Wildfire - Oregon Dept of Forestry

2011 fire season ends Oct. 24

2011-10-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

Fire season 2011 ended statewide today, when the last Oregon Department of Forestry district remaining in season, Northeast Oregon District, announced its closure.

The season started out slow with a cool, wet spring that delayed the onset of fire activity several weeks. By mid-July when Oregon’s fire season typically hits full stride, 144 fires had burned just 136 acres on the lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) – low numbers compared to the running 10-year average of 388 fires burning nearly 13,000 acres. ODF protects a total of 16 million acres of private and public lands from fire.

By the middle of August, the summer weather pattern had finally set in. But the statistics - 279 fires burning 244 acres – still lagged behind the 10-year mark for that point in the year: 699 fires burning nearly 23,000 acres.

Dry lightning, the cause of most large Oregon wildfires, remained relatively light through mid-summer. Then on Aug. 25 – late in the season for intense thunderstorm activity – an onslaught of 8,500 strikes ignited numerous fires. Aggressive response by firefighters stopped most of the lightning starts on ODF-protected lands, and none of them grew into large fires.

In summary, the generally favorable weather, lack of drought conditions, higher live-fuel moistures across the state (which limited rapid fire growth), pre-staging of key firefighting resources, and an aggressive initial-attack approach led to a successful fire season for ODF, its partner agencies and Oregon’s forest landowners.

Wildfire update - October 19, 2011

2011-10-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

Statewide, only the Northeast Oregon District remains in fire season. While fire conditions have moderated with the onset of fall weather patterns, the combination of a sunny day and wind can quickly dry out fine fuels such as grasses and shrubs and create the opportunity for a wildfire to start. Please be mindful of fire safety when recreating or working in the forest.

Fire update, Oct. 12, 2011

2011-10-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

No new fires 10 acres or larger have been reported so far this week on the lands protected by the Oregon Dept. of Forestry.

Wildfire update - Oct. 9, 2011

2011-10-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

The 97-acre Albee Road Fire reported Oct. 8 burning one mile northeast of Ukiah in the Pendleton Unit of the Northeast Oregon District was fully lined on Sunday and in mop-up. Cause of the fire was an escaped debris burn.

Fire update - Oct. 7, 2011

2011-10-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

No new fires 10 acres or larger were reported on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands during the past 24 hours. With the onset of fall weather patterns statewide, only the Central Oregon District, Northeast Oregon District and Coos Forest Protective Association remain in fire season.

Wildfire update for Oct. 6, 2011

2011-10-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

No new fires 10 acres or larger were reported in the past 24 hours on the lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Rain fell yesterday on the Bologna Canyon Fire in the Central Oregon District, aiding firefighters. The fire is currently in mop-up.

With the onset of fall weather patterns, most forest protection districts across the state have ended fire season.

Bologna Canyon Fire burns 30 acres in central Oregon

2011-10-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

The 30-acre Bologna Canyon Fire reported Tuesday burning on steep terrain nine miles west of Monument in the Central Oregon District is nearly contained. Winds complicated the firefighting effort. The fire is burning in grass, juniper and juniper slash. Resources fighting the fire at the peak of activity included one air tanker, a lead plane (guide to the tankers), two helicopters, four fire engines, a squad of firefighters and a bulldozer. The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management assisted the Oregon Department of Forestry with aerial and ground firefighting resources. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

Daily fire update - Oct. 4, 2011

2011-10-04T08:54:00.001-07:00

No new fires 10 acres or larger were reported in the past 24 hours on the lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Morning statewide fire summary - October 3, 2011

2011-10-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

Lightning storms that moved through central and eastern Oregon from Nevada on Friday created numerous fires for several jurisdictions on Saturday.

The Hall Hill Two fire was the largest that the Oregon Department of Forestry responded to, estimated at 17 acres burning in brush, timber and juniper about three miles west of Prairie City in Grant County. This lightning-caused fire was reported Saturday night. Five ODF engines, two crews, water tender and bulldozer all responded to the fire. This fire was fully contained by Sunday afternoon. ODF crews were assisted on the by resources from the Prairie City Rural Fire District and the U.S. Forest Service.

ODF Central Oregon District/John Day Unit resources also responded to three small fires in the region Saturday: a lightning-caused fire near Ritter that was held to under an acre, a lightning-struck tree afire north of Mount Vernon and a one-acre fire northeast of Monument, the cause of which is currently under investigation.

The Catlow Fire was reported Saturday burning in Harney County about 29 miles northwest of Fields. The fire burned 5,300 acres of brush before being fully contained Sunday by the Bureau of Land Management.

The Murderers Creek Complex fire is located approximately 10 miles south of Dayville on the east side of the South Fork John Day River. This complex fire, made up of three incidents, is 1,090 acres in size on Monday and began Saturday due to lightning. Fire is burning in timber on a mix of ownerships, including some private lands and some BLM ownership, including the Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area and the Malheur National Forest. An interagency management team assumed command of the fire Sunday. Hunters and recreationists have been asked to leave the area as a precaution, and FS Roads 2170, 2150 and the road leading into the Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area (Murderers Creek Road) remain closed. No estimate on when the fire may be contained.

Other large fires within Oregon have moved into an intermittent reporting status; any new details would be reported through InciWeb at: www.inciweb.org/state/38

For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Lightning creates multiple fires for Forestry crews in eastern Oregon

2011-10-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

Despite rainy, cooler weather is western Oregon, fire conditions are still volatile in central and eastern Oregon. Oregon Department of Forestry crews in eastern Oregon were kept busy by several new fires Saturday.

The Hall Hill Two fire was the largest, estimated at 17 acres, burning in brush, timber and juniper about three miles west of Prairie City. This lightning-caused fire was reported Saturday night. Five ODF engines, two crews, water tender and bulldozer all responded to the fire. This fire was fully contained by Sunday afternoon. ODF crews were assisted on the Hall Hill Two fire by resources from the Prairie City Rural Fire District and the U.S. Forest Service.

ODF Central Oregon District resources also responded to 3 small fires in the region: a lightning-caused fire near Ritter that was held to under an acre, a lightning-struck tree afire north of Mount Vernon and a one-acre fire northeast of Monument, the cause of which is currently under investigation.

Two new large-acreage fires were also reported burning Saturday on Bureau of Land Management lands; a fire burning 13 miles south of Dayville and a 1,000 acre fire 29 miles northwest of Fields in Harney County.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Burn ban released for Washington County

2011-10-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Source: Washington County Fire Defense Board

On Sunday, October 2nd, the Washington County Fire Defense Board will remove the countywide burn ban that has been in place since July.

Although weather conditions have brought about cooler temperatures and some moisture, all Washington County residents are asked to remain cautious when burning and comply with all applicable burning regulations.

NW Oregon relaxes closure requirements Saturday

2011-09-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

ODF’s Northwest Oregon Fire Protection District – which includes Clatsop County, Columbia County, Tillamook County, western Washington County and the northwest portion of Yamhill County bordered by Hwy 47 and Hwy 18 – will be ending Regulated Use Closure requirements for the season on Saturday October 1.

For additional information about Regulated Use Closure fire precautions, consult the Oregon Department of Forestry web site: www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/precautionlevel.shtml

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

2011-09-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:

No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on ODF protected lands have been reported during the past 24 hours.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:

Dollar Lake Fire -- 16 miles south of Hood River – 6,304 acres and 90 percent contained. New closure information is in effect, hunters and recreationists should familiarize themselves with current conditions via the InciWeb page for the fire: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563

Mother Lode – 10 miles NW of Detroit – 2,661 acres and 10 percent contained. Some area closures remain in effect. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2536

Shadow Lake – 15 miles west of Sisters – 10,000 acres and 40 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550

Umpqua Complex -- 9 miles south of Toketee in the Umpqua National Forest – 1,019 acres and 81 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2552

Red Cone Complex—within Crater Lake National Park – 1,216 acres and no containment forecast. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2648

Wasco Lake – Burning 10 miles northwest of Camp Sherman in the Deschutes National Forest – 200 acres and 70 percent contained; The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Smoke near Gaston is controlled burn

2011-09-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

Sources: Gaston Fire District and ODF

Washington County fire departments are receiving calls concerning a large column of smoke near Hagg Lake that is visible for many miles.

The smoke is from a large controlled burn on the Stimson Mainline near the end of Sain Creek Road on private property. The Oregon Department of Forestry issued a permit for this closely monitored fire, which is expected to burn into Friday.

Unregulated burning remains banned in Washington County until further notice. Recent rains have helped reduce the threat of wildfire, but conditions remain dangerous.

ODF Public Affairs Office

Morning statewide fire summary - September 29, 2011

2011-09-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Though northwest Oregon has been experiencing cooler, rainy weather, fire potential is still high in other regions of Oregon, including northeast Oregon and southwestern Oregon. Continued caution with fire while outdoors is urged.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on ODF protected lands have been reported during the past 24 hours.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:

Dollar Lake Fire -- 16 miles south of Hood River – 6,304 acres and 90 percent contained. New closure information is in effect, hunters and recreationists should familiarize themselves with current conditions via the InciWeb page for the fire: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563

Mother Lode – 10 miles NW of Detroit – 2,620 acres and 10 percent contained. Some area closures remain in effect. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2536

Shadow Lake – 15 miles west of Sisters – 10,000 acres and 40 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550

Umpqua Complex -- 9 miles south of Toketee in the Umpqua National Forest – 1,019 acres and 81 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2552

Red Cone Complex—within Crater Lake National Park – 1,216 acres and no containment forecast. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2648

Wasco Lake – Burning 10 miles northwest of Camp Sherman in the Deschutes National Forest – 200 acres and 70 percent contained; The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Fire near Beaverton today is prescribed burn

2011-09-29T08:41:00.001-07:00

Portland Metro area residents who may be concerned by wildland fire smoke Thursday in the area of Beaverton’s Cooper Mountain Nature Park should be made aware that this fire is a scheduled prescribed burn to control invasive plant species and reduce wildfire risk through reducing potential fuels for a wildland fire.

The prescribed burn is being jointly managed by Metro, Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. Please note that all facilities and trails within Cooper Mountain Nature Park will be closed Thursday for safety.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Dry conditions on season opener mean fire caution for hunters

2011-09-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

For the Oct. 1 general big game season opener, predicted dry conditions in most forested areas of Oregon underscore the need for hunters to be fire safety conscious. Even though fall is in the air, careless actions can still spark a wildfire.

Parched grasses, brush and other fine fuels can ignite from a variety of sources – an errant spark from a campfire or warming fire, a discarded cigarette, or a hot exhaust system contacting vegetation. And under fall conditions, these fire starts often don’t become apparent until hours or even days later.

A warming fire built on a hillside in the early morning hours to take the chill off may appear to be out when the hunter eventually moves on. But the ashes can retain heat. On the next sunny day, a little wind can rekindle that “dead” fire and cause it to spread into a wildfire.

The safest place for a campfire is in a campground with established fire pits. Before leaving a campfire or warming fire, be sure to douse it repeatedly with water, stirring the ashes each time to ensure it is completely extinguished.

When driving a full-sized vehicle or ATV in the forest, always carry fire equipment required by the jurisdictional land management agency. And before heading to your hunting location, check the current rules on vehicle use. In some areas, off-road use of motorized vehicles may be prohibited.

Likewise with smoking: Check the rules. Depending on the fire danger level, smoking may be restricted to inside a closed vehicle or building. In any case, never discard smoking materials in grass or other vegetation.

The good news for hunters is that the dry conditions are forecast to change Sunday evening with the onset of rain in many areas.

For additional fire safety tips and current fire restrictions, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry or the Keep Oregon Green Association.

Rod Nichols
Oregon Department of Forestry

Shadow Lake Fire - closure areas reduced

2011-09-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

Source: Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

Yesterday, the closure areas were reduced around the Shadow Lake Fire due to the wet, cooler weather and the hard work of fire crews to secure the fire line. The cooler temperatures have also allowed the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests to resume management of the fire.

“The reduced area closure opens up some popular roads and recreation sites,” said Randy Harbick, Fire Management Officer for the McKenzie River Ranger District. “However, since we will still have fire crews and some equipment finishing rehabilitation work, please drive carefully if you visit the area.”

Popular areas now open include:
• Big Lake Campground (in a no services status)

• Big Lake Youth Camp

• Potato Hill/Jack Pine area

• Dry Creek Trailhead

• Belknap and Little Belknap Crater

• Lakes south of Corbett Sno-Park

• Forest Service Road 500

Popular areas that remain closed include Big Lake West Campground, Forest Service Road 810, the Patjens Lake Trail, a portion of Dry Creek Trail and a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. The closure area is subject to change, but due to continued hazards from snags and hotspots within the fire some form of closure will likely remain through the winter.

For more information on the Shadow Lake fire and to view the updated closure map, go to www.inciweb.org/incident/2550 or visit the websites of the Willamette National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/willamette ) and the Deschutes National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/centraloregon ). More information is also available by calling the Sisters Ranger District (541-549-7700) and/or the McKenzie River Ranger District (541) 822-3381.

Prescribed burns on federal lands in central Oregon this week

2011-09-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

Fuels specialists from the Ochoco National Forest are planning to ignite three prescribed burns beginning Wednesday and continuing through Thursday. The burns are expected to take a total of two days to complete with mop-up and patrolling continuing as needed. Hunters should use caution when passing through these areas after the burns are complete, and should avoid sites with active prescribed fire.

The first burn is the final 80-acres of the Coyote Hills burn on the Crooked River National Grassland. The burn is located adjacent to the east side of Haystack Reservoir and north of FS Rd 9610 and most of the burn was completed this summer. The objective is to improve the health of native plants, restore spring flow and increase forage for wildlife and livestock by using prescribed fire to reduce the number of western juniper on the landscape. Smoke from this burn will be visible from Highways 97 and 26, the communities of Madras and Crooked River Ranch, and from nearby recreation sites such as Haystack Reservoir and Smith Rock State Park.

Specialists will also burn 135 acres in the Spears Meadow area, about 20 miles northeast of Prineville adjacent to Hwy 26. This burn is designed to reduce hazardous fuels along the highway. Smoke will be visible along Highway 26, as well as from nearby ranches, recreation sites and the communities of Prineville and Mitchell. Highway 26 is expected to remain open; however there is the potential for smoke to drift across the road.

The final burn is located in the Maury Mountains, about 30 miles east of Prineville. Specialists will burn approximately 280 acres in the Elk project area. The goal of the burn is to use fire to reduce the number of juniper on the landscape to improve elk habitat. This burn is located in a remote area and should have limited visibility, except to local ranches and people recreating in the area.

The areas will be signed to inform motorists of the prescribed fires. No road closures are anticipated; however, people recreating in or traveling through the areas should use caution as smoke may affect visibility and travel. If motorists encounter smoke as a result of the burning, they should slow down, turn on headlights, and proceed with care. Patrols and mop-up activities will occur during and following ignitions and night patrols will occur on an as-needed basis, depending on conditions. In addition, people should use caution when entering a recently burned area due to the presence of fire-weakened trees that may fall, and watch for dangerous stump holes.

Fuels specialists will follow policies outlined in the Oregon Department of Forestry smoke management plan, which governs controlled burns, and attempts to minimize impacts to visibility and public health. All of these burns are weather dependent and may be cancelled if conditions are not appropriate to complete the burn successfully.

For more information, visit the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire.

Lisa Clark
USDA Crooked River National Grassland and Ochoco National Forest

541.280.9560

Morning statewide fire summary - September 28, 2011

2011-09-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:

No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on ODF protected lands have been reported during the past 24 hours.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:

Wasco Lake – Burning 10 miles northwest of Camp Sherman in the Deschutes National Forest – 200 acres and 70 percent contained; The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

Dollar Lake Fire -- 16 miles south of Hood River – 6,304 acres and 90 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563

Mother Lode – 10 miles NW of Detroit – 2,620 acres and 10 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2536

Alder Springs Fire – 2 miles NW of Crooked River Ranch in the Ochoco National Forest – 1,449 acres and 100 percent contained on Monday.

Umpqua Complex -- 9 miles south of Toketee in the Umpqua National Forest – 1,019 acres and 81 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2552

Red Cone Complex-- 16 miles south of Hood River – 1,216 acres and no containment forecast. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2648

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Daily fire update, Sept. 27, 2011

2011-09-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Fires on Oregon Dept. of Forestry-protected lands:
The 25-acre Horse Heaven Fire burning on private lands in the Prineville Unit of the Central Oregon District was fully contained on Monday afternoon. Begun as a prescribed burn, the fire escaped the burn unit and spread to the additional 25 acres of grass, sage and juniper.

