hand crews and engines responded to six fires less than ¼ acre in size, quickly containing the fires.
Specific to National Forest-administered lands in southwest Oregon, the lightning storm hit the High Cascades Ranger District area the hardest along the Jackson/Klamath County line, with approximately 75+strikes estimated. Lightning strikes were widely scattered across the entire Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, hitting in various locations such as Union Creek, south of the Ashland watershed, and in the Powers/Gold Beach area. No strikes were reported in the national forest near Cave Junction.
Additional firefighting resources have arrived to assist local resources with initial attack on new fire starts, including 3 twenty-person hand crews (one hand crew is made up of Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Medford Bureau of Land Management employees, the other two hand crews are contracts with Grayback Forestry), and a task force of five engines from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, the Umpqua National Forest, the Fremont-Winema National Forest and the Medford Bureau of Land Management.
As the day heats up and fuels continue to dry out, fire officials are predicting additional fire activity in the area as a result of yesterday’s numerous lightning strikes; fire crews are continuing to patrol for any undetected starts.
Specific to National Forest-administered lands in southwest Oregon, the lightning storm hit the High Cascades Ranger District area the hardest along the Jackson/Klamath County line, with approximately 75+strikes estimated. Lightning strikes were widely scattered across the entire Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, hitting in various locations such as Union Creek, south of the Ashland watershed, and in the Powers/Gold Beach area. No strikes were reported in the national forest near Cave Junction.
Additional firefighting resources have arrived to assist local resources with initial attack on new fire starts, including 3 twenty-person hand crews (one hand crew is made up of Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Medford Bureau of Land Management employees, the other two hand crews are contracts with Grayback Forestry), and a task force of five engines from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, the Umpqua National Forest, the Fremont-Winema National Forest and the Medford Bureau of Land Management.
As the day heats up and fuels continue to dry out, fire officials are predicting additional fire activity in the area as a result of yesterday’s numerous lightning strikes; fire crews are continuing to patrol for any undetected starts.
Nine Lightning Fires Found (So Far) in SW Oregon
Oregon Dept. of Forestry firefighters in Jackson and Josephine counties took action on 9 lightning-caused fires on Wednesday and early this morning. The largest is a 2.5-acre fire on Sloan Mtn. in Josephine County, near Wilderville. The rest of the fires are 1/10th of an acre in size or smaller, and are either lined and mopped up, or nearly so.
A reconnaissance flight will be going up this morning to scout the two-county area's forests for more fires from yesterday's thunderstorms.
Approximately 350 lightning strikes were recorded yesterday in Jackson and Josephine counties. They were clustered in east/northeast Josephine County and the Cascades in Jackson County, with a few widely scattered strikes in the Siskiyou Mtns.
A reconnaissance flight will be going up this morning to scout the two-county area's forests for more fires from yesterday's thunderstorms.
Approximately 350 lightning strikes were recorded yesterday in Jackson and Josephine counties. They were clustered in east/northeast Josephine County and the Cascades in Jackson County, with a few widely scattered strikes in the Siskiyou Mtns.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Fire Danger Changes to Extreme on Friday
The public use fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District climbs to “extreme” (red) at 1:00 a.m. Friday, August 26. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) remains at Level 2 (two).
Fire precaution levels assigned by the Southwest Oregon District, located in Medford, affects state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The district has unit offices in Medford and Grants Pass.
The following public use restriction changes will be in effect starting Friday:
Fire restrictions will also change in the Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River. The Oregon Department of Forestry protects the section between Grave Creek and Marial, and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest protects the section between Marial and Watson Creek. These restrictions take effect Friday:
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season regulations, contact the unit office in your area:
Fire precaution levels assigned by the Southwest Oregon District, located in Medford, affects state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The district has unit offices in Medford and Grants Pass.
The following public use restriction changes will be in effect starting Friday:
- Chain saws may not be used between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. During other hours, users must have an ax, shovel and fire extinguisher on-site, and provide a one-hour fire watch after using the saw.
