Monday, September 25, 2017

9-25-17 High Cascades Complex West Fire Daily Update






Current Fire Information: The High Cascades Complex - West Zone is a compilation of fires started by lightning storms earlier this summer. The West Zone consists of the Pup and the Broken Lookout Fires. Both fires are partially burning in and outside of the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness on the Rogue River-Siskiyou (RRSNF) and Umpqua National Forests (UPNF).

Pup – 8,222 acres, 12% contained. Located northwest and southeast of Hershberger Lookout partially in the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness. Firefighters are chipping debris generated by prepping forest roads for use as containment line and mopping up any hotspots.

Broken Lookout – 18,911 acres, 24% contained. Located directly west of Union Creek on the southern end of the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness where it is burning on both sides of the Wilderness. Firefighters continue prepping forest roads for use as containment lines, chipping the debris generated and mopping up hotspots to secure containment lines.

Resources: Total personnel assigned to the Complex (both west and east) – 853: 2-type 1 crews, 2-type 2 IA crews, 17-type 2 crews, 6-camp crew, 21-engines, 5-masticators, 3-medium helicopters, 2- light helicopters, 2-dozers, 8-water tenders, and 192 overhead.

Air Operations: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area restricting aerial public access. Please check the NOTAMs prior to flying. The public is reminded all air operations are grounded any time a drone is sighted within the TFR, delaying fire suppression efforts. Flying within the TFR is prohibited and against the law.

Weather: A weak disturbance will move through the region today. This will increase the mid to upper level cloud cover, possibly lowering temperatures over the fire areas. Tomorrow a warming and drying trend is expected throughout the week. Temperatures will increase to 70-80 degrees with relative humidity dropping to the 25-35 percent range.

Behavior: Minimal ground spread of fire is expected today with no perimeter growth. Creeping and smoldering may re-establish in the litter, duff and jackpots of dead and down fuels.

Closures: Multiple area, trail, and Forest road closures are limiting public access into specific areas for public safety on the RRSNF and UPNF. “Know before you go” by visiting https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5503 or your local Forest office.










9-25-17 High Cascades Complex East Fire Daily Update




Summary: Fire officials report the High Cascades Complex East Zone at 40% contained. Improving weather conditions and lack of fire growth is allowing firefighters to focus their efforts on suppression repair. Excavators and other heavy equipment will be shifted between fires to reflect operational needs over the next several days. Please be cognizant of heavy equipment traveling the roads in fire areas. As of Monday morning, approximately 32% of the total suppression repair work is complete.

Excavators assisted crews on the North Pelican Fire (repair work 17% complete) repair bulldozer line. Handcrews completed culvert repairs on NF Road 350 and grading occurred on NF Road 3519. 

On the Blanket Creek Fire (repair work is 21% complete), chipping continued on the east flank of the burned area. Crews scouted and began repairing handline in backcountry areas of Crater Lake National Park. Crews on the Spruce Lake Fire (repair work is 52% complete) completed rehab from the forest-park boundary to the Pacific Crest Trail. Crews are making good progress at Spruce Lake, but are encountering snow as they move into higher elevations in the wilderness and national park.

Closures: Weather conditions and anticipated fire behavior allowed the Fremont-Winema National Forest to modify its fire closure areas on both the Blanket Creek and North Pelican Fires. These alterations may impact backcountry recreationalists, hunters, and OHV users. Know before you go! Check trail, road, and area closures and conditions on InciWeb, park and forest websites. West Rim Drive in Crater Lake National Park remains closed for scheduled maintenance and repaving through Friday afternoon at 4 pm.

Hunting: The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife does not close hunting seasons due to fire danger. However, fire closures still remain on public lands within some hunting units. Hunters are urged to check closures before heading out.

Weather: A weak disturbance is expected to move through the region on Monday. High level clouds may reduce temperatures a few degrees, but a warming and drying trend is expected through Thursday.

The Rim Visitor Center, Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop, and the Mazama Campground cabins are closed for the season. Expect possible delays on Highway 230 between Union Creek and the junction with Highway 138 due to road construction.

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