The 25-acre Dole Road Fire burning on lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) near Myrtle Creek is fully lined. Resources fighting the fire at its peak included eight fire engines (DFPA), two hand crews (one DFPA, one Douglas Co.), one helicopter (DFPA), two water tenders (Rural Fire Dist.) and one bulldozer (DFPA). Cause of the fire is under investigation.

Other fire information:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ - or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38.

Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Monday, September 26, 2011

2011-09-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Daily Fire Update for Monday, September 26, 2011.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 10 acres or larger were reported during the past 24 hours on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ - or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 . Note that the InciWeb system is experiencing a high volume of server traffic due to the number of wildland fires burning across the country and response times at times may be slowed.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

**********************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

2011-09-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Daily Fire Update for Friday, September 23, 2011.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 10 acres or larger were reported during the past 24 hours on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

FIRES ON OTHER FOREST LANDS:
The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center reported that the Alder Springs Fire was reported at 1:45 p.m. yesterday, September 22, burning near Alder Springs in the Whychus Creek drainage of the Crooked River National Grassland about five miles southwest of Culver, Oregon. The fire was estimated by 9 p.m. last night, September 22, to be at 300 acres. It is burning to the east towards Crooked River Ranch and several private ranches.

Alder Springs trailhead/trail and Road 6360 accessing the trailhead are currently closed due to fire suppression activities. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team is scheduled to take command of the fire today, Friday, September 23. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

With many fires recently contained and the potential for others to start, hunters heading out for bow season should use caution when heading out to their units. They should avoid camping in or hiking through areas with active fire, watch for increased fire traffic on forest and rangeland roads and should watch for dangerous burned out stump-holes and snags in recently burned areas. Check in with local agencies before you head out to see if there are any additional fire restrictions or campground closures.

The Alder Springs Fire is not threatening any private forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

More information: Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center at www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire/ or 541-416-6811.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ - or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 . Note that the InciWeb system is experiencing a high volume of server traffic due to the number of wildland fires burning across the country and response times at times may be slowed.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Thursday, September 22, 2011

2011-09-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Daily Fire Update for Wednesday, September 21, 2011.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 20 acres or larger were reported during the past 24 hours on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ - or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 . Note that the InciWeb system is experiencing a high volume of server traffic due to the number of wildland fires burning across the country and response times at times may be slowed.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

******************************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Wednesday, September 21, 2011

2011-09-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Daily Fire Update for Wednesday, September 21, 2011.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 20 acres or larger were reported during the past 24 hours on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ - or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 . Note that the InciWeb system is experiencing a high volume of server traffic due to the number of wildland fires burning across the country and response times at times may be slowed.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

*****************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager # 503-370-0403

Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Tuesday, September 20, 2011

2011-09-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Daily Fire Update for Tuesday, September 20, 2011.
FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
Correction to yesterday’s fire report: The Dole Road Fire, which was reported on Sunday afternoon, September 18, was located in the Southern Oregon Area (not SWO, as reported yesterday)/Douglas Forest Protective Association. The fire area, which was approximately 25 acres, is fully lined and contained, in final mop-up and monitoring. The cause of this fire, also mistakenly not reported in yesterday’s report, is under investigation. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report on this fire.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:
The National Incident Management Organization that was in Oregon assigned to the Shadow Lake Fire has turned management of the fire over to a local team. The information about fires burning in Oregon on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/orfireinfo/, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/oregonfireinfo, and a blog at http://orfireinfo.net/ will no longer be maintained by this team.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ - or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 . Note that the InciWeb system is experiencing a high volume of server traffic due to the number of wildland fires burning across the country and response times at times may be slowed.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

*****************************

Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Monday, September 19, 2011

2011-09-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Daily Fire Update for Friday, September 19, 2011.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
SWO-Douglas Forest Protective Association: The Dole Road Fire was reported on Sunday afternoon, September 18. The fire, approximately 25 acres, is now lined, contained, and in full mop-up. Unless the situation changes, this will be the only report on this fire.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:
The National Incident Management Organization that was in Oregon assigned to the Shadow Lake Fire has turned management of the fire over to a local team. The information about fires burning in Oregon on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/orfireinfo/, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/oregonfireinfo, and a blog at http://orfireinfo.net/ will no longer be maintained by this team.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ - or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 . Note that the InciWeb system is experiencing a high volume of server traffic due to the number of wildland fires burning across the country and response times at times may be slowed.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

************************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

2011-09-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Daily Fire Update for Thursday, September 15, 2011.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on ODF-protected lands have been reported during the past 24 hours.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:
Many of the following fires involve road or other resource-area closures in effect. Please check the information that is available before heading out to areas these fires may be impacting.

In addition to the other fire information resources that are always available in Oregon during fire season, while the National Incident Management Organization is in Oregon assigned to the Shadow Lake Fire, Kris Erikson, federal Incident Information Officer, is also providing information about fires burning in Oregon on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/orfireinfo/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oregonfireinfo, and on a blog at http://orfireinfo.net/. These are excellent resources for both the public and the media to monitor and/or sign up to receive updates.

North-Central Oregon

The 108,154-acre High Cascades Fire Complex, reported August 24 burning along the Deschutes River, is now 95 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. The Blue Mountain Incident Management Team that has been assigned to this fire will turn fire management back over to the local unit on Friday morning. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report in these ODF updates about this incident. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2546.

The 6,273-acre Dollar Lake Fire, reported August 27 burning 16 miles south of Hood River, is now 50 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. A community briefing about the Dollar Lake Fire is scheduled for 7 p.m .this evening, September 15, at the Parkdale Fire Station. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563.

The 2,152-acre lightning-caused Mother Lode Fire, reported August 26, burning 10 miles northwest of Detroit in the Mount Hood National Forest is five percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2636.

The 9,987-acre Shadow Lake Fire, reported August 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters, is 35 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing this lightning-caused fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Favorable weather conditions are continuing to contribute to aid firefighter efforts. Portions of the closure area will re-open to the public on Friday, September 16, and fire management officials will continue to make additional changes to the current closure order over the next few weeks as part of a phased approach to re-open popular recreation and hunting areas as quickly and safely as possible, as well as associated temporary fire restriction changes. Check forest websites or contact the Sisters Ranger District (541-549-7700) or the McKenzie Ranger District (541-822-3381) for a list of roads or hiking trails open for use. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550.

The 88-acre Substitute Fire, reported August 24, is burning in the Willamette National Forest, 14 miles southeast of McKenzie Bridge in the Three Sisters Wilderness on the east slopes of Substitute Point. The U.S. Forest Service is managing this lightning-caused fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report in these ODF updates about this fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2633.

Northeast Oregon

The 119-acre lightning-caused Chicken Hill Fire, reported September 5, burning 48 miles southwest of LaGrande, is now 100 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing this fire, which transitioned to a local fire management team today. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report in these ODF updates about this fire. Additional incident information is available through InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2660.

The 353-acre lightning-caused Jim White Ridge Complex, reported August 3, is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

Southern Oregon

The 849-acre lightning-caused Umpqua Complex of fires, reported on September 8, burning 9 miles south of Toketee, near Diamond Lake and the North Umpqua Ranger Districts in the Umpqua National Forest, is now 65 percent contained. An interagency incident management team from southern California assumed command of the fire on September 11. Additional information is available through InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2652.

The lightning-caused 900-acre Red Cone Complex of fires is burning 10 miles northwest of the Crater Lake National Park headquarters. The fire, which began August 20, is being managed by the National Parks Service with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Additional incident information is now available on InciWeb at: www.inciweb.org/incident/2648/.

Eastern Oregon

The 6100-acre lightning-caused Garden Fire, reported September 8, is burning eight miles northeast of Fort Rock. This lightning-caused fire is burning in grasslands, brush and juniper within the BLM Lakeview District, and is 67 percent contained. An interagency incident management team has been assigned to this incident.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ - or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 . Note that the InciWeb system is experiencing a high volume of server traffic due to the number of wildland fires burning across the country and response times at times may be slowed.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

*************************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager # 503-370-0403

Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Wednesday, September 14, 2011

2011-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Daily Fire Update for Wednesday, September 14, 2011.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on ODF-protected lands have been reported during the past 24 hours.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:
Many of the following fires involve road or other resource-area closures that are in effect. Please check the information that is available before heading out to areas that these fires may be impacting.

In addition to the other fire information resources that are always available in Oregon during fire season, while the National Incident Management Organization is in Oregon assigned to the Shadow Lake Fire, Kris Erikson, federal Incident Information Officer, is also providing information about fires burning in Oregon on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/orfireinfo/, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/oregonfireinfo , and on a blog at http://orfireinfo.net/. These are excellent resources for both the public and the media to monitor and/or sign up to receive updates.

North-Central Oregon

The 108,154-acre High Cascades Fire Complex, reported August 24 burning along the Deschutes River, is now 95 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2546.

The 6,249-acre Dollar Lake Fire, reported August 27 burning 16 miles south of Hood River, is now 45 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563.

The 2,063-acre Mother Lode Fire, reported August 26, burning 10 miles northwest of Detroit in the Mount Hood National Forest is 5 percent contained. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2636.

The 9,987-acre Shadow Lake Fire, reported August 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters, is 35 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Favorable weather conditions are contributing to firefighter efforts. The McKenzie River National Scenic Trail and Clear Lake Resort both plan to re-open by this week-end. While closures are still in effect in both the Deschutes and Willamette national forests due to this fire, potential opportunities to reduce those closure areas are being evaluated. Check forest websites or contact the Sisters Ranger District (541-549-7700) or the McKenzie Ranger District (541-822-3381) for a list of roads or hiking trails open for use. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550.

The 88-acre Substitute Fire, reported August 24, is burning in the Willamette National Forest, 14 miles southeast of McKenzie Bridge in the Three Sisters Wilderness on the east slopes of Substitute Point. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2633.

Northeast Oregon
The 8,350-acre Cactus Mountain Fire, reported September 7 burning in grassland 17 miles north/northeast of Imnaha in Wallowa County, is 90 percent contained and will be turned over to a local fire team. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report in these ODF updates about this fire. Additional incident information is available through InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2661.

The 119-acre Chicken Hill Fire, reported September 5 burning 48 miles southwest of LaGrande, is now 85 percent contained and will be transitioning to a local team. The U.S. Forest Service is managing this fire. Additional incident information is available through InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2660.

The 353-acre Jim White Ridge Complex, reported August 3, is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.
Southern Oregon

The 100-acre Lone Mountain Fire, reported September 9, burned in grass, brush, and timber about 4 miles southwest of O’Brien, in Josephine County. The fire is about 100 acres and 75 percent contained. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report in these ODF updates about this fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2655.

The 770-acre Umpqua Complex of fires, reported on September 8, burning 9 miles south of Toketee, near Diamond Lake and the North Umpqua Ranger Districts in the Umpqua National Forest, is 10 percent contained. An incident management team from southern California assumed command of the fire on September 11. Additional incident information is available through InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2652.

The 620-acre Red Cone Complex of fires is burning 10 miles northwest of the Crater Lake National Park headquarters. The fire, which began August 20, is being managed by the National Parks Service with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Additional incident information is now available on InciWeb at: www.inciweb.org/incident/2648/.

The 467-acre Little Butte Fire, reported on September 5, burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest approximately 16 miles northeast of Medford, is 95 percent contained. ODF provided initial attack resources and the fire is being managed through a unified command of Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and ODF.

Eastern Oregon

The 1,400-acre Buffalo Fire, reported September 8, is burning 23 miles southeast of Christmas Valley on BLM Lakeview District grasslands. The fire is 95 percent contained.

The 6100-acre Garden Fire, reported September 8, is burning 8 miles northeast of Fort Rock. This lightning-caused fire is burning in grasslands, brush and juniper within the BLM Lakeview District, and is 50 percent contained. An interagency incident management team is being assigned to this incident.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ - or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38. Note that the InciWeb system is experiencing a high volume of server traffic due to the number of wildland fires burning across the country and response times at times may be slowed.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

************************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #: 503-370-0403

Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Tuesday, September 13, 2011

2011-09-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Daily Fire Update for Tuesday, September 13, 2011.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on ODF-protected lands have been reported during the past 24 hours.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:
Many of the following fires involve road or other resource-area closures that are in effect. Please check the information that is available before heading out to areas that many of these fires may be impacting.

In addition to the other fire information resources that are always available in Oregon during fire season, while the National Incident Management Organization is in Oregon assigned to the Shadow Lake Fire, Kris Erikson, federal Incident Information Officer, is also providing information about fires burning in Oregon on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/orfireinfo, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/oregonfireinfo#!, and on a blog at http://orfireinfo.net . These are excellent resources for both the public and the media to monitor and/or sign up to receive updates.

North Central Oregon
The 108,154-acre High Cascades Fire Complex, reported August 24 burning along the Deschutes River, is now 90 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2546 .

The 6,169-acre Dollar Lake Fire, reported August 27 burning 16 miles south of Hood River, is now 40 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563 .

The 2,063-acre Mother Lode Fire, reported August 26, is burning 10 miles northwest of Detroit. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2636.

The 9,987-acre Shadow Lake Fire, reported August 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters, is 30 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Potential smoke impacts along Highway 20 and in Sisters this morning due to air inversion, but expected to lift later in the day. A community meeting is scheduled for tonight, September 13, at 7 p.m. at the McKenzie High School Gym in Blue River. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550.

The 88-acre Substitute Fire, reported August 24, is burning in the Willamette National Forest, 14 miles southeast of McKenzie Bridge. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2633.

Northeast Oregon

The 8,100-acre Cactus Mountain Fire, was reported September 7, burning in grassland 17 miles north/northeast of Imnaha in Wallowa County. Though primarily on federal lands, 130 acres of the fire are under ODF protection. The Fire is reported as 50 percent contained this morning. Additional information is available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2661.

The 119-acre Chicken Hill Fire, reported September 5, burning 48 miles southwest of LaGrande, is now 75 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing this fire. Additional information is available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2660.

The 353-acre Jim White Ridge Complex, reported August 3, is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

Southern Oregon

The 100-acre Lone Mountain Fire, reported September 9, burning in grass, brush, and timber about 4 miles southwest of O’Brien, in Josephine County. The fire is about 100 acres and 95 percent contained. A unified command of the fire has been established between the U.S. Forest Service, Medford District BLM, and ODF. The Oregon California Interagency Incident Management Team (ORCA) assumed fire suppression management of the fire under the unified command. An incident command post has been established at Lake Selmac County Park with over 270 fire fighters and support personnel actively working to quickly suppress the Lone Mountain Fire. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2655.

The 770-acre Umpqua Complex of fires, reported on September 8, burning 9 miles south of Toketee, near Diamond Lake and the North Umpqua Ranger Districts in the Umpqua National Forest, is 10 percent contained. An incident management team from southern California assumed command of the fire on September 11. Additional information is available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2652.

The 620-acre Red Cone Complex of fires is burning 10 miles north/northwest of the Crater Lake National Park headquarters. The fire, which began August 20, is being managed by the National Parks Service with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The 467-acre Little Butte Fire, reported on September 5, burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest approximately 12 miles northeast of Medford, is 95 percent contained. ODF provided initial attack resources and the fire is being managed through a unified command of Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and ODF. Fire lines have been completed and firefighters are aggressively mopping-up to meet containment objectives. Fire behavior is expected to pick up early in the day and be fairly extreme due to hot and dry weather forecast for the remainder of the week in this area.

Eastern Oregon

The 1,400-acre Buffalo Fire, reported September 8, is burning 23 miles southeast of Christmas Valley on BLM Lakeview District grasslands. The fire is 80 percent contained.

The 7,000-acre Garden Fire, reported September 8, is burning 8 miles northeast of Fort Rock. This lightning-caused fire is burning in grasslands, brush and juniper within the BLM Lakeview District, and is 50 percent contained.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

*************
Jeri Chase, Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #: 503-370-0403

Expanded Red Flag Warning for southern Oregon

2011-09-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

The Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Medford for high wildfire potential in Klamath County, Lake County and western Harney County has been expanded to cover eastern Jackson and eastern Douglas County as well. The warning is in effect until 11:00 Monday night.

Thunderstorm activity is predicted bringing with in isolated lightning strikes.

A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.

