Logging Unit Fires Update, 7/29

Logging Unit Fires

Fire Information Update

https://www.facebook.com/pages/CTWS-Fire-Management/118486491629224

loggingunitfiresinfo@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 29, 2014 – 8:00 a.m. PDT Fire Status Update

Fire	Acres	% Contained	Total Personnel
Total Logging Unit Fires	10,440*	80	1053
Bear Butte 2-North	3803	80
Haily Butte	107
Camas Prairie/Logging Unit	6404
Skyline	116
N. Pinhead	1

*Change in acreage due to more accurate mapping

News & Highlights for the Logging Unit Fires

·        Oregon Incident Management Team #1 (Ross Williams) is scheduled for an inbriefing this afternoon in preparation of taking over management of the Logging Unit Fires.

·        Rising temperatures, dropping humidities and the progressive threat of “dry” thunderstorms may increase fire behavior and initial attack activity. Reburn potential within the interior of the fire lines may again result in visible smoke plumes.

·        Potential thunderstorm activity is predicted for the next several days and firefighters will assist the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs with response to new starts as requested.

·        As progress is made towards containment, excess resources continue to demobilize. Motorists traveling on Hwy 26 can expect additional heavy equipment traffic on the roadway.

·       Road and area closures remain in effect for Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands (see below).

·       Two interagency hotshot crews, twenty-nine 20-person hand crews, 50 engines, 13 dozers and 21 water tenders, one air attack, two heavy helicopters and one light helicopter are currently assigned. 

·        A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail remains closed with a reroute for hikers.

Logging Unit Operations Summary:

Firefighters continue to make good progress in all areas while maintaining a very good safety record for this incident.

The Skyline and Haily Butte Fires are in patrol status; no initial attack response was required yesterday. With warming conditions, there was single and group tree torching on the N flank of the Camas Prairie Fire and a considerable amount of heat in heavy fuels S of the 205 Road on the NE flank.

Crews will continue with mop up efforts on the Logging Unit/Camas Prairie and Bear Butte 2 Fires, utilizing air support as needed. The contingency line in the 170/174 road system will be completed today. Clear skies will allow good flying conditions for helicopter water bucket support.

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Road & Area Closures:

Closures that apply to public with the exception of local residents:

• B-180/Hwy 26 Jct
• B-160/Hwy 26 Jct
• B-140/Hwy 26 Jct

Closures that apply to all public:

• B-160 near the B-165 Jct
• County Line Rd at the end of the pavement
• J-100 at the Tenino Rd/J-100 Jct

Area Closures:

Log Unit/Camas Prairie Fire Closure

Northern Boundary: From the W-100/W-200/B-200 Jct, west on the W-200 to the W-240 to the S650 to the Reservation boundary.

Eastern Boundary: From the W-100/W-200/B-200 Jct, south on the B-200 to the B-200/B-210 Jct (Trout Lake Rd).

Southern Boundary: From the B-200/P-500/B-210 (Trout Lake Rd) Jct west to Trout Lake.

Bear Butte 2 Fire Closure:

All areas south of Whitewater Canyon to Jefferson Cr/Reservation Boundary.

Logging Unit Fires: Located on Warm Springs Agency approximately 25 miles NW of Warm Springs. Fire is burning in mixed conifer above 3800 feet and ponderosa pine below 3800 feet and grass & brush at lower elevations. Started: July 16, 2014. Cause: Lightning caused. Location: Western boundary of Confederated Tribes of Warms Springs lands.

           

SAFETY CONCERNS: Conditions are changing and posting fire lookouts today is stressed; situational awareness is very important with the changing weather conditions and potential thunderstorms. Weather is getting hotter and drier, there are large patches of unburned fuel and downdrafts can be expected around thunderstorms. Fire weakened trees and snags are a big concern, particularly where firefighters are working on the margins between burned areas and unburned islands. As weather warms, crews are reminded to stay hydrated to prevent heat related illness.

RESOURCE CONCERNS: Main concerns include the threat to commercial timber and natural resources on Warm Springs lands, including old growth trees, pristine spring chinook runs, water quality, wildlife, plant and cultural concerns.

WEATHER: The weather is hot and dry in Central Oregon with above normal temps and poor relative humidity recovery with a chance of high based thunderstorms late Tuesday.  Lightning is more likely than widespread rain. Monsoonal moisture continues to move into the region with increasing chances for isolated thunderstorms Wednesday through Saturday. Temperatures low 80s to low 90s, and max humidities 45-50%. Winds S/SW/W/NW 5-8 MPH. Wednesday partly cloudy with continue warm temps max 87-95 and chance of isolated thunderstorms 25%. Extended forecast Thursday through Saturday shows partly cloudy with a 20% chance of isolated afternoon/evening thunderstorms each day.  Max temps in the upper 80s to mid 90s.

TODAY’S EXPECTED FIRE BEHAVIOR: The forecasted weather will continue to dry available fuels. Reburn potential continues to exist in pockets of unburned areas of needle cast from scorched conifers. Flame lengths of 3-7 feet can be expected in heavier fuels and jackpots. Isolated or group tree torching possible again today. Probability of ignition will increase to 85% during the peak burning hours. A moderate resistance to control is expected on any new starts.

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS: Warm Springs Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mt Hood National Forest, Deschutes National Forest, Willamette National Forest and Prineville Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Transportation.