- The mowing or cutting of dead or dry grass with power-driven equipment will not be allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This restriction does not include the mowing of green lawns, or when equipment is used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
- Cutting, grinding or welding metal will not be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. During other hours, a water supply must be present at the work site and work may proceed only in a cleared area.
- Any other equipment using an internal combustion engine may not be used in wildland areas between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This includes, but is not limited to, generators, firewood splitters and chippers. During other hours, this equipment should be used only in a cleared area, and have a water supply and shovel close at hand.
- All open burning of debris is prohibited. This includes burn barrels.
- Fireworks are prohibited on forestlands.
- Camp fires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. This restriction includes charcoal-fired barbecues; however, stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in other locations.
- Vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are not allowed on unimproved roads.
- Smoking is allowed only in a vehicle and only while on an improved road.
- Any electric fence controller in use shall contain a listing from a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be operated in compliance with manufacturer instruction for firesafe operation.
Fire restrictions will also change in the Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River. The Oregon Department of Forestry protects the section between Grave Creek and Marial, and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest protects the section between Marial and Watson Creek. These restrictions take effect Friday:
- Smoking will be prohibited except in boats on the water, and on naturally vegetation-free gravel bars and sand bars below the river’s high-water mark.
- Open fires will be prohibited, including camp fires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires.
- However, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels will be allowed on naturally vegetation-free gravel bars and sand bars below the high-water mark. Ashes must be carried out.
- Travelers must carry a shovel and bucket (one-gallon size).
- Fireworks will be prohibited.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season regulations, contact the unit office in your area:
- Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. Phone: (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Drive, Grants Pass. Phone: (541) 474-3152
Red Flag Warning in Effect for SW Oregon
RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT
A MODERATE TO STRONG UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE WILL MOVE INTO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND SOUTHERN OREGON THIS AFTERNOON. THIS WILL SUPPORT THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY ACROSS MOST OF THE AREA.
THESE STORMS WILL START OUT DRY BUT SOUTHWEST OREGON AND NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA MAY SEE WETTING RAIN BY TONIGHT.
A SECOND AREA OF UNSTABLE AIR WILL MOVE NORTH INTO THE WARNERS AND THE DESERT AREA OF EASTERN OREGON THIS AFTERNOON AND COULD SUPPORT THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY THROUGH TONIGHT.
THE AIR MASS WILL STABILIZE THURSDAY UNDER A WARM RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE...BUT ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS MAY STILL DEVELOP. ANOTHER DISTURBANCE WILL MOVE INTO THE AREA FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY.
A MODERATE TO STRONG UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE WILL MOVE INTO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND SOUTHERN OREGON THIS AFTERNOON. THIS WILL SUPPORT THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY ACROSS MOST OF THE AREA.
THESE STORMS WILL START OUT DRY BUT SOUTHWEST OREGON AND NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA MAY SEE WETTING RAIN BY TONIGHT.
A SECOND AREA OF UNSTABLE AIR WILL MOVE NORTH INTO THE WARNERS AND THE DESERT AREA OF EASTERN OREGON THIS AFTERNOON AND COULD SUPPORT THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY THROUGH TONIGHT.
THE AIR MASS WILL STABILIZE THURSDAY UNDER A WARM RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE...BUT ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS MAY STILL DEVELOP. ANOTHER DISTURBANCE WILL MOVE INTO THE AREA FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Update on McAllister Spring Fire
The McAllister Spring Fire at milepost #3, 12 miles SE of Ashland, has been GPS'ed at 1.9 acres. It is 100% lined and 50% mopped. The fire should be 100% mopped by 5 p.m. today.
Fire 12 Miles SE of Ashland
Oregon Department of Forestry firefighters were called in for a report of smoke 12 miles SE of Ashland- at 11 a.m. The one acre grass fire located at mile marker #3, has now grown to three acres in size. Firefighters have the fire 50% lined and 10% mopped up.
There are two helicopters, one fixed wing, a dozer, six engines and one hand crew on scene. The fire is currently under investigation.
