Waterman Complex Morning Update, 7/24

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 24, 2014 AM

Waterman Complex – Mitchell, Oregon

Information Center – 541-787-4321

Incident Commander Doug Johnson

Current Situation

Fire suppression actions were taken yesterday on three new startsas a result of the lightning storm Tuesday evening.  One of these fires will receive additional suppression action today.  Firefighters working on the Complex have been pre-identified to respond to anynew fires.  Firefighters will be on the lookout for sleeper fires to appear as the warm weather returns. All newly identified fires will be fully contained prior to the return to the local unit’s management.

The Oregon Department of Transportation will begin to performmaintenance today along Highway 26.  Work will include opening plugged culverts, clearing ditch lines and removing rocks from the roadway.  Caution is advised when traveling through the fire area.

An Ochoco National Forest burned area emergency response(BAER) team is assigned to evaluate the impacted area on National Forest Systems lands and prescribe treatments to protect the landquickly and effectively.

Bailey Butte Fire – 10,276 acres, 90% contained.  0.2 inchs of rain fell on the fire yesterday which will aid mop up.

Toney Butte Fire – 2,229 acres, 100% contained.  The fire will be monitored by the air.  Smoke may be visible from interior burning.

Junction Springs Fire – 15 acres, 100% contained. This fire remains in patrol status and monitored by air.

Incident #376 - .25 acres, 100% contained.  

Weather:

A cooler daytime temperature is predicted for Thursday with a warming trend beginning Friday.

Ochoco National Forest Closure Area:

A Forest Closure Order 06-07-01-14-001-01 is in effect on OchocoNational Forest System lands.  The closure prohibits the public from entering the Closure Area except under special exemption.  The closure is due to firefighting activities and the safety of the public within the Closure Area.  The public is encouraged to check with the Forest before they travel.  To view the entire Forest Closure Order please see the following link:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/centraloregon/alerts-notices/?aid=24081

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR):  A TFR remains in place over the Bailey Butte fire. Please check the NOTAM for current information.