To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Public's help sought to determine SW Oregon fire causes

2011-09-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Eight fires in the O’Brien area have been determined to be of suspicious origin, and the Oregon Dept. of Forestry and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest are seeking the public’s help in finding the person responsible for setting these fires. The first fire of suspicious origin was set June 13 and the most recent was 79-acre Lone Mtn. Fire, which started Sept. 9.

Anyone who saw a person or vehicle in the area of a wildfire in the O’Brien area this summer is encouraged to call (800) 452-7888, toll-free, to reach the Oregon Council Against Arson. Information is confidential, so please leave your name, a phone number, whether you have photographs or video of one or more of these fires in the early stages, and a description of a vehicle or person that you saw.

Brian Ballou
Oregon Department of Forestry, SW Oregon District

Morning statewide fire summary - September 12, 2011

2011-09-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on ODF protected lands have been reported during the past 24 hours.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:

** NORTH-CENTRAL OREGON

The 108,096-acre High Cascades Fire complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 85 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2546

The 5,843-acre Dollar Lake Fire reported Aug. 27 burning 16 miles south of Hood River is 35 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. An area of concern is the potential impact of the fire on the Bull Run watershed for the City of Portland. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563

The 1,670-acre Mother Lode fire is burning 10 miles northwest of Detroit. A full perimeter has been established around the fire, reported on Aug. 26. The fire is 5 percent contained. An interagency incident management team assumed command of the fire Friday at 12:00 Noon. Trail and area closures are in effect, also Bull of the Woods historic lookout is at risk. InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2636

The 9,972-acre Shadow Lake Fire reported Aug. 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters is 25 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. Smoke impacts on Highway 20, also Sisters/Madras area. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550

The 88-acre Substitute fire is burning in the Willamette National Forest 14 miles southeast of McKenzie Bridge. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2633

** NORTHEAST OREGON

The 8,000-acre Cactus Mountain fire was reported Wednesday burning in grassland 17 miles northeast of Imnaha in Wallowa County. Though primarily on federal lands, 130 acres of the fire are under ODF protection. Active fire spread on Saturday. Several structures are in the fire vicinity and potentially threatened. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire is 20 percent contained. The NW Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire Friday morning. Closures related to the fire area were issued Monday morning. Additional information is available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2661

The 120-acre Chicken Hill fire is burning in timber off FR 5185 in the Wallowa Whitman NF northwest of Baker City. The lightning-caused fire is 60 percent contained. Additional information is available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2660

The 315-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

** SOUTHERN OREGON

The Lone Mountain fire was reported Friday afternoon burning in grass, brush and timber about 12 miles southwest of Cave Junction in Josephine County. The fire is about 100 acres and 95 percent contained. A unified command of the fire has been established between the U.S. Forest Service, Medford District BLM and Oregon Department of Forestry. The Oregon California Interagency Incident Management Team (ORCA) assumed fire suppression management of the fire under the unified command. An incident command post has been established at Lake Selmac County Park with over 270 fire fighters and support personnel actively working to quickly suppress the Lone Mountain Fire. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2655

The 710-acre Umpqua Complex of fires burning 9 miles south of Toketee in the Umpqua National Forest began Aug. 24. An incident management team from southern California assumed command of the fire Sunday. Additional information is available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2652

The 620-acre Red Cone complex of fires is burning 10 miles north of the Crater Lake National Park headquarters. The fire, which began Aug. 20, is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The 467-acre Little Butte fire burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest 16 miles northeast of Medford is now 95 percent contained. The fire was reported last Monday and Oregon Department of Forestry provided initial attack resources. Fire is managed through a unified command of Rogue River-Siskiyou NF and ODF. Fire lines have been completed and firefighters are aggressively mopping-up to meet containment objectives, seeking to reach full containment by Sunday.

** EASTERN OREGON

The 1,400-acre Buffalo fire is burning 23 miles southeast of Christmas Valley on BLM Lakeview District grasslands. This lightning-caused fire is 80 percent contained

The 3,000-acre Garden fire is burning 18 miles northeast of Fort Rock. This lightning-caused fire is burning in grasslands, brush and juniper within the BLM Lakeview District. Fire is 50 percent contained. Increase in acreage due to burnout operations to consume fuels

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Additional Red Flag Warning for Klamath Basin Monday

2011-09-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning for high wildfire potential in Klamath County, Lake County and western Harney County, including the Fremont-Winema National Forest and BLM lands, from 11:00 AM Monday until 11:00 Monday night.

Thunderstorm activity is predicted, bringing with it isolated lightning strikes.

A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.

To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Cactus Mountain fire in Wallowa County - Sunday update

2011-09-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Fire Size: 7,668 Acres

Containment: 10%
Location: 17 miles N/NE of Imnaha
Cause: Under Investigation
Personnel: Approximately 120
Closures/Restrictions: Dug Bar Road at Fence Creek to all public access

Fire Information:
(541) 432-6028
Staffed 8a.m.-9p.m.
cactusmtnfire0616@gmail.com

Inciweb
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2661

Yesterday was a good day on the fire. Firefighters continued to keep the fire east of Summit Ridge, and to the west of the Snake River. Structure protection for the Litch Ranch, along with additional work in the Cow Creek area was accomplished. Smoke jumpers and aircraft worked the ridges. and 44 loads of retardant were dropped totaling 27,776 gallons. Additional bucket drops of water were also used.

Crews will continue today to notify hunters in the Lord Flat area of this fire, as a precautionary measure for public safety. Approximately 30 vehicles were located at the gate on the road leading into Lord Flat.

Fire behavior is expected to be intense Sunday, as temperatures in the canyon, will reach 100 degrees or higher. Relative humidity is forecasted to be in the single digits. Wind gusts should be around 18 mph in the canyon. Fire could potentially spot today up to a half-mile away. There will be additional heavy helicopters assisting in the suppression effort today.

Red Flag Warning for Klamath Basin Sunday

2011-09-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning for high wildfire potential in eastern Douglas, eastern Jackson, Klamath and Lake counties from 1:00 p.m. today until 11:00 Sunday night.

Thunderstorm activity is predicted bringing with in isolated lightning strikes.

A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.

To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. Please be very careful with fire and prevent accidental wildfire ignitions from sparks or open flame.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Fire updates statewide - Sunday AM September 11, 2011

2011-09-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

** NORTH-CENTRAL OREGON

The 108,096-acre High Cascades Fire complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 80 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2546

The 4,763-acre Dollar Lake Fire reported Aug. 27 burning 16 miles south of Hood River is 35 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. An area of concern is the potential impact of the fire on the Bull Run watershed for the City of Portland. Drivers on Oregon Hwy 35 are cautioned to turn on their headlights, slow down, and watch for fire traffic. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563

The 1,235-acre Mother Lode fire is burning 10 miles northwest of Detroit. A full perimeter has been established around the fire, reported on Aug. 26. The fire is not contained. An interagency incident management team assumed command of the fire Friday at 12:00 Noon. Bull of the Woods historic lookout is at risk. InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2636

The 7,900-acre Shadow Lake Fire reported Aug. 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters is 15 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. A new closure area is in effect – the closure now extends to the west along the southeast quadrant of Highways 20 and 126. This includes a portion of the McKenzie River Trail. Evacuations remain in place; youth camp staff will be allowed access on Sunday. Pacific Crest Trail closed. Road access into Big Lake restricted. Smoke impacts on Eugene/Springfield area. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550

The 116-acre Substitute fire is burning in the Willamette National Forest 14 miles southeast of McKenzie Bridge. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2633

** NORTHEAST OREGON

The 7,700-acre Cactus Mountain fire was reported Wednesday burning in grassland 17 miles northeast of Imnaha in Wallowa County. Though primarily on federal lands, 130 acres of the fire are under ODF protection. Active fire spread on Saturday. Several structures are in the fire vicinity and potentially threatened. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire is 10 percent contained. An interagency incident management team assumed command of the fire Friday morning. Additional information is available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2661

The 120-acre Chicken Hill fire is burning in timber off FR 5185 in the Wallowa Whitman NF northwest of Baker City. The lightning-caused fire is 40 percent contained. Additional information is available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2660

The 296-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

** SOUTHERN OREGON

The Lone Mountain fire was reported Friday afternoon burning in grass, brush and timber about 12 miles southwest of Cave Junction in Josephine County. The fast-growing fire was reported at about 200-250 acres in size Saturday morning on a mix of U.S. Forest Service and BLM land ownerships. A unified command of the fire has been established between USFS and Oregon Department of Forestry, as ODF provides fire services under contract to the BLM lands. No containment estimate made. An extended attack on the fire is expected, as the fire is burning in very difficult terrain under continued hot, windy conditions. Five engines, 3 crews, 2 water tenders and one bulldozer are assigned to the fire Saturday, also support from two helicopters. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2655

The 512-acre Skookum Complex of fires burning 9 miles south of Toketee in the Umpqua National Forest began Aug. 24. An incident management team is preparing to start management of the fire on Sunday. Additional information is available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2652

The 620-acre Red Cone complex of fires is burning 10 miles north of the Crater Lake National Park headquarters. The fire, which began Aug. 20, is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The 467-acre Little Butte fire burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest 16 miles northeast of Medford is now 95 percent contained. The fire was reported Monday and Oregon Department of Forestry provided initial attack resources. Fire is managed through a unified command of Rogue River-Siskiyou NF and ODF. Fire lines have been completed and firefighters are aggressively mopping-up to meet containment objectives, seeking to reach full containment by Sunday.

** EASTERN OREGON

The 1,400-acre Buffalo fire is burning 23 miles southeast of Christmas Valley on BLM Lakeview District grasslands. This lightning-caused fire is 80 percent contained

The 1,250-acre Garden fire is burning 18 miles northeast of Fort Rock. This lightning-caused fire is burning in grasslands within the BLM Lakeview District. Fire is 50 percent contained.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Update on Cactus Mountain fire

2011-09-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

The Cactus Mountain fire 17 miles northeast of Imnaha in NE Oregon is at 6,475 acres and 25 percent contained on Saturday morning.

Yesterday, fire command was transferred to NW Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team. Firefighting strategies and tactics were developed, with firefighter safety, and protecting private land, key elements of the plan. This fire is being managed with close cooperation with the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The objective is to keep this fire east of the Imnaha River, south and west of the Snake River, northeast of Cow Creek, and north of private lands. There are sensitive resources and historical structures that need protection in the next 2 operational periods.

Crews were successful in protecting the structures at Dug Bar yesterday, when the fire made a run in that direction, with focus on the Litch Ranch in Cow Creek. Temperatures today in the canyon are forecasted to be in the upper 90’s. Crews will work today to notify the hunters in the Lord Flat area, as a precautionary measure for public safety.

Cactus Mountain Fire Information
(541) 432-6028
cactusmtnfire0618@gmail.com

Lone Mountain fire update

2011-09-10T11:00:00.001-07:00

The Lone Mountain fire was reported Friday afternoon burning in grass, brush and timber about 12 miles southwest of Cave Junction in Josephine County.

The fast-growing fire is about 200-250 acres in size Saturday morning on a mix of U.S. Forest Service and BLM land ownerships. A unified command of the fire has been established between USFS and Oregon Department of Forestry, as ODF provides fire services under contract to the BLM lands. No containment estimate made.

An extended attack on the fire is expected, as the fire is burning in very difficult terrain under continued hot, windy conditions. Five engines, 3 crews, 2 water tenders and one bulldozer are assigned to the fire Saturday, also support from two helicopters. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Lone Mountain fire in SW Oregon

2011-09-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

The Lone Mountain fire was reported Friday afternoon burning in grass, brush and timber about 12 miles southwest of Cave Junction in Josephine County. The fire is about 60 acres in size on a mix of U.S. Forest Service and BLM land ownerships. A unified command of the fire has been established between USFS and Oregon Department of Forestry, as ODF provides fire services under contract to the BLM lands. No containment estimate made. An extended attack on the fire is expected, as the fire is burning in very difficult terrain under continued hot, windy conditions. Nine engines and one bulldozer were used on the fire Friday, also support from two helicopters. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

Kevin Weeks - Oregon Department of Forestry

Morning statewide fire summary - September 10, 2011

2011-09-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

FIRES ON LANDS OTHER THAN ODF-PROTECTED IN OREGON:

** NORTH-CENTRAL OREGON

The 107,911-acre High Cascades Fire complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 80 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2546

The 4,678-acre Dollar Lake Fire reported Aug. 27 burning 16 miles south of Hood River is 30 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. An area of concern is the potential impact of the fire on the Bull Run watershed for the City of Portland. Drivers on Oregon Hwy 35 are cautioned to turn on their headlights, slow down, and watch for fire traffic. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563

The 850-acre Mother Lode fire is burning 10 miles northwest of Detroit. A full perimeter has been established around the fire, reported on Aug. 26. The fire is not contained. An interagency incident management team assumed command of the fire Friday at 12:00 Noon. Bull of the Woods historic lookout is at risk.

The 7,329-acre Shadow Lake Fire reported Aug. 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. A new closure area is in effect – the closure now extends to the west along the southeast quadrant of Highways 20 and 126. This includes a portion of the McKenzie River Trail. Evacuations remain in place; youth camp staff will be allowed access on Sunday. Pacific Crest Trail closed. Road access into Big Lake restricted. Bend, Sisters, Black Butte Ranch and both Hwy 20 and Hwy 126 have decreased visibility. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550

The 115-acre Substitute fire is burning in the Willamette National Forest 14 miles southeast of McKenzie Bridge. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.
** NORTHEAST OREGON

The 4,000-acre Cactus Mountain fire was reported Wednesday burning in grassland 17 miles northeast of Imnaha in Wallowa County. Though primarily on federal lands, 130 acres of the fire are under ODF protection. Five ODF engines and three crews have been assigned to the fire along with resource support from helicopters, one tender and one bulldozer. A portion of the fire is within the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area. Federal initial attack resources included engines, crews, helicopters and Grangeville (ID) smoke jumpers. Several structures are in the fire vicinity and potentially threatened. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire is 25 percent contained. An interagency incident management team assumed command of the fire Friday morning.

The 120-acre Chicken Hill fire is burning in timber off FR 5185 in the Wallowa Whitman NF northwest of Baker City. The lightning-caused fire is 40 percent contained.

The 296-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

** SOUTHERN OREGON

The 200-acre Skookum Complex of fires burning 9 miles south of Toketee in the Umpqua National Forest began Aug. 24. An incident management team is preparing to start management of the fire on Sunday.

The 245-acre Red Cone complex of fires is burning 10 miles north of the Crater Lake National Park headquarters. The fire, which began Aug. 20, is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The 467-acre Little Butte fire burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest 16 miles northeast of Medford is now 95 percent contained. The fire was reported Monday and Oregon Department of Forestry provided initial attack resources. Fire is managed through a unified command of Rogue River-Siskiyou NF and ODF. Fire lines have been completed and firefighters are aggressively mopping-up to meet containment objectives, seeking to reach full containment by Sunday.

** EASTERN OREGON

The 2,000-acre Buffalo fire is burning 23 miles southeast of Christmas Valley on BLM Lakeview District grasslands. This lightning-caused fire is 60 percent contained

The 1,200-acre Garden fire is burning 18 miles northeast of Fort Rock. Lightning-caused fire burning in grasslands in the BLM Lakeview District. Fire is not contained.

Smoke forecast for this weekend - ODF Weather Office

2011-09-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE SMOKE FORECAST

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY WEATHER OFFICE
2:35 PM PDT FRI SEP 9 2011

AIR QUALITY:

Due to the various fire locations, a variety of wind patterns, and a stable atmosphere, wildfire smoke has been able to spread out over most of the state during the past few days. Virtually all of the state’s smoke monitoring equipment, operated by the DEQ and LRAPA, is showing elevated smoke levels. The highest readings this afternoon (Friday) were at locations near active fires in the northern Cascades and North-Central Oregon (Lyons, Government Camp, The Dalles), southwest Oregon (Shady Cove, Medford), and in northeastern Oregon (La Grande, Cove).

DEQ nephelometer readings (statewide) are available at: http://weather.smkmgt.com/tools/deq/map.htm

LRAPA nephelometer readings (Lane County) are available at: http://mdas.lrapa.org/DataSummary.aspx

SMOKE DISPERSION FORECAST:

Wildfire smoke dispersion depends on the stability of the atmosphere as well as wind direction and speed. A stable atmosphere holds smoke to the ground and an unstable atmosphere allows smoke to rise and dissipate. Smoke is typically mixed to higher altitudes during the afternoon, when daytime heating destabilizes the air mass. Conversely, smoke tends to settle near the ground and in drainages during the overnight and early morning hours.