Fuels are continuing to dry due to elevating temperatures. Be cautious when recreating, and know what restrictions are in effect. To see what restrictions are in effect now, please visit: www.swofire.oregon.gov
There are two helicopters, one fixed wing, a dozer, six engines and one hand crew on scene. The fire is currently under investigation.
Fuels are continuing to dry due to elevating temperatures. Be cautious when recreating, and know what restrictions are in effect. To see what restrictions are in effect now, please visit: www.swofire.oregon.gov
Monday, August 22, 2011
IFPL II Starts Wednesday
Increased fire danger on forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District has made it necessary to increase the fire prevention measures on industrial operations, such as logging sites and other commercial operations. Industrial Fire Precaution Level II (two) takes effect at 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24, and includes the following restrictions:
These regulations affect all state, county, private and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season regulations, contact the unit office in your area:
- The use of fire in any form will be prohibited
- The use of power saws will be prohibited, except at loading sites, between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- The use of cable yarders will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Blasting will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Welding or cutting of metal will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
These regulations affect all state, county, private and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season regulations, contact the unit office in your area:
- Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. Phone: (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Drive, Grants Pass. Phone: (541) 474-3152
Thunderstorms Miss Southwest Oregon
The thunderstorms that were expected to hit the southern Oregon Cascades late Sunday didn't materialize. Instead, the storms drifted farther north and east into the central Cascades.
The National Weather Service says the threat of lightning may return to the southwest Oregon Cascades by mid-week.
The National Weather Service says the threat of lightning may return to the southwest Oregon Cascades by mid-week.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Red Flag Warning Posted for Thunderstorms Today
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEDFORD OR
234 AM PDT SUN AUG 21 2011
AN UPPER LEVEL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM MOVING ACROSS THE AREA TODAY IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THIS...COMBINED WITH DRY FUELS WILL LEAD TO A SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL FOR FIRE STARTS...
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR LIGHTNING WITH INSUFFICIENT MOISTURE FOR SISKIYOU MOUNTAINS-SOUTHERN OREGON CASCADES
* STORM MOTION IS EXPECTED TO BE FROM SOUTHEAST TO NORTHWEST AT 5 TO 10 MPH.
* OUTFLOW WINDS...OUTFLOW WIND GUSTS OF 25 TO 35 MPH ARE POSSIBLE WITH THESE STORMS.
* IMPACTS...ABUNDANT LIGHTNING AND DRY FUELS WILL LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL FOR FIRE STARTS.
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEDFORD OR
234 AM PDT SUN AUG 21 2011
AN UPPER LEVEL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM MOVING ACROSS THE AREA TODAY IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THIS...COMBINED WITH DRY FUELS WILL LEAD TO A SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL FOR FIRE STARTS...
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR LIGHTNING WITH INSUFFICIENT MOISTURE FOR SISKIYOU MOUNTAINS-SOUTHERN OREGON CASCADES
* STORM MOTION IS EXPECTED TO BE FROM SOUTHEAST TO NORTHWEST AT 5 TO 10 MPH.
* OUTFLOW WINDS...OUTFLOW WIND GUSTS OF 25 TO 35 MPH ARE POSSIBLE WITH THESE STORMS.
* IMPACTS...ABUNDANT LIGHTNING AND DRY FUELS WILL LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL FOR FIRE STARTS.
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH.
7-Acre Fire Keeps Crews Busy All Night
A 7-acre fire east of O'Brien kept firefighters busy throughout the night. The fire was reported near the junction of Waldo Rd. and Suncrest Dr. shortly after 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and firefighters from the Oregon Dept. of Forestry and Illinois Valley Fire District responded.
No structures were immediately threatened by the fire.
The fire has a containment line around it and crews are mopping up hotspots. Ten- and 20-person crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Assn. and Grayback Forestry were called in to help with fireline construction and mop up. A bulldozer and several engines were used to contain the fire.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
No structures were immediately threatened by the fire.
The fire has a containment line around it and crews are mopping up hotspots. Ten- and 20-person crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Assn. and Grayback Forestry were called in to help with fireline construction and mop up. A bulldozer and several engines were used to contain the fire.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
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