09.18.17 Miller Complex Update

09-18-17 Miller Complex Daily Update

Current Situation: A front that arrived late last night is bringing with it highly anticipated humidity and cooler temperatures to the fires within the Miller Complex. Variable rains are expected throughout the day with an increased chance of heavier rains Tuesday into Wednesday.

Although the arrival of the cool front is a positive development, the moisture will not extinguish the fires. Instead, fire behavior will diminish while the front moves through the fire complex with the potential for the fire to become active again if conditions dry out in the future. The public can still expect to see smoke from the interior of these fires until a season-ending weather event occurs.

The Miller Complex remains at 59% containment overall and firefighters continue to meet objectives and patrol lines. Firefighter and public safety remain top priority and over the next few days firefighters will focus on accomplishing work safely to adjust to the changing weather and conditions by being mindful of the potential for movement of burnt debris, washout and slippery surfaces.

The west flank of the Abney Fire continues to be active near the Middle Fork of the Applegate River and below Whiskey Ridge. Fire managers will use the Red Buttes Wilderness as a containment feature. The Red Buttes Wilderness is comprised of natural barriers such as rock bands with minimal vegetation that present an opportunity to confine fire. Although there could be some fire activity in these rugged areas if conditions are right, the likelihood of the fire threatening private values at risk is low.

Fire on the east flank of the Abney Fire has become established in the West Fork of Dutch Creek and has traveled up to the top of the ridge above the creek. Based on reconnaissance from the ground, and forecasted weather, the team has designed a plan to confine the fire and protect private industrial timber land in the area. Eventually, containment will occur with natural changes in the weather.

In the Joe Bar area, the fire has now backed down to the creek as anticipated. Joe Bar remains under an evacuation warning, however this warning is being evaluated.

Good progress has been made on suppression repair throughout the complex and is nearing completion on the Creedence and Bigelow Fires. The Burnt Peak Fire will transition into patrol status over the next few days, meaning crew activity will diminish on this fire but firefighters will continue to patrol the area daily.

Fire managers are actively consulting with local district and resource advisors on fire repair opportunities, such as evaluating the need for waterbars in areas where suppression activities have taken place. Waterbars help prevent erosion and improve soil stability in areas that lack vegetation due to burning. They are typically installed in hand and dozer lines.

Over the next few days the Miller Complex will downsize personnel and prepare to transition into a Type 3 incident command structure toward the end of the week.