Saturday: As the upper-level ridge of high pressure continues to build over the region, transport winds are forecast to turn more easterly across the state. That should further increase smoke levels across much of western Oregon and all areas west of active fires in general. The air mass will continue to stabilize, so the “dry” thunderstorm threat will be minimal. Warm air aloft will only allow for marginal daytime mixing of the air mass. Western Oregon smoke levels will likely peak Saturday night into early Sunday.

Sunday: The surface thermal trough is forecast to shift from the coast to over the western valleys Sunday morning. Winds will slacken and turn weakly southerly across most of the state. Smoke levels should peak along the I5 corridor, with smoke levels increasing again for areas to the north of active wildfires. The thermal trough is forecast to shift into Central Oregon Sunday afternoon. That will initiate a westerly transport flow into western Oregon, and begin to improve air quality along the I5 corridor. In contrast, an increasing westerly flow will deteriorate air quality for areas to the east of active fires in Central Oregon. Winds in eastern Oregon will become light with warm air aloft allowing for only marginal vertical mixing of smoke. Smoke from active fires in eastern Oregon could fan out in any direction.

Monday: The surface thermal trough will begin the day over Central Oregon; progressing into eastern Oregon in the afternoon. Increasing onshore flow should dramatically improve air quality across the interior valleys of western Oregon (assuming, of course, that no new wildfires pop up in the coast range). In contrast, areas east of active fires, in Central Oregon, may see an increase in smoke. Light transport winds are forecast for the eastern third of the state, with a tendency for a northwesterly component late in the day. That would likely mean an increase in smoke for areas to the southeast of active wildfires in northeastern Oregon.

This information is provided by the Oregon Department of Forestry Weather Office at the request of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.It is also on the web at: http://www.odf.state.or.us/DIVISIONS/protection/fire_protection/DAILY/wfsmoke.htm

No updates before Monday, September 12th.
For more information, contact DEQ’s Larry Calkins: 541-467-8297 or calkins.larry@deq.state.or.us

Pete Parsons
ODF Meteorologist

Red Flag Warning for SW Oregon on Saturday-Sunday

2011-09-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning for high wildfire potential covering Curry County, Josephine County, eastern Douglas County and portions of eastern Jackson County and the California border in effect from 11:00 Saturday morning until 11:00 Sunday night.

Hot temperatures will combine with wind gusts of 10 to 20 mph, and low relative humidity to form potentially explosive fire growth.

A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.

To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. Please be very careful with fire and prevent accidental wildfire ignitions from sparks or open flame.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Most of Willamette Valley under high fire potential this weekend

2011-09-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Beginning Noon Friday, the National Weather Service in Portland issued Red Flag Warnings for high fire potential through those areas of the Willamette Valley not already under the Warning. Friday’s Red Flag covers all of Multnomah County, Columbia County, eastern Clatsop County, Washington County, Yamhill County, Clackamas County, Polk County, Marion County, Benton County and Lane County, and is in effect until 6pm Sunday.

The National Weather Service in Portland is continuing the Red Flag Warning for high fire potential in eastern Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Marion County, Linn County and eastern Lane County. The Red Flag Warning for these regions of Oregon is in effect until 6:00 Monday morning September 12.

The warning applies to all private and public lands (including the Tillamook State Forest and Clatsop State Forest) within Fire Zones OR 602-608.

Please exercise caution around open flame or spark-generated equipment.

A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.

To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. Please be very careful with fire this week and prevent accidental wildfire ignitions from sparks or open flame.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Motorists avert possible Tillamook State Forest fire Thursday

2011-09-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

Photo: Oregon State Police

Two quick-responding motorists are credited with stopping a car fire from turning into a forest fire in the Browns Camp vicinity of the Tillamook State Forest on Thursday night.

According to OSP Senior Trooper Mark McDougal, on September 8, 2011 at approximately 6:40 p.m. two separate motorists traveling along Highway 6 near milepost 34 saw smoke coming from down a nearby gravel logging road. The two men identified as KEVIN RANDLES, age 22, from Beaverton, and MITCHELL ESPINOZA, age 24, from Scappoose, drove up the road and spotted an abandoned vehicle on fire starting to spread into some brush and adjacent wood.

Using water and dirt, the two men worked together to extinguish the flames. Responding fire personnel from Banks Fire Department and Oregon Department of Forestry told McDougal that the two men probably averted a potential forest fire if the vehicle wasn't found and flames had continued to spread.

Oregon State Police (OSP) is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for setting the vehicle fire. McDougal confirmed the vehicle is an abandoned stolen vehicle. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Senior Trooper McDougal at 503-647-7631 ext. 433.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Portland Metro area under burn ban

2011-09-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

Reminder – burn bans are in effect for the Portland Metro area due to increased fire danger.

During Fire Season no open fires of any kind are allowed; including backyard, agricultural or open burning. This also includes recreational fires, camping fires, or backyard fire pit fires. Gas, briquette, or pellet type barbeques are still allowed but should be used with extreme caution, with extra care given to coal and embers. Generally, no open flame fires will be allowed.

Multnomah County

Due to extreme fire conditions the Multnomah County Fire Defense Board announces the official declaration of a Burn Ban effective September 8, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. Burn Bans are formally declared in Oregon on a County by County basis. This includes the Cities of Portland, Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village as well as Corbett, Sauvie Island and all unincorporated areas of Multnomah County. The burn ban will be in effect until further notice.

Washington County

Due to extreme fire conditions, the Washington County Fire Defense Board has implemented a burn ban effective immediately, September 9, 2011. The burn ban will be in effect until further notice. Following that decision, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue has also banned all outdoor open burning within its jurisdiction, including areas served in Multnomah and Clackamas County.

The Burn Ban includes the following situations:

1. Recreational burning, including cooking fires, and backyard fire pits.

2. Backyard burning

3. Agricultural burning

4. Land clearing or slash burning (not associated with Oregon Department of Forestry jurisdiction)

5. Ceremonial type fires.

Typically, burn bans allow some open burning. Because of dry conditions, high temperatures and winds TVF&R asks than no outdoor burning take place. In these extreme fire conditions, one spark can cause a catastrophic wildfire. Individuals found to be in violation of these requirements during the burn ban, may be held liable for the cost of extinguishment and for any property damage resulting from an illegal fire. The burn ban will remain in effect until cooler temperatures minimize the fire danger.

Clackamas County

Due to extreme fire conditions, the Clackamas County Fire Defense Board is implementing a burn ban (level E) as of 1:00 am, September 7th, 2011. The burn ban will be in effect until further notice. Details regarding this burn ban and what individuals can do to keep themselves and their neighbors safe will be released by or before 9:00 am, September 7th.

This burn ban was put into effect due to the extremely dry conditions, high temperatures, low humidity and winds that the area will be experiencing over the next week. During this burn ban no open fires of any kind are allowed, including recreational fires, camping fires or backyard fire pit fires. Basically, no open flame fires will be allowed until further notice. Gas barbecue’s or pellet-type barbecue’s are still allowed but should be used with extreme caution.

Anyone found to have an open fire during this burn ban will likely have it extinguished by their local fire department and could be issued a citation or warning for this violation.

Check out possible recreation closures for this weekend

2011-09-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Heading out for fun this weekend?

Fire danger is very high in western Oregon this weekend. Before you head out to your favorite recreation site in the forest, check ahead to find out if closure restrictions are in effect --

ODF Regulated Use Closures and IFPL Status

Private Forest Land closures in Oregon

Shadow Lake Fire Incident Information

Central Oregon Public Land closure information

Mt Hood National Forest / Dollar Lake fire closures

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Daily Fire Update for September 9, 2011

2011-09-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:

The 3,300-acre Cactus Mountain fire was reported Wednesday burning in grassland 17 miles northeast of Imnaha in Wallowa County. Though primarily on federal lands, 130 acres of the fire are under ODF protection. Five ODF engines and three crews have been assigned to the fire along with resource support from helicopters, one tender and one bulldozer. A portion of the fire is within the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area. Federal initial attack resources included engines, crews, helicopters and Grangeville (ID) smoke jumpers. Several structures are in the fire vicinity and potentially threatened. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire is 10 percent contained. An interagency incident management team assumed command of the fire Friday morning.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:

** NORTH-CENTRAL OREGON

The 107,911-acre High Cascades Fire complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 80 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2546/

The 4,607-acre Dollar Lake Fire reported Aug. 27 burning 16 miles south of Hood River is 25 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. An area of concern is the potential impact of the fire on the Bull Run watershed for the City of Portland. Drivers on Oregon Hwy 35 are cautioned to turn on their headlights, slow down, and watch for fire traffic. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563

The 500-acre Mother Lode fire is burning 10 miles northwest of Detroit. A full perimeter has been established around the fire, reported on Aug. 26. The fire is not contained. An interagency incident management team assumed command of the fire Friday at 12:00 Noon.

The 6,700-acre Shadow Lake Fire reported Aug. 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. A new closure area is in effect – the closure now extends to the west along the southeast quadrant of Highways 20 and 126. This includes a portion of the McKenzie River Trail. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550/

The 115-acre Substitute fire is burning in the Willamette National Forest 14 miles southeast of McKenzie Bridge. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

** NORTHEAST OREGON

The 120-acre Chicken Hill fire is burning in timber off FR 5185 in the Wallowa Whitman NF northwest of Baker City. The lightning-caused fire is 40 percent contained.

The 252-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

** SOUTHERN OREGON

The 245-acre Red Cone complex of fires is burning 10 miles north of the Crater Lake National Park headquarters. The fire, which began Aug. 20, is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The 467-acre Little Butte fire burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest 16 miles northeast of Medford is now 75 percent contained. The fire was reported Monday and Oregon Department of Forestry provided initial attack resources. Fire is managed through a unified command of Rogue River-Siskiyou NF and ODF. Fire lines have been completed and firefighters are aggressively mopping-up to meet containment objectives, seeking to reach full containment by Sunday.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Red Flag Warning for southern Oregon Thursday

2011-09-08T10:29:00.001-07:00

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning for high wildfire potential covering eastern Douglas, Jackson County, southern Klamath County and Lake County in effect until 11:00 Thursday night.

Dry thunderstorms are expected through the region Thursday which are expected to provide lightning strikes. East winds of 10 to 20 mph are predicted, however in isolated instances, gusts of 50 mph are possible.

A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.

To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. Please be very careful with fire this week and prevent accidental wildfire ignitions from sparks or open flame.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Red Flag Warning - eastern Multnomah south to Lane extended to Monday

2011-09-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

The National Weather Service in Portland has extended the Red Flag Warning for high fire potential in eastern Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Marion County, Linn County and eastern Lane County. The Red Flag Warning for these regions of Oregon is in effect until 6:00 Monday morning September 12.

Wind gusts are forecast to increase on Friday, with some exposed areas of higher elevations sustaining gusts of 25 to 35 mph. Hot temperatures are forecast with relative humidity as low as 10 to 15 percent on ridges.

A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.

To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. Please be very careful with fire this week and prevent accidental wildfire ignitions from sparks or open flame.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Cactus Mountain fire in Wallowa County

2011-09-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

The 2,000-acre Cactus Mountain fire was reported Wednesday burning in grassland 17 miles northeast of Imnaha in Wallowa County. Though primarily on federal lands, 170 acres of land within the fire are under ODF protection. Five ODF engines and three crews have been assigned to the fire along with resource support from helicopters, one tender and one bulldozer.

A portion of the fire is within the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area. Federal initial attack resources included engines, crews, helicopters and Grangeville (ID) smoke jumpers. Several structures are in the fire vicinity and potentially threatened.

Cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire is not contained. An inter-agency incident management team is anticipated to take command of the fire on Thursday afternoon.

Kevin Weeks

Oregon Department of Forestry

Daily Fire Update for September 8, 2011

2011-09-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

Here is an update on fires burning on lands outside of ODF protection in different regions of Oregon:

** NORTH-CENTRAL OREGON

The 107,588-acre High Cascades Fire complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 80 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2546

The 4,607-acre Dollar Lake Fire reported Aug. 27 burning 16 miles south of Hood River is 25 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. An area of concern is the potential impact of the fire on the Bull Run watershed for the City of Portland. Crews hope Thursday to perform a controlled burn on Cathedral Ridge to reduce unburned fuels within the fire scene. Smoke from the controlled burn may be carried west toward the Portland Metropolitan area. Drivers on Oregon Hwy 35 are cautioned to turn on their headlights, slow down, and watch for fire traffic. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2563

The 300-acre Mother Lode fire is burning 10 miles northwest of Detroit. A full perimeter has been established around the fire, reported on Aug. 26. The fire is not contained.

The 6,026-acre Shadow Lake Fire reported Aug. 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy. A new closure area is in effect – the closure now extends to the west along the southeast quadrant of Highways 20 and 126. This includes a portion of the McKenzie River Trail. At this time the Clear Lake and Cold Water Cove recreation areas do remain open. Additional incident information is available on InciWeb: www.inciweb.org/incident/2550

** NORTHEAST OREGON

The 44-acre Chicken Hill 848 fire is burning in timber off FR 5185 in the Wallowa Whitman NF northwest of Baker City. Multiple resources have been used on this incident, including engines, ground crews, dozers, and helicopters – including assistance from 2 ODF contracted helicopters.

The 252-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

** SOUTHERN OREGON

The 142-acre Red Cone complex of fires is burning 10 miles north of the Crater Lake National Park headquarters. The fire, which began Aug. 20, is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The 467-acre Little Butte fire burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest 16 miles northeast of Medford is 5 percent contained. The fire was reported Monday and Oregon Department of Forestry provided initial attack resources. Firefighters from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management, the Oregon Department of Forestry, Douglas Forest Protective Association, Jacksonville Fire Department and private contractors are currently on scene.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Recreation impacts in Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests due to fire danger

2011-09-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

Due to increased fire danger in northwest Oregon, several restrictions are in place in the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests, particularly relating to Off-Highway Vehicle areas. All OHV trails in the Browns Camp, Jordan Creek, Diamond Mill, Trask, Nicolai Mountain and Upper Nestucca areas are CLOSED.

All operation of OHVs in the Tillamook and Clastsop State Forest OHV areas and the Upper Nextucca is limited to maintained gravel roads only. All personal chainsaw use is prohibited in the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests. The trails will re-open when the fire danger levels drop and it is determimed appropriate, and notices about any re-opening of OHV trails will be placed on agency websites.

Additional information on Tillamook SF recreation: www.oregon.gov/ODF/tillamookstateforest/index.shtml

Additional information on Clatsop SF recreation: www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIELD/ASTORIA/aboutastoria.shtml#Recreation

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

State forester urges caution with fire during hot weather

2011-09-07T12:49:00.001-07:00

With wildfire danger at the highest levels of the summer and likely to rise further in the coming days, Oregon’s state forester Wednesday urged Oregonians to use utmost care in preventing fires.

“We have high heat, low humidity, and lightning in the forecast – a very dangerous combination,” State Forester Doug Decker said. “We always hope people are careful with fire in the woods. But if there were ever a time for being extra vigilant, it is now.”

Fire danger is high or extreme across most of the state – in the drier eastern and interior southwestern regions, as well as in the Coast Range and the Willamette Valley.

Lightning storms forecast for the end of the week could start many new fires, at a time when water-dropping helicopters and other firefighting resources are already stretched thin.

“We can’t prevent the fires that lightning leaves behind,” Decker said. “But every fire caused by human carelessness pulls away resources that could otherwise be used against those lightning fires.”

In addition, human-caused fires are more likely to occur near communities, where they may threaten homes and other structures, making firefighting more complex and costly.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) provides fire protection on 16 million acres, mostly privately owned, but also including state-owned forests and contracted protection of U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands in western Oregon. With fire protection responsibility for about 52 percent of Oregon’s forests, ODF is the state’s largest fire department.

About 95 percent of fires on ODF-protected lands are extinguished while still small. But just a few fires that grow large can cause great damage to natural resources, property and infrastructure, along with high suppression costs and disruption of travel, business and recreation.

So far in the 2011 fire season, 75 percent of the fires ODF resources have responded to are human-caused. A cause of concern is also a sharp increase in the acreage of land affected by human-caused fires; in 2011 thus far, more than 1,400 acres of ODF-protected lands have burned in compared to 418 acres by this same time last year.

Campfires, smoking, off-road driving and industrial activities such as logging are currently restricted on many ODF-protected lands.

Abandoned campfires and driving vehicles in tall grass have been among the causes of fires in recent days. Where campfires are allowed, they must be fully extinguished – by soaking with water, stirring, and soaking again – when campers leave.

Additional information about wildfire prevention is available from Keep Oregon Green, through the association’s website at: http://www.keeporegongreen.org/

“This is about protecting life and property, and about being good stewards of Oregon’s forests,” Decker said. “We’re asking for everyone’s cooperation and care in the woods during this critical time.”

On the web:

ODF Wildfire Blog -- wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com

Oregon Department of Forestry – www.oregon.gov/ODF

Current public use or industrial precaution information -- www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/precautionlevel.shtml

ODF assists Gaston RFD with fire Tuesday

2011-09-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

ODF engine battles grass fire Tuesday (Photo: Gaston Rural Fire District)

ODF Forest Grove District crews assisted the Gaston Rural Fire District on a 2-acre fire Tuesday initiated by a person using a cutting torch in a dry field sparked a grass fire in the Cherry Grove area west of Gaston.

Crews from Forest Grove Fire & Rescue and Yamhill Fire District assisted in containing the fire and prevented fire damage from reaching nearby structures.

There is a general burn ban in effect for Washington County due to high fire risk.

Please be careful this week – and throughout the summer – with open flames or sparks that could ignite grasslands or forests.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Daily Fire Update for September 7, 2011

2011-09-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on lands under ODF protection have been reported in the past 24 hours.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:

The 107,090-acre High Cascades Fire complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 70 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 130-acre Mother Lode fire is burning 10 miles northwest of Detroit. A full perimeter has been established around the fire, reported on Aug. 26. The fire is not contained.

The 252-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The 142-acre Red Cone complex of fires is burning 10 miles north of the Crater Lake National Park headquarters. The fire, which began Aug. 20, is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The 4,500-acre Dollar Lake Fire reported Aug. 27 burning 16 miles south of Hood River is ten percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. An area of concern is the potential impact of the fire on the Bull Run watershed for the City of Portland.

The 5,526-acre Shadow Lake Fire reported Aug. 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The 200-acre Little Butte fire (also called Incident 472) is burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest west of Big Elk Guard Station. The fire was reported Monday and Oregon Department of Forestry provided initial attack resources. Approximately 215 firefighters from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management, the Oregon Department of Forestry, Douglas Forest Protective Association, Jacksonville Fire Department and private contractors are currently on scene.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

200-acre fire in southern Oregon federal forest; ODF assists

2011-09-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Source: Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

An approximate 200-acre fire, located west of Big Elk Guard Station and north of Camp Latgawa, is currently burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The fire is located in steep, rocky terrain and is burning in pine/oak vegetation. Approximately 300 firefighters from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management, the Oregon Department of Forestry and private contractors are currently on scene. Resources include eight 20-person hand crews, six engines, three dozers, and three water tenders.

A number of air resources are on order, including several air tankers, a heavy helicopter and two medium helicopters. Additional ground resources on order include five 20-person hand crews and six engines. A federal Incident Management Team has been ordered to provide management for the firefighting resources responding.

The fire is currently threatening the historic Robinson Lookout located 2.5 miles to the northeast, as well as the Big Elk Guard Station located three miles to the northeast. There is one known cabin and several outbuildings located on private land that is also threatened. Campers in the North Fork, Beaver Dam, and Daley Creek Campgrounds have been notified.

Firefighters on scene have improved roads and created hand firelines on the south flank, created handline on the west flank, and prepped and created approximately ¾ mile of dozer line on the north flank. The east flank of the fire is currently open and located in steep, rocky terrain.

Fire behavior is expected to pick up relatively early in the day and be fairly extreme due to the hot and dry weather forecast for the remainder of the week. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s to low 100s with relative humidities in the low teens.

The fire started on the Labor Day holiday, September 5, 2011 at 5:06 p.m.; cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Updated fire precautions in NE Oregon

2011-09-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

Effective 1:00 am September 7, 2011 the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) added additional regulations to the Regulated Use Closure for lands within the Northeast Oregon District. The Regulated Use Closure affects private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands in six counties: Union, Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla, Malheur, and small portions of Morrow and Grant. The Regulated Use Closure is intended to protect natural resources and public health and safety.

According to Mark Jacques, ODF Unit Forester in La Grande, “Our current and predicted weather pattern of very warm and dry conditions has elevated fire danger to its highest level of the season thus far. In many locations we are nearing historical fire danger levels, and additional fire prevention precautions are warranted. People who live, work or recreate in the forest should use extra caution.”

The Regulated Use Closure includes the following activities:

• Open fires are prohibited except at designated locations. Designated locations within the Regulated Use Closure area can be found at the following State Parks: Emigrant Springs, Ukiah Dale, Catherine Creek, Hilgard Junction, Red Bridge, Wallowa Lake, Minam, and Unity Lake. Make sure campfires in these designated locations are DEAD OUT before leaving.

• Debris burning is prohibited, including the use of burn barrels.

• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or at a cleared area.

• Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all terrain vehicles (ATVs), is prohibited except on improved roads, except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

• Use of fireworks is prohibited.

• Cutting, grinding and welding is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

• Mowing of dried and cured grass with power driven equipment is prohibited.

• Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2 ) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.

• Non-industrial chain saw use is prohibited.

The Regulated Use Closure for private forest lands is designed to help fire managers reduce the threat of human caused fires during hot and dry periods. While many fires on forestland are ignited by lightning, a significant number of wildfires each year are caused by human activities. Preventing fire starts from human activities reduces impacts to our natural resources, enhances our public safety and preserves the natural beauty of northeast Oregon.

ODF has also implemented additional fire prevention requirements on industrial forest operation within the Northeast Oregon District. Except at landings, the use of mechanized harvesters with a high-speed saw, tracked felling and skidding equipment, slash busting equipment and cable yarding systems is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 pm and 8:00 pm. These requirements are in addition to the normal fire season requirements.

Note that when traveling from private land onto federal land, land use restrictions change. Please check restrictions before conducting activities in the outdoors.

Contact a local Oregon Department of Forestry office for more complete information on use restrictions within Northeast Oregon:

La Grande Unit (541) 963-3168
Baker City Sub-Unit (541) 523-5831
Wallowa Unit (541) 886-2881
Pendleton Unit (541) 276-3491
To report a fire, contact: Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch (541) 963-7171 or dial 9-1-1.

Jamie Knight
Oregon Department of Forestry
NE Oregon District

Red Flag Warning - eastern Multnomah south to Lane County

2011-09-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

The National Weather Service office in Portland has issued a Red Flag Warning for high fire potential in eastern Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Marion County, Linn County and eastern Lane County. The warning is in effect from midnight Tuesday until 11:59 Thursday night.

The next thermal trough entering Oregon is expected to develop over southern Oregon Tuesday night and move north through Wednesday into the foothills of the Cascades. Wind gusts of up to 25 mph are predicted – with some gusts anticipated to reach 35 mph near Mt. Hood.

The thermal trough is expected to stress all three points of the ‘wildfire triangle’ – very high temperatures, very low humidity and wind gusts; some thunderstorm activity is expected to generate dry lightning as well, increasing the potential for wildfire growth throughout the region.

The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert fire agencies of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire.

A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk.

To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Daily Fire Update for September 6, 2011

2011-09-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:

The 13-acre Discovery Fire was reported Friday burning in grassland 5 miles from The Dalles and is fully contained. The ODF Central Oregon District, The Dalles Unit responded to the fire with 4 fire engines, one 5-person fire crew and additional heavy equipment resources from the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS:
The 106,697-acre High Cascades Fire complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 70 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 130-acre Mother Lode fire is burning 10 miles northwest of Detroit. A full perimeter has been established around the fire, reported on Aug. 26. The fire is not contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the fire.

The 223-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The 2,117-acre Desert Meadows Fire reported Aug. 25 burning 15 miles south of Frenchglen is fully contained.
The 142-acre Red Cone complex of fires is burning 10 miles north of the Crater Lake National Park headquarters. The fire, which began Aug. 20, is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The 4,500-acre Dollar Lake Fire reported Aug. 27 burning 16 miles south of Hood River is ten percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 3,453-acre Shadow Lake Fire reported Aug. 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The Incident 472 fire was reported Monday burning near Medford. ODF provided initial attack support on the 200-acre fire burning in timber on steep slopes. Land jurisdiction was determined to be on federal land, and management of the fire was transferred to the U.S. Forest Service.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:

For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

Regional fire officials issue critical fire weather alert for Oregon

2011-09-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

Source: NW Coordination Center Portland

Fire Management Analysts for the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center want to alert the public of rapidly changing fire weather and fuels conditions. Seasonal drying of forest fuels coupled with an extremely unstable air mass has set up over the region creating the potential for explosive fire behavior in Oregon and Washington.

A series of thermal troughs (areas of hot, dry, unstable air), are expected to settle over the region rapidly drying vegetation. Windy conditions associated with the thermal troughs have caused the National Weather Service to issue Red Flag Warnings effective on Sunday over much of the Oregon and Washington Cascades, including the Gifford Pinchot and Mt Hood National Forests, adjacent Bureau of Land Management lands, and communities through out Oregon and Washington.

High temperatures and low relative humidity will quickly increase fire danger in vegetated areas that were green and moist only a short time ago.

Expect wildfires to ignite easily, spread rapidly and burn with great intensity. This alignment of forecasted weather, dry fuels and wildfires has the potential to create critical safety concerns for our firefighters and the public. The safety of firefighters and public remain our first priority.

Over the next week, it will be essential to monitor current and forecasted weather, gather updated information for ongoing fire activity, and maintain situational awareness whether visiting the forest or at home in the Wildland Urban Interface.

More on the web - http://www.nwccweb.us/

Daily fire update, Sept. 2, 2011

2011-09-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) fire update for Friday Sept. 2, 2011.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
The 15-acre Butte Creek Fire reported Sept. 1 burning on steep terrain in the Fossil Subunit of the Central Oregon District is fully contained. ODF resources fighting the fire included: three fire engines, two heavy air tankers, one single-engine tanker, two helicopters, one bulldozer and one hand crew.

The 13-acre Discovery Fire reported Sept. 1 burning in The Dalles Unit of the Central Oregon District has been fully contained. Resources fighting the fire included six fire engines and one hand crew.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS:
The 57,597-acre Hancock Complex reported Aug. 24 burning northeast of Clarno along the John Day River was fully contained Sept. 1. The Bureau of Land Management led the suppression effort on this lightning-caused fire.

The 1,500-acre Webster Fire reported Aug. 24 burning four miles northeast of Warm Springs is 95 percent contained and in patrol status. The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs is the lead agency on the lightning-caused fire.

The 193-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 is burning 10 miles east of Cove. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

The 2,117-acre Desert Meadows Fire reported Aug. 25 burning 15 miles south of Frenchglen is 75 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire. Due to its location in the wilderness, the fire will remain 75 percent contained until the fall weather pattern sets in.

The 101,292-acre High Cascades Fire Complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 40 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 1,931-acre Smyth Creek Fire reported Aug. 25 burning 15 miles south of Diamond is 95 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 550-acre Incident 615 fire reported Aug. 25 burning three miles southeast of Twickingham is 80 percent contained. It is now unstaffed and in patrol status. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 499-acre Lauserica Fire reported Aug. 26 burning 20 miles northwest of Fields is 60 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 1,310-acre Dead Dog Fire reported Aug. 25 burning 13 miles north of Mitchell is 85 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 1,801-acre Dollar Lake Fire reported Aug. 27 burning 16 miles south of the town of Hood River is six percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 485-acre Shadow Lake Fire reported Aug. 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/, or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

Daily Fire Update - Sept. 1, 2011

2011-09-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 10 acres or larger were reported yesterday on the lands protected by ODF.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS:
The 57,597-acre Hancock Complex reported Aug. 24 burning northeast of Clarno along the John Day River is 85 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on this lightning-caused fire.

The 1,500-acre Webster Fire reported Aug. 24 burning four miles northeast of Warm Springs is 95 percent contained. The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs is the lead agency on the lightning-caused fire.
The 193-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 burning 10 miles east of Cove is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fires with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.
The 2,117-acre Desert Meadows Fire reported Aug. 25 burning 15 miles south of Frenchglen is 75 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 90,436-acre High Cascades Fire complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 25 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 1,931-acre Smyth Creek Fire reported Aug. 25 burning 15 miles south of Diamond is 95 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 550-acre Incident 615 fire reported Aug. 25 burning three miles southeast of Twickingham is 80 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 499-acre Lauserica Fire reported Aug. 26 burning 20 miles northwest of Fields is 60 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 1,310-acre Dead Dog Fire reported Aug. 25 burning 13 miles north of Mitchell is 85 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 1,664-acre Dollar Lake Fire reported Aug. 27 burning 16 miles south of the town of Hood River is five percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 485-acre Shadow Lake Fire reported Aug. 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the fire with a monitor/confine/contain strategy.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/, or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

Daily fire update - Aug. 31, 2011

2011-08-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) fire update for Wednesday Aug. 31, 2011.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
The 325-acre Elephant Rock Fire burning in the Northeast Oregon District-Pendleton Unit was fully contained Aug. 30.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS:
The 59,000-acre Hancock Complex reported Aug. 24 burning northeast of Clarno along the John Day River is 80 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on this lightning-caused fire.

The 1,500-acre Webster Fire reported Aug. 24 burning four miles northeast of Warm Springs is 30 percent contained. The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs is the lead agency on the lightning-caused fire.
The 193-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 burning 10 miles east of Cove is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused complex of fires.

The 2,117-acre Desert Meadows Fire reported Aug. 25 burning 15 miles south of Frenchglen is 75 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 76,169-acre High Cascades Fire complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 15 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 1,931-acre Smyth Creek Fire reported Aug. 25 burning 15 miles south of Diamond is 95 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 550-acre Incident 615 fire reported Aug. 25 burning three miles southeast of Twickingham is 80 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 611-acre Lauserica Fire reported Aug. 26 burning 20 miles northwest of Fields is 90 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 1,310-acre Dead Dog Fire reported Aug. 25 burning 13 miles north of Mitchell is 80 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 1,600-acre Dollar Lake Fire reported Aug. 27 burning 16 miles south of the town of Hood River is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 350-acre Shadow Lake Fire reported Aug. 28 burning 15 miles west of Sisters is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/, or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

Daily fire update - Aug. 24, 2011

2011-08-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Fires on Oregon Dept. of Forestry-protected lands:
The 14-acre Cummins Creek Fire burning in the Central Oregon District-John Day Unit was fully bulldozer-lined last evening. Today seven fire engines, two hand crews and a water tender remain at the fire to conduct mop-up.

The 325-acre Elephant Rock Fire burning in the Northeast Oregon District-Pendleton Unit is 80 percent contained with full containment expected later today.

Fires on other lands:
The 53,000-acre Hancock Complex reported Aug. 24 burning northeast of Clarno along the John Day River is 70 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on this lightning-caused fire.

The 1,500-acre Webster Fire reported Aug. 24 burning four miles northeast of Warm Springs is 30 percent contained. The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs is the lead agency on the lightning-caused fire.

The 128-acre Jim White Ridge Complex reported Aug. 3 burning 10 miles east of Cove is uncontained. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused complex of fires.

The 2,006-acre Desert Meadows Fire reported Aug. 25 burning 15 miles south of Frenchglen is 55 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 61,841-acre High Cascades Fire complex reported Aug. 24 burning along the Deschutes River is 10 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 1,605-acre Smyth Creek Fire reported Aug. 25 burning 15 miles south of Diamond is 70 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 550-acre Incident 615 fire reported Aug. 25 burning three miles southeast of Twickingham is 40 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

The 499-acre Lauserica Fire reported Aug. 26 burning 20 miles northwest of Fields is 60 percent contained. The Bureau of Land Management is leading the suppression effort on the lightning-caused fire.

Inciweb Site now available for the High Cascades Complex

2011-08-29T23:04:00.000-07:00

The High Cascades Complex (Lead Agency: Warm Springs Agency/Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation), under Unified Command of the ORCA Type II Interagency Incident ManagementTeam and the Red Incident Management Team from the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office, now has an Inciweb website specific to this complex up and running at:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2546/

Contact information for this incident is:
Tom Lavagnino

Phone: 530-598-9303

**********************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

COIDC Media Release: Central Oregon Fires - Evening Update; August 29, 2011; 9 p.m.

