9-23-17 High Cascades Complex West Fire Daily Update

Firefighters continue to make progress securing the edges of the Broken Lookout and Pup Fires today. Chippers are being utilized to remove slash on many of the major road systems along the fire perimeter including the 700, 800 and 2925 roads. Work also includes masticating with large machinery and pruning trees by hand to reduce ladder fuels. Additionally, firefighters are knocking out lingering hot spots on the Pup Fire; there is still remnant heat from burn-out operations pushing directly against the fire line on the east side.

This morning, fire managers thanked firefighters for their efforts. “The firefighters have done a great job with suppression working in tough conditions, “said Deputy Incident Commander Ken Paul. “I toured the fire area yesterday and I am really proud of the hard work.” In addition to wrapping up suppression tasks and chipping, firefighters have started rehabilitation work along some roads and fire lines. This involves cleaning out ditches and reinforcing hand line and dozer line with erosion control measures. It is important work to accomplish before wet winter weather arrives.

Weather: A warming and drying trend begins today that could continue for the next week. Temperatures will rebound into the 70s and 80s by next Wednesday. Light winds from the North-Northeast will gradually bring the relative humidity down to 35-40% in the fire area.

Closures: New closure orders were issued on Friday by both the Umpqua and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests. The closure order that had closed the entirety of the RRSNF administered portion of the Sky Lakes Wilderness has been rescinded, and the closure area has been greatly reduced to allow for access into the southern portion of the wilderness. The northern portion of the RRSNF-administered side of the Sky Lakes Wilderness, closest to the boundary with Crater Lake National Park, remains closed, as does the entirety of the Prospect OHV Trail System.

The area closure on the Tiller RD will remain the same with an additional closure of Forest Road 2823 (Castle Rock Road) due to active fire suppression efforts in the northern portion of the Rogue Umpqua Divide Wilderness. All Forest Service closures are still in effect until further notice. Many other road, trail, and area closures remain in place for the Rogue Umpqua Divide Wilderness and surrounding lands on both the Umpqua and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests. Also, with changing weather, various restrictions have been removed or relaxed. Forest visitors should familiarize themselves with these changes before venturing into the area. For information about closures and restrictions visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/5503/ or your local Forest office.

9-23-17 High Cascades Complex East Fire Daily Update

 Summary: Suppression repair activity increased yesterday as crews accessed more portions of the fire area. Firefighters are reporting ample amounts of snow at higher elevations. Repair work continues to focus on chipping, felling dangerous trees and fixing hand and dozer lines created in fire suppression activities. The Incident Command team is working closely with Forest Service and National Park staff to identify high priorities areas to concentrate repair efforts. A community briefing will be held today at 10:00 a.m. at the Rocky Point Fire Hall.

Closures: Weather conditions and limited fire behavior has allowed the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest’s High Cascades Ranger District to modify its fire closure areas. The new closure information is available online at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5503. The National Park Service has also lifted the level 1 evacuation notice for Mazama Village.

Firewood: Beginning today, the public will be able to cut firewood from the log pile located at the Junction of Cold Springs Rd. and Hwy 140. The Klamath Ranger District wants to remind the public to be careful in the area as fire repair operations still continue and heavy equipment will be using the road. A firewood permit is required.

North Pelican (3,589 acres, 73% contained) Crews finished grading Cold Springs Road and started chipping efforts along NF Road 350. Excavators began working on Rock Creek Lookout Road today and will continue to repair areas damaged in firefighting operations.

Blanket Creek (33,322 acres, 23% contained) Crews removed the protective covering surrounding Bessie’s Cabin and repaired handline around the structure. Chipping occurred on NF Road 547. Crews will continue chipping and pulling hose for the next few days along the northwest perimeter of the fire.

Spruce Lake (15,826 acres and 22% contained) Two hand crews continued to remove snags and other vegetation from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) to access and rehab the southern handline from the Forest Service boundary to Copeland Creek.

All concession facilities and services remain open for visitors to the Park. Motorists and visitors to the area also need to be aware of delays on Highway 230 between Union Creek and the junction with Highway 138 due to road construction.