2011-08-29T22:49:00.000-07:00

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

4550 SW Airport Way
Prineville, OR 97754

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
For Immediate Release: August 29, 2011 – 9:00 p.m.
Contact: Media Desk, 541/416-6811 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire

Central Oregon Fires - Evening Update

Central Oregon – Firefighters continue to work on several wildfires burning in Central Oregon and are watching for any lightning holdover fires from the past week’s storms. Firefighters successfully held firelines through the heat of the day and afternoon winds today. Daytime temperatures are expected to be a little cooler for the next several days before returning to normal or above normal over Labor Day weekend.

Firefighters worked overnight on a fire burning within the Mt. Washington Wilderness located 15 miles west of Sisters. The Shadow Lake Fire is currently 300 acres and forward progress to the east has stopped. The fire is continuing to move to the west. There are approximately 110 firefighters taking suppression actions and two engine crews will remain on site overnight. Firefighters also responded to a new fire burning in the Trout Creek Butte area south of Highway 242. The fire is 15 acres this evening.

Firefighters continue to work on the Hancock Fire Complex burning in the Clarno area in the north-central part of the state. The Complex added one new fire out of the recent lightning storm yesterday, and this fire burned more than 1,000 acres today. The Complex had moderate fire behavior with a few flare-ups and the overall acreage for the Complex grew to 53,000 acres. Firefighters will remain challenged by steep slopes, inaccessible and rugged terrain, and light, flashy fuels that ignite and burn quickly. On part of the 30-mile Creek part of the fireline, several local landowners helped contain hotspots, keeping the fire from reaching wheat fields.

The Central Oregon Type II Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) remains in command of the fire and is now providing information about this fire on a wildfire incident website at http://www.inciweb.org/. The phone line for information for this incident is (541) 787-4322.

Firefighters continued to work on three fires burning east of Twickenham and north of Mitchell. Incident #615 is holding at 550 acres. The Dead Dog Fire (Incident #614) was mapped at 1,310 acres today and is now 60 percent contained. The fire had minimal growth today, with full containment expected 9/1/11. Approximately 48 firefighters with support personnel continue to work on this fire and will remain challenged by very limited access, high winds and steep slopes. Incident #656 is approximately 270 acres and did not grow today. Approximately 65 firefighters are assigned to this incident and made good progress today. All of the fires are burning in a mix of grass and shrub.

The ORCA Type II Incident Management Team (Brett Fillis) took over the fires in the High Cascades Complex on the Warm Springs Reservation including the Powerline, West Hills and Razorback fires.

The Razorback fire is still estimated at 20,239 acres and continues to burn on both sides of the Deschutes River. This afternoon fire officials determined the river to be unsafe for public use. As of 12:01, August 30, 2011 Segment 1 of the Lower Deschutes River will be closed to all public use including camping, day use or launching and rafting until further notice. Segment 1 extends from the Warm Springs launch site at River Mile (RM) 97.5 north to Harpham Flat (RM 56).

Rafters with boater passes for Segment 1 during the closure will be able to use alternate launch sites in Segment 2. No refunds will be offered.

Highways 197 and 97 are open again; however, travelers should continue check www.tripcheck.com for the latest road information before driving through.

For more information regarding the High Cascades Complex fires please call (530 598-9303.

-end-

************************************
Posted by: Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

Released by the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center: Razorback Fire Information; August 29, 2011 @ 7 p.m.

2011-08-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

The following information was released by the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center regarding the Razorback Fire (part of the High Cascades Complex) and the Lower Deschutes River

***********************************

The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon

Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management

RAZORBACK FIRE –

LOWER DESCHUTES RIVER TALKING POINTS
August 29, 2011 @ 7 p.m.

BACKGROUND
On August 24, 2011 a lightning storm passed through much of Central and Eastern Oregon, putting down more than 8,000 lightning strikes. More than 200 fires were reported on lands protected by the Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management, the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the Oregon Department of Forestry. The Warm Springs Indian Reservation also had more than 35 new wildfires reported. Four of these fires on the Reservation have grown larger. One of these fires moved east off of the Reservation and jumped the river at Redside.

RAZORBACK FIRE

On the evening of August 26th, the Razorback Fire jumped the Deschutes River near the community of Dant, and moved onto BLM-administered lands and private land along the east side of the river.

A Type II Incident Management Team (ORCA – Oregon and California) assumed command of the Razorback fire on August 27th at 1800 (6 p.m.).

The fire jumped the river at Redside in Segment 1 of the Lower Deschutes River and has moved north and east, covering more than 15 river miles. Fire activity has remained high both along the river and on private and public lands east of the river.
By late afternoon August 29th, the area was determined to be unsafe for both the public and firefighters. As of 12:01, August 30, 2011 Segment 1 of the Lower Deschutes River is closed to all use including camping, day use or launching and rafting until further notice. Segment 1 extends from the Warm Springs launch site at River Mile (RM) 97.5 north to Harpham Flat (RM 56).
Rafters with boater passes for Segment 1 during the closure will be able to use alternate launch sites in Segment 2. No refunds will be offered.
Resources fighting the fire will include a combination of ground and aerial support including helicopters that will be dipping buckets into the river to put water on the fire edge.
Highway 26 through Warm Springs and Highway 97 between Hwy 197/97 and Shaniko is closed as of 7 p.m. on August 29, 2011. These closures change frequently so people should monitor ODOT/Tripcheck (http://www.tripcheck.com/) for more information.

How did the fire start?
The fire started on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation on the northeast side of the Reservation from a lightning strike. The fire was minimally staffed for the first two days because Warm Springs Fire Management prioritized suppression efforts on other fires threatening lives and property.

If the fire is on BLM, why is Warm Springs Fire Management in charge?

The “ownership” of fire belongs to the agency or landowner/fire department where the fire started. This fire began on Warm Springs, giving the tribes lead suppression responsibility. The Prineville BLM is helping provide firefighting resources and is also providing a liaison to the Incident Management Team and a resource advisor.

Why can’t we float when helicopters are dipping?
The helicopters carry buckets used for dipping water, which can then be dumped out on hot spots or along the fireline. The larger helicopters carry between 1,000 and 2,600 gallons of water, weighing between 8,000 and 20,000 pounds. If the helicopter has to release the load, the weight of the water falling on a raft can injure or kill anyone getting hit by the water.

What happens to our permit if the river is closed to floating?

If you have a permit for Segment 1 during the closure, you will be allowed to pick an alternate launch site in Segment 2. Information about the closure will be posted on the Boater Pass Website. Boaters and Guides & Outfitters can also call the Maupin Visitor Center at (541) 395-2778 or Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center at (541) 416-6811 to find out when the closure is lifted. No refunds will be offered for permits that are not used due to the fire closure.

Why did the river get closed?

Fire behavior along both sides of the river is creating dangerous conditions for both firefighters and the public. Campsites have been burned over, leaving the potential for stump holes, hot spots and other hazards. Recently burned slopes have rolling rocks, falling trees and other dangers. Aerial resources may also be dipping in the river to help with suppression activities, creating additional hazards for boaters. The primary concern for fire officials is the safety of everyone traveling, rafting or working in the river corridor.

-end-

**************************************
Posted by: Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

COIDC Media Release: Shadow Lake Fire; August 29, 2011 @ 7:p.m.

2011-08-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire Update for the AFTERNOON of August 29, 2011

2011-08-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

This is an Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Wildfire Update for the AFTERNOON of Monday, August 29, 2011:
FIRES ON ODF PROTECTED LANDS

Central Oregon District, John Day Unit: The Cummings Creek Fire, reported at 3 p.m. on Monday afternoon, August 29, 2011, is burning in steep creek drainage that is making engine access difficult, near Cummings Creek in grass and juniper. Two structures are threatened by this fire and the Mt. Vernon Rural Fire Department is a cooperator on this fire, with the U.S. Forest Service providing assistance. The fire is actively burning and has been initially estimated at 15-20 acres. Resources on this fire include four five-person crews, seven engines, two air tankers, two helicopters, and two dozers.

Klamath-Lake District, Klamath Unit: The Paygr Fire was reported on Monday, August 29, 2011, burning in grass, brush, and juniper, four miles northwest of Malin. The fire was contained at 12 acres and is now in mop-up status. Unless the situation changes, this will be the only report on this fire.

*********************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

Media Release from the State Fire Marshal's Office: OSFM ACTIVATES FOUR MORE TASK FORCES FOR THE HIGH CASCADES COMPLEX; August 29, 2011 @ 2:57 p.m.

2011-08-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

News Release from: Oregon State Fire Marshal
OSFM ACTIVATES FOUR MORE TASK FORCES FOR THE HIGH CASCADES COMPLEX

August 29th, 2011 2:57 PM

Due to increased fire activity, the Office of State Fire Marshal has deployed four more structural protection task forces to assist local resources battling the High Cascades Complex fire burning on the Warm Springs Reservation. This brings the total number of task forces activated by the OSFM to eight. The task forces come from the following counties: Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River/Wasco, Lane, Line, Marion, Washington, and Yamhill.

There has been increased fire activity on the complex which consists of three fires, the Razorback, Powerline, and West Hills. Estimated combined size of the three fires has increased to more than 54,000 acres. Approximately 190 homes are threatened.

Currently, no structures have been lost and no injuries have been reported.

Also on scene to assist with management of the structural protection task forces are nine members of the OSFM's Red Incident Management.

More information on Conflagration and Emergency Mobilization is available at OSFM website:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Conflagration_Information_2007.shtml.

Additional resources on surviving wildfires may be accessed at:
* Wildfire…Evacuation Readiness http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/wildfire_evac.doc
* After the Wildfire… http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.doc

###
*****************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire Update for Monday, August 29, 2011

2011-08-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) fire update for Monday, August 29, 2011.

Lightning storms have continued across portions of Oregon; over the past 24 hours (midnight to midnight), there were over 2400 lightning strikes – mainly in the central and northeastern portions of the state.

These lighting storms throughout the state during this past week have ranged from being accompanied by some to no precipitation and have resulted in many fire starts. The majority of these starts have been contained, with a few fires resulting in extended attack. Crews from all fire protection agencies in Oregon, including the Oregon Department of Forestry, continue to work actively and cooperatively in suppressing new fire starts, on extended attack on those fires that necessitate it, and at patrol, reconnaissance, and detection to locate any new holdover fires from earlier lightning, as well as on new fire starts as they occur, in addition to monitoring those fires that have been contained and are in patrol status.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
Northeast Oregon District, Pendleton Unit: The Elephant Rock Fire, reported at 3:30 a.m. on August 28 burning in steep terrain on ODF-protected lands seven miles southeast of Weston, in timber, brush, and grass, is 100 percent lined this morning. The fire received a fair amount of rain last evening, which aided firefighters in their activities. Mapping on this fire has defined the acreage estimate to be approximately 375 acres. Resources on this fire, including the ODF Type 3 Team (which took command of this fire at 3 p.m. yesterday, August 28), are approximately 120 personnel and ten engines. Cause on this fire remains under investigation.

Central Oregon District, Prineville Unit: The Johnson Creek 2 Fire, which burned seven miles northeast of Prineville, was reported as lined and in heavy mop-up by late yesterday morning (August 28), and crews and engines were being released. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report on this fire.

Western Lane District (Veneta): The Porter Creek Fire was reported on Saturday, August 27, burning in steep terrain near Porter Creek. By late morning on Sunday, August 28, the fire was contained at approximately 15 acres, and in mop-up. Cause of this fire is under investigation. Unless the situation changes, this will be the only report on this fire.

OTHER INFORMATION:
Conditions on many of Oregon’s forests are classified as EXTREME. Regulated Use Restrictions are in place and increasing throughout most locations in the state. Please check with your local ODF office before heading out to recreate or engage in other forest activities, so that you are aware of these restrictions and what they mean to you and your use of Oregon’s forests.
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAMS:
References are made throughout ODF wildfire updates and many other fire agencies' media releases to “Types” of Incident Management Teams. The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center recently released the following very useful general information on Incident Management Teams – the system that is so critical in Oregon (and across the United States) for management of wildfires and other incidents:

“. . . Incident management teams operate at the local, State and National Level and respond to all types of disasters including wildfires. Other incidents handled by Incident Management Teams include helping manage the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster, working 9/11 incidents in New York and working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency with the Hurricane Katrina response.

“Wildfire Teams are range from Type III to Type I, with Type I teams managing the most complex incidents. Complexity is based on the number of issues that firefighters and the team may face when suppressing a fire. These issues range from private land and homes near the fire, special status species or other critical resource problems, multiple fires burning in an area, the overall size of an incident, and the number of people involved. Type III Teams generally respond locally in Central Oregon, Type II Teams typically respond within a Region or State, and Type I Teams are available to respond anywhere in the nation.

“Teams are put together in advance and members usually commit to being on a team for three year. The personnel on a team include an incident commander, as well as staff to manage safety, public information, operations, planning, logistics, and finance. With several hundred to more than a thousand personnel working a fire, all of these team positions are critical to establishing safe and effective operations to suppress a wildfire and building the fire camp that feeds, sleeps, and cares for everyone working on the incident.”

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS:
In the past week, several large fires have broken out in Oregon. Many of the fires were caused by lightning, and most of the fires are east of the Cascade Range. Two of these fires have large-fire interagency Incident Management Teams assigned.

More information on many of these large fires is available on the on the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center’s website at:
http://www.nwccweb.us/.

Information on fires burning in Central Oregon is also always available on the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center’s website at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire/, PH: 541/416-6811.

The Hancock Fire Complex (Incident #511), a group of fires burning near Clarno, is reported this morning at 45,000 acres. The Type 2 Central Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team (COIMT) assumed command of this complex on August 26th, and the team’s Inciweb site is now up and running at:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2535/ . The general information phone number for the team is: 541-787-4322.

Several fires on the Warm Springs Reservation are part of the High Cascades Complex. The Oregon-California Interagency Incident Management Team (ORCA), a Type II Team, assumed command of this complex. Information for these fires is available at 530-598-9303.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ , or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 .

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

***********************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

COIDC Media Release: Central Oregon Fires Update; August 29, 2011 @ 9:30 a.m.

2011-08-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

4550 SW Airport Way
Prineville, OR 97754

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
For Immediate Release: August 28, 2011 – 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Media Desk, 541/416-6811 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire

Central Oregon Fires - Morning Update

Central Oregon – Firefighters continue to work on several wildfires burning in Central Oregon and are watching for any lightning holdover fires from the past week’s storms. Another storm passed through yesterday, putting down 740 lightning strikes in Central Oregon. Additional concerns include a potential increase in wind that could challenge firefighters throughout the area; however, daytime temperatures are expected to be a little cooler for the next several days.

Firefighters worked overnight on a new fire burning within the Mt. Washington Wilderness located 15 miles west of Sisters. The Shadow Lake Fire is currently 350 acres and forward progress to the east has stopped. There are approximately 110 firefighters taking suppression actions and will remain on site overnight.

Firefighters continue to work on the Hancock Fire Complex burning in the Clarno area in the north-central part of the state. One of the fires in the 30-mile Creek area continues to have higher fire activity and the overall acreage for the Complex grew to 45,000 acres yesterday. The fires in this complex have burned on both sides of Highway 218 and on both sides of the John Day River. Firefighters will remain challenged by steep slopes, inaccessible and rugged terrain, and light, flashy fuels that ignite and burn quickly.

The Central Oregon Type II Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) is in command of the fire and is now providing information about this fire on a wildfire incident website at http://www.inciweb.org/ . The phone line for information for this incident is (541) 787-4322.

Firefighters will continue to work on three fires burning east of Twickenham and north of Mitchell. Incident #615 is holding as of yesterday evening at 550 acres. The Dead Dog Fire (Incident #614) remains 2,500 acres this evening and is 40 percent contained, with full containment expected 9/1/11. Approximately 40 firefighters with support personnel continue to work on this fire and are challenged by very limited access, high winds and steep slopes. Incident #656 is approximately 270 acres. Approximately 65 firefighters are assigned to this incident and made good progress today. All of the fires are burning in a mix of grass and shrub, and are terrain and wind driven.

The ORCA Type II Incident Management Team (Brett Fillis) took over the fires in the High Cascades Complex on the Warm Springs Reservation including the Powerline, West Hills and Razorback fires.

The Razorback fire is estimated at 20,239 acres and continues to burn on both sides of the Deschutes River. The Lower Deschutes River is not closed to rafting at this time; however, fire officials and the Jefferson County Sheriff Department did a pre-cautionary evacuation of South Junction and Trout Creek Campgrounds last night. The Campgrounds remain closed to camping. Rafters can access the river through Warm Springs and Trout Creek launch sites; however, fire officials want to warn boaters the fire is not contained and vehicles left in the launch areas may be at risk if the fire activity increases. In addition, rafters should understand there is a 15 mile section between South Junction and Dant that has burned on both sides of the river. This has limited the campsites available for camping and rafters should use caution when floating through and should not stop along this section or interfere with suppression operations. Rafters may be asked to temporarily hold up their float to allow helicopters to dip their buckets into the river.

Highway 197 is open again today; however, travelers should check www.tripcheck.com for the latest road information before driving through.

For more information regarding the High Cascades Complex fires please call (530 598-9303.

-end-

**************************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

COIDC Media Release: Shadow Fire Update; August 29, 2011 @ 9 a.m.

2011-08-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

COIDC Media Release - Central Oregon Fire Update: Sunday, August 28, 2011 @ 9 p.m.

2011-08-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For Immediate Release: August 28, 2011 – 9:00 pm
Contact: Media Desk, 541/416-6811 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire

Central Oregon Fire Update

Central Oregon – Firefighters continue to work on several wildfires burning in Central Oregon and are watching for any lightning holdover fires from the past week’s storms. Another storm passed through today, putting down 740 lightning strikes in Central Oregon. The Red Flag Warning is in place through this evening. While the storms passed through the area, some areas received heavy precipitation.

A new fire was located today burning within the Mt. Washington Wilderness located 15 miles west of Sisters. The Shadow Lake Fire is currently 350 acres and forward progress to the east has stopped. The fire is surrounded by numerous fire scars that will assist the firefighters contain the fire; however, there are still several pockets of unburned fuel between the fire scars and the fire itself. There are approximately 110 firefighters taking suppression actions and will remain on site overnight.

Firefighters continue to work on the Hancock Fire Complex burning in the Clarno area in the north-central part of the state. While two of the fires within the Complex are now considered contained, another fire in the 30-mile Creek area continued to have higher fire activity today. The Complex remains 33,000 acres this evening. The fires in this complex have burned on both sides of Highway 218 and on both sides of the John Day River. Firefighters will remain challenged by steep slopes, inaccessible and rugged terrain, and light, flashy fuels that ignite and burn quickly.

The Central Oregon Type II Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) is in command of the fire and is now providing information about this fire on a wildfire incident website at http://www.inciweb.org/ . The phone line for information for this incident is (541) 787-4322.

Firefighters will continue to work on three fires burning east of Twickenham and north of Mitchell. Incident #615 is holding as of yesterday evening at 550 acres. The Dead Dog Fire (Incident #614) remains 2,500 acres this evening and is 40 percent contained, with full containment expected 9/1/11. Approximately 40 firefighters with support personnel continue to work on this fire and are challenged by very limited access, high winds and steep slopes. Incident #656 is approximately 270 acres. Approximately 65 firefighters are assigned to this incident and made good progress today. All of the fires are burning in a mix of grass and shrub, and are terrain and wind driven.

The ORCA Type II Incident Management Team (Brett Fillis) took over the fires in the High Cascades Complex on the Warm Springs Reservation including the Powerline, West Hills and Razorback fires.

The Razorback fire is estimated at 20,239 acres and continues to burn on both sides of the Deschutes River. The Lower Deschutes River is not closed to rafting at this time; however, fire officials and the Jefferson County Sheriff Department did a pre-cautionary evacuation of South Junction and Trout Creek Campgrounds last night. The Campgrounds remain closed to camping. Rafters can access the river through Warm Springs and Trout Creek launch sites; however, fire officials want to warn boaters the fire is not contained and vehicles left in the launch areas may be at risk if the fire activity increases. In addition, rafters should understand there is a 15 mile section between South Junction and Dant that has burned on both sides of the river. This has limited the campsites available for camping and rafters should use caution when floating through and should not stop along this section or interfere with suppression operations. . Rafters may be asked to temporarily hold up their float to allow helicopters to dip their buckets into the river.

Highway 197 was closed again at 5:00 pm today between mileposts 46-67 due to increased fire activity. Travelers can detour around the closure by driving through Warm Springs or toward Grass Valley on Highway 97 to take Highway 216 toward Maupin.

For more information regarding the High Cascades Complex fires please call (530 598-9303.

With many fires newly contained and the potential for others to start, hunters heading out for bow season should use caution when heading out to their units. They should avoid camping in or hiking through areas with active fire, watch for increased fire traffic on forest and rangeland roads and should watch for dangerous burned out stump-holes and snags in recently burned areas. Check in with local agencies before you head out to see if there are any additional fire restrictions or campground closures.

-end-

*******************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

Media Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office; August 28, 2011 @ 3:11 p.m.: High Cascades Complex Declared a Conflagration

2011-08-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

News Release from: Oregon State Fire Marshal
HIGH CASCADES COMPLEX DECLARED A CONFLAGRATION

August 28th, 2011 3:11 PM

Governor John Kitzhaber has declared the High Cascades Complex of fires burning on the Warm Springs Reservation a conflagration. The declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources with protecting threatened structures.

The Office of State Fire Marshal has mobilized four task forces to assist with protection of threatened structures. Responding task forces are from Clackamas, Hood River/Wasco, Marion, and Washington counties. The OSFM has also sent five personnel from their Red Incident Management Team to manage the deployed structural protection task forces. Approximately 190 homes are threatened.

The High Cascades Complex consists of three named fires - The Razorback, Powerline, and West Hills. No estimate yet on the number of acres burned.

Oregon's conflagration may be invoked only by the Governor and allows the State Fire Marshal to dispatch structural firefighters and equipment. More information on Conflagration and

Emergency Mobilization is available at OSFM website:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Conflagration_Information_2007.shtml .

Additional resources on surviving wildfires may be accessed at:
* Wildfire…Evacuation Readiness http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/wildfire_evac.doc
* After the Wildfire… http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.doc

Contact Info: Rich Hoover, 503-370-0033 pager.

******************************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire Update - Sunday morning, August 28,2011

2011-08-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) fire update for Sunday morning, August 28, 2011. It also contains some additional general background information on terms that are often used by firefighting agencies relating to RED FLAG WARNINGS and FIRE WEATHER WATCHES, and INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAMS.

Over the past 24 hours, some lightning strikes continued in various locations throughout Oregon, although fewer than have been occurring since the middle of this week. However, the following RED FLAG WARNINGS that were issued yesterday afternoon, remain in effect, due to the possibility of abundant lighting:
• Weather Zones in Central Oregon – through 3 p.m. today, August 28, 2011
• Weather Zones in Eastern Oregon – through 11 p.m. today, August 28, 2011

General information about Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches are included today farther down in this update in the FIRE WEATHER section.

These lighting storms throughout the state this past week have ranged from being accompanied by some to no precipitation and have resulted in many fire starts. The majority of these starts have been contained, with a few fires resulting in extended attack. Crews from all fire protection agencies in Oregon, including the Oregon Department of Forestry, continue to work actively and cooperatively in suppressing new fire starts, on extended attack on those fires that necessitate it, and at patrol, reconnaissance, and detection to locate any new holdover fires from earlier lightning, as well as on new fire starts as they occur, in addition to monitoring those fires that have been contained and are in patrol status.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
Northeast Oregon District, Pendleton Unit: The Elephant Rock Fire was reported at 3:30 a.m. on August 28, burning in steep terrain on ODF-protected lands, seven miles southeast of Weston, in timber, brush, and grass. This fire is active, running uphill, and not yet contained, and the department is closely monitoring what could ultimately pose a threat to some structures and outbuildings near the area. This fire is currently roughly estimated at approximately 500 acres and the cause is under investigation. Because of the active nature of this fire and the potential threat to resources and property, the ODF Type 3 Team that was managing the now-contained Dead Horse Complex earlier this week in Central Oregon has been transferred to this fire. When this fire was initially reported very early this morning, resources assigned to the fire were six engines, two tenders, and three dozers. More resources have since been assigned, are reporting, and actively engaged in fighting the Elephant Rock Fire.

Central Oregon District, Prineville Unit: The Cat Mtn Fire, reported on early Friday evening, August 26th, burning 21 miles northeast of Prineville, is lined and in mop-up, at 13.2 acres. Some resources will be released from this fire this evening. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report on this fire.

OTHER INFORMATION:
Conditions on many of Oregon’s forests are classified as EXTREME. Regulated Use Restrictions are in place and increasing throughout most locations in the state. Please check with your local ODF office before heading out to recreate or engage in other forest activities, so that you are aware of these restrictions and what they mean to you and your use of Oregon’s forests.

Bow Hunting Season: Notice from the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center regarding the start of bow hunting season:

“With many fires newly contained and the potential for others to start, hunters heading out bow season should use caution when heading out to their units. They should avoid camping in or hiking through areas with active fire, watch for increased fire traffic on forest and rangeland roads and should watch for dangerous burned out stump-holes and snags in recently burned areas. All hunter warming fires and campfires should be completely extinguished when not attended.”

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAMS:
References are made throughout ODF wildfire updates and many other fire agencies media releases to “Types” of Incident Management Teams. The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center recently released the following very useful general information on Incident Management Teams – the system that is so critical in Oregon (and across the United States) for management of wildfires and other incidents:

“. . . Incident management teams operate at the local, State and National Level and respond to all types of disasters including wildfires. Other incidents handled by Incident Management Teams include helping manage the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster, working 9/11 incidents in New York and working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency with the Hurricane Katrina response.

“Wildfire Teams are range from Type III to Type I, with Type I teams managing the most complex incidents. Complexity is based on the number of issues that firefighters and the team may face when suppressing a fire. These issues range from private land and homes near the fire, special status species or other critical resource problems, multiple fires burning in an area, the overall size of an incident, and the number of people involved. Type III Teams generally respond locally in Central Oregon, Type II Teams typically respond within a Region or State, and Type I Teams are available to respond anywhere in the nation.

“Teams are put together in advance and members usually commit to being on a team for three year. The personnel on a team include an incident commander, as well as staff to manage safety, public information, operations, planning, logistics, and finance. With several hundred to more than a thousand personnel working a fire, all of these team positions are critical to establishing safe and effective operations to suppress a wildfire and building the fire camp that feeds, sleeps, and cares for everyone working on the incident.”

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS:
In the past week, several large fires have broken out in Oregon. Many of the fires were caused by lightning, and most of the fires are east of the Cascade Range. Two of these fires have large-fire interagency Incident Management Teams assigned.

More information on many of these large fires is available on the on the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center’s website at:
http://www.nwccweb.us/.

Information on fires burning in Central Oregon is also always available on the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center’s website at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire/, PH: 541/416-6811.

The Hancock Fire Complex (Incident #511), a group of fires burning near Clarno, is reported this morning at 33,000 acres. The Central Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team (COIMT) – a Type II Team (Incident Commander Mark Rapp) - assumed command of this complex on Friday morning, August 26th, and the team’s Inciweb site is now up and running at:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2535/ . The general information phone number for the team is: 541-787-4322 – Extension 2009.

Several fires on the Warm Springs Reservation are part of the newly named High Cascades Complex. The Oregon-California Interagency Incident Management Team (ORCA), a Type II Team, assumed command of this complex. Information for these fires is available at 541-553-8190.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ , or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 .

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

FIRE STATISTICS:
Fire statistics are for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the 16 million acres of private and public forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry:

January 1, 2011, through today:*
Lightning-caused fires: 87 fires burned approximately 264 acres
Human-caused fires: 322 fires burned approximately 422 acres
Total: 409 fires burned approximately 687 acres

*Yearly fire statistics represent numbers input into the ODF-reporting system on fires on ODF-protected lands. Due to the recent intense fire activity, information on many of the recent fires, particularly those from lightning storms that have occurred during this past week, have not yet been input and included in above fire statistics. They will be included as they become available.

10-year average (January 1 through the present date in the year):
Lightning-caused fires: 274 fires burned approximately 20,686 acres
Human-caused fires: 525 fires burned approximately 3,559 acres
Total: 799 fires burned approximately 24,245 acres

FIRE WEATHER
What exactly is a Red Flag Warning?
The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches to alert fire agencies of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. During these times, extreme caution is urged to be used by all members of the public, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire.

A Red Flag Warning is the highest forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to warn of conditions that are ideal for wildland fire ignition and propagation. When humidity is very low, wildland fuels are extremely dry, and when high winds are accompanied with multiple lightning strikes, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing, equipment resources, and firefighting tactics dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk. To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours.
A separate but less imminent forecast may include a Fire Weather Watch, which is issued to alert fire and land management agencies to the possibility that Red Flag conditions may exist beyond the first forecast period (12 hours). The watch is issued generally 12 to 48 hours in advance of the expected conditions, but can be issued up to 72 hours in advance if the National Weather Service is reasonably confident. The term “Fire Weather Watch” is headlined in the routine forecast and remains in effect until it expires, is canceled, or upgraded to a Red Flag Warning.

The weather criteria for Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings varies with each Weather Service Office’s warning area based on the local vegetation type, topography, and distance from major water sources, but usually includes the daily vegetation moisture content calculations, expected afternoon high temperature, afternoon minimum relative humidity, daytime wind speed, and/or the prediction of lightning.

For current fire weather information, go to:
www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/fire.shtml

**************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

COIDC Media Release - Central Oregon Fire Update; Sunday, August 28, 2011 @ 11 a.m. PDT

2011-08-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

4550 SW Airport Way
Prineville, OR 97754

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
For Immediate Release: August 28, 2011 – 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Media Desk, 541/416-6811 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire

Central Oregon Fire Update

Central Oregon – Firefighters continue to work on several wildfires burning in Central Oregon and are watching for any lightning holdover fires from the past week’s storms. Another storm passed through last night, putting down 290 strikes in Central Oregon. An additional Red Flag Warning is in place today for a slow-moving storm producing abundant lightning. While the storms over the past week had some areas of heavy precipitation, overall moisture levels remain low, leading to extremely dry vegetation.

Firefighters continue to work on the Hancock Fire Complex burning in the Clarno area in the north-central part of the state. While two of the fires within the Complex are now considered contained, another fire in the 30-mile Creek area had higher fire activity yesterday. The Complex is 33,000 acres this morning and remains 50 percent contained. The fires in this complex are burning on both sides of Highway 218 and on both sides of the John Day River. Firefighters will remain challenged by steep slopes, inaccessible and rugged terrain, and light, flashy fuels that ignite and burn quickly.

The Central Oregon Type II Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) is in command of the fire and is now providing information about this fire on a wildfire incident website at www.inciweb.org. The phone line for information for this incident is (541) 787-4323 x 2009.

Firefighters will continue to work on three fires burning east of Twickenham and north of Mitchell. Incident #615 is holding as of yesterday evening at 550 acres. The Dead Dog Fire (Incident #614) remains 2,500 acres this morning and is five percent contained. Approximately 30 firefighters with the assistance of a helicopter continue to work on this fire and are challenged by very limited access and steep slopes. Incident #656 was reported yesterday and grew to 100 acres. Approximately 35 firefighters are assigned to this incident. Airtankers dropped several loads of retardant yesterday to knock down the fire. All of these fires are burning in a mix of grass and shrub, and are terrain and wind driven.

The ORCA Type II Incident Management Team formally took over the Razorback Fire burning on both sides of the Lower Deschutes River yesterday. The fire moved northeast off of the Reservation and jumped the Deschutes River near Dant on Thursday. The fire burned on the east side of the river and moved north and south approximately 15 miles along the river (burning between River Miles 75 – 60). The fire also burned east up to Highway 197. The Razorback Fire is approximately 12,500 acres and has no estimate of containment.

The Lower Deschutes River is not closed to rafting at this time; however, fire officials and the Jefferson County Sheriff Department did a pre-cautionary evacuation of South Junction and Trout Creek Campgrounds last night. The campgrounds remain closed this morning. Rafters can access the river today through Warm Spring and Trout Creek launch sites; however, fire officials want to warn boaters that vehicles left in the launch area may be at risk if the fire takes a run this afternoon. In addition, rafters should use caution when floating through this stretch of the river and should not stop along the sides where the fire is burning or interfere with suppression operations, including helicopters dipping for bucket work. Rafters may also be asked to temporarily hold up their float to allow helicopters to dip their buckets into the river.

Both north and southbound lanes of Highway 197 remain closed between mileposts 46-67 for fire activity. Travelers can detour around the closure by driving through Warm Springs or toward Grass Valley on Highway 97 to take Highway 216 toward Maupin.

The team will also assumed command of the Warm Springs (formerly Shitike) and Powerline Fires this morning. Warm Springs Fire Management will retain command of the Box Canyon Fire. Until the team has information lines set up, information on this complex (High Cascades Complex) can be reached at (541) 553-8190.

With many fires newly contained and the potential for others to start, hunters heading out bow season should use caution when heading out to their units. They should avoid camping in or hiking through areas with active fire, watch for increased fire traffic on forest and rangeland roads and should watch for dangerous burned out stump-holes and snags in recently burned areas. All hunter warming fires and campfires should be completely extinguished when not attended.

-end-

**********************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

COIDC Media Release - Fires Continue to Burn in Central Oregon; Saturday, August 27, 2011 @ 8:p.m. PDT

2011-08-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

4550 SW Airport Way
Prineville, OR 97754

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
For Immediate Release: August 27, 2011 – 8 p.m.
Contact: Media Desk, 541/416-6811 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire

Fires Continue to Burn in Central Oregon

Central Oregon – As firefighters continue to work on several wildfires burning in the area, the first possible fire from the lightning storm moving through Central Oregon this evening has been reported. With only 115 strikes reported so far, the storm initially appears to have much less intensity than the storm that moved through last Wednesday and is accompanied by precipitation.

With many fires newly contained and the potential for others to start, hunters ready for the opening of bow season should use caution when heading out to their units. They should avoid camping in or hiking through areas with active fire, watch for increased fire traffic on forest and rangeland roads and should watch for dangerous burned out stump-holes and snags in recently burned areas.

The largest fires are part of the Hancock Fire Complex, which is a group fires burning around Clarno. The fire had moderate growth today and is 22,000 acres this evening and remains 50 percent contained. The fires in this complex are burning on both sides of Highway 218 and on both sides of the John Day River. Firefighters will remain challenged by steep slopes, inaccessible and rugged terrain, and light, flashy fuels that ignite and burn quickly.

The Central Oregon Type II Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) is in command of the fire and is now providing information about this fire on a wildfire incident website at http://www.inciweb.org/. The phone line for information for this incident is (541) 787-4323 x 2009.

An additional fire started in the Twickenham area located north of Mitchell, and firefighters are working on three fires in this area now. Incident #615 was reported Thursday and remains approximately 550 acres today. The Dead Dog Fire (Incident #614) continued to grow today and is now 2,500 acres and is five percent contained. Approximately 30 firefighters with the assistance of a helicopter continue to work on this fire and are challenged by very limited access and steep slopes. Incident #656 was reported this afternoon and has grown to 100 acres. Oregon Department of Forestry firefighters, along with eight smokejumpers, have been working to suppress the fire this afternoon. Airtankers dropped several loads of retardant to knock down the fire. All of these fires are burning in a mix of grass and shrub, making short uphill runs on one side of a slope and backing slowly down the backside of slopes. The fires are terrain and wind driven fire and behavior on these typically picks up in the afternoon as daytime temperatures rise and afternoon winds increase.

Firefighters are making progress several other smaller fires. Incident 606 in the Hamilton Creek area north of milepost 46 on Highway 26 near the Ochoco Divide is 25 acres and 100 percent contained this evening. The Snowgate Fire burning southwest of Black Butte Ranch near Sisters will be contained at 8 p.m. this evening.

The ORCA Type II Incident Management Team formally took over the Razorback Fire burning on both sides of the Lower Deschutes River this evening. The fire moved northeast off of the Reservation and jumped the Deschutes River near Dant last night. Today, the fire burned on the east side of the river and moved north and south approximately 15 miles along the river (burning between River Miles 75 – 60). The fire also burned east up to Highway 197. The Razorback Fire is approximately 12,500 acres this evening and has no estimate of containment.

The Lower Deschutes River is not closed to rafting at this time; however, rafters should use caution when floating through this stretch of the river and should not stop along the sides where the fire is burning or interfere with suppression operations, including helicopters dipping for bucket work.

Both north and southbound lanes of Highway 197 are closed between mileposts 46-67 for fire activity. Travelers can detour around the closure by driving through Warm Springs or toward Grass Valley on Highway 97 to take Highway 216 toward Maupin. In addition, as a precautionary measure the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department is evacuating Trout Creek and South Junction campgrounds this evening.

The team will also assume command of the Shitike and Powerline Fires tomorrow morning. Warm Springs Fire Management will retain command of the Box Canyon Fire. Until the team has information lines set up, information on this complex (High Cascades Complex) can be reached at (541) 553-8190.

-end-

***************************

Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

Red Flag Warnings issued today for much of southern, central, and northeast Oregon

2011-08-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

Two Red Flag Warnings have been issued at approximately 3 p.m. this afternoon as follows:

1. In effect until 2300 hours (11 p.m.) PDT on Sunday, August 28, for Oregon Weather Zones 632, 633, 634, 635, and 638 [essentially most of northeast Oregon - roughly, Grant, Wheeler, Union, Wallowa, and Baker counties] for thunderstorms producing abundant lighting.

2. In effect until 1500 hours (3 p.m.) PDT, Sunday, August 28, for Oregon Weather Zones 610, 611, and 630 [essentially much of central Oregon - roughly, Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties] for abundant lighting.

A Red Flag warning also came out earlier today that is in effect through 10 p.m. PDT today, August 27, for Oregon Weather Zones 617, 620, 621, 623, and 624 [essentially much of southern Oregon - roughly, parts of Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath counties] for abundant lighting with little rainfall.
*******************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

Media Release from COIDC for the Central Oregon Incident Management Team - Hancock Complex Update, Saturday, August 27, 7 a.m. PDT

2011-08-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hancock Complex Update

Central Oregon Incident Management Team
Incident Commander: Mark Rapp
For Immediate Release: August 27, 2011, 7 am
Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center – Fire Information 541-416-6811

Hunters and the general public need to be aware of increased firefighting activities throughout the Gilliam, Sherman, Wasco and Wheeler Counties. Visibility on roads and public lands may be reduced due to smoky conditions. Please reduce your speeds and stay alert for changing conditions.

General Information/Announcements:
Central Oregon Incident Management Team, Incident Commander Mark Rapp, assumed command of the Hancock Complex yesterday morning. The incident command post is located at the Wheeler County Fairgrounds in Fossil and the helibase in located at Pine Creek Ranch. All firefighting resources ordered have arrived to aid in the suppression of the 18,000 acre Hancock Complex. Due to the complexity, location, and mileage distances separating the fires, fire officials made the decision to divide the complex into two management areas consisting of Branch I and Branch II.

Firefighters made good progress yesterday digging direct hand line and cold trailing on all flanks of the fires in Branch II near Clarno. Burnout operations near Cove Creek were successful in tying a portion of the fire’s perimeter into natural rock barriers and roadways on Iron Mountain. A new fire approximately 5 miles east of the Washington Family Ranch quickly grew over to 1,000 acres. Resources will scout and assess this fire for suppression actions.

Fires located in Branch I northwest of Fossil, were active sending up visible smoke columns throughout the day. Firefighting resource monitored and provided guidance to private land owners.

Today’s Planned Activities:
In Branch II near Clarno, firefighters will patrol for hot spots, mop-up, and construct handline. Helicopters will support suppression efforts with water drops.

In Branch I northwest of Fossil, additional resources were assigned to monitor and patrol the fire perimeters.

Challenges today include heat, rough terrain, and upslope winds with light, dry fuels.

Weather:
Temperatures are predicted between 91-96 degrees, relative humidity of 15–20%, and north/northeast winds 8 to 15 mph. Thunderstorms are predicted for today to the south of the Complex tracking to the north/northeast this afternoon.

Hancock Complex Fire:
Location: Gilliam, Sherman, Wasco and Wheeler Co.
Date Started: 08/24/2011
Cause: Lightning
Size: 18,000 acres
Percent Contained: 50%
Total Personnel: 304
Resources: Crews: 6, Engines: 19, Dozers: 2,Helicopters: 1-light, 2- medium, 1-heavy lift, Water tenders: 4 and Overhead: 67

~~~~

**********************************
Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

COIDC Media Release - Central Oregon Fire Update; Saturday, August 27, @ 10:00 a.m.

2011-08-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Note from ODF Incident Information Officer: The following news release, released by the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, includes a particularly useful description of the Incident Management Team system that is so crucial to firefighting in Oregon during periods of extreme fire danger and busy fire seasons.

***********************************
Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

4550 SW Airport Way
Prineville, OR 97754

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
For Immediate Release: August 27, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.
Contact: Media Desk, 541/416-6811 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire

Central Oregon Wildfire Update

Central Oregon – Firefighters continue to respond to the more than 200 new fires reported since a lightning storm passed through Central Oregon Wednesday afternoon and evening. In addition to getting control of the majority of on-going fires in the area, firefighters remain on the lookout for any additional lightning holdover fires and may locate these for the next several days.

With the opening of bow season today, hunters should use caution when heading out to their units. They should avoid camping in or hiking through areas with active fire, watch for increased fire traffic on forest and rangeland roads and should watch for dangerous burned out stump-holes and snags in recently burned areas.

The largest fire remains the Hancock Fire Complex, which is a group fires burning around Clarno. The fire had moderate growth yesterday and is now 18,000 acres and 50 percent contained. The fires in this complex are burning on both sides of Highway 218 and on both sides of the John Day River. Firefighters will remain challenged by steep slopes, inaccessible and rugged terrain, and light, flashy fuels that ignite and burn quickly.

The Central Oregon Type II Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) is in command of the fire. Fire staff are working to get internet and phone connections and will continue to provide information through Central Oregon Dispatch until this is accomplished. Approximately 304 firefighters and staff are now working on the Hancock Complex. Resources include three Hotshot Crews, three Type 2 handcrews, one Type II helicopter, 18 engines, two dozers, four watertenders, 61 overhead personnel, and two camp crews.

Firefighters are now working on two fires burning east of Twickenham. Incident #615 was reported Thursday and initially had minimal growth. The fire is approximately 550 acres today. A second fire in the area had significant growth yesterday afternoon. Approximately 30 firefighters with the assistance of a helicopter are working on Incident #614, which is 1,200 acres this morning. Both of these fires are burning in a mix of grass and shrub, making short uphill runs on one side of a slope and backing slowly down the backside of slopes. The fires are terrain and wind driven fire and behavior on these typically picks up in the afternoon as daytime temperatures raise and afternoon winds increase.

Firefighters are making progress on the fires east of Prineville. Incident 606 in the Hamilton Creek area north of milepost 46 on Highway remains 25 acres and 70 percent contained. In addition, crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry have contained Incident #630 overnight at 4.7 acres.

A Type II Incident Management Team (ORCA) took over command of the East Cascades Complex this morning. The Shitike Fire, located 1/8 mile west of the town of Warm Springs is now 1500 acres. Residents along Tenino Road were evacuated last night while fire crews conducted a burnout operation to keep the fire from reaching these homes. The Box Canyon Fire (formerly Seekseequa) is 4,500 acres this morning. The Antoken Fire burning on the northeast side of the Resevation has burned down to and jumped the Lower Deschutes River onto BLM land. The river is not closed at this time; however, rafters should use caution when floating through this stretch of the river and should not stop along the sides where the fire is burning or interfere with suppression operations, including helicopters dipping for bucket work.

Incident Management Teams
Two Type II Incident Management Teams are in command of two separate wildfire complexes in Central Oregon. Incident management teams operate at the local, State and National Level and respond to all types of disasters including wildfires. Other incidents handled by Incident Management Teams include helping manage the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster, working 9/11 incidents in New York and working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency with the Hurricane Katrina response.

Wildfire Teams are range from Type III to Type I, with Type I teams managing the most complex incidents. Complexity is based on the number of issues that firefighters and the team may face when suppressing a fire. These issues range from private land and homes near the fire, special status species or other critical resource problems, multiple fires burning in an area, the overall size of an incident, and the number of people involved. Type III Teams generally respond locally in Central Oregon, Type II Teams typically respond within a Region or State, and Type I Teams are available to respond anywhere in the nation.

Teams are put together in advance and members usually commit to being on a team for three year. The personnel on a team include an incident commander, as well as staff to manage safety, public information, operations, planning, logistics, and finance. With several hundred to more than a thousand personnel working a fire, all of these team positions are critical to establishing safe and effective operations to suppress a wildfire and building the fire camp that feeds, sleeps, and cares for everyone working on the incident.

-end-

****************************

Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

ODF Wildfire Update, Saturday, August 27, 2011 @ 8:00 a.m.

2011-08-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) fire update for Saturday, August 27, 2011, @ 8 a.m. PDT.

Over the past 24 hours, lightning continued to strike in areas of Oregon, although much more localized cells than over the previous two days. More lightning and thunderstorms are in the weather forecasts for parts of Oregon from today through Sunday.

These lighting storms throughout the state this past week have ranged from being accompanied by some to no precipitation and have resulted in many fire starts. The majority of these starts have been contained, with a few fires resulting in extended attack. Crews from all fire protection agencies in Oregon, including the Oregon Department of Forestry, continue to work actively in suppressing new fire starts, extended attack on those fires that necessitate it, and at patrol, reconnaissance, and detection to locate any new holdover fires from earlier lightning, as well as on new fire starts as they occur, in addition to monitoring those fires that have been contained and are in patrol status.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
The following information includes fire reports received until 8 p.m., Friday, [note: this is an edited post; the original post incorrectly stated that the day was "Thursday] August 26, 2011:

Central Oregon District, John Day Unit, Fossil Sub-Unit:
Dead Horse Complex: Effective 3:30 p.m. on Friday, August 26th, additional ODF overhead fire management personnel, known as a Type 3 Team, were assigned to a complex of six fires burning grass, juniper, and timber on ODF-protected forestlands (Fossil Sub-Unit) in steep terrain near a local landmark known as Hells Half Acre. The complex of fires, at approximately 35 acres when the team assumed command, includes the previously-named Cobb Saddle Fire (estimated at that time approximately 25 acres), which was previously reported on in the ODF Wildfire Update from August 26th. and is now named the Dead Horse Complex. The determination was made to assign this team based on the extreme fire conditions in the area, fuels, difficult terrain, and potential for fire growth and resource damage. The majority of these six fires have line completed around them, with an airtanker dropping retardant and two helicopters performing water drops earlier throughout the day to help stop the fire spread while the team was being ordered and arriving on the scene to assume command.

The Rosenbaum Fire was reported at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, burning in grass, juniper, and sagebrush on the west side of Rosenbaum Canyon. This fire is now 100 percent lined and in mop-up. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report on this fire.

Central Oregon District, Prineville Unit:
The Cat Mtn. Fire was reported early Friday evening, August 26th, burning 21 miles northeast of Prineville. At that time, the first was estimated at 13 acres, and firefighters anticipated containing and stopping the fire spread with initial attack resources.

The Johnson Creek #2 Fire, burning near Johnson Creek seven miles east of Prineville, was reported on Thursday evening, August 25th. This fire is at 121 acres this morning, lined and in mop-up, with the line holding. Smoke may be noticeable in the Prineville area from this fire. NOTE: This fire is approximately ½ mile away from an initial Johnson Creek Fire that was contained on Thursday, August 25. Also NOTE: This fire is the same fire as Incident 951-016 and was erroneously reported on twice – once by name and once by number – in the ODF Fire Update of Friday, August 26th.

OTHER INFORMATION:
Because of the conditions in many of Oregon’s forests due to the seasonal hot and dry weather, Regulated Use Restrictions are in place and increasing throughout most locations in the state. Please check with your local ODF office before heading out to recreate or engage in other forest activities, so that you are aware of these restrictions and what they mean to you and your use of Oregon’s forests.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS:
In the past few days, several large fires have broken out in Oregon. Many of the fires were caused by lightning, and most of the fires are east of the Cascade Range. Two of these fires have large-fire interagency Incident Management Teams assigned/enroute.

More information on many of these large fires is available on the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center's web site at http://nwccweb.us/ .

The Hancock Fire Complex (Incident #511), a group of fires burning around Clarno, had moderate growth yesterday and is now approximately 17,000 acres. Approximately 285 personnel are currently assigned to this fire, which the Central Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team (COIMT) – a Type II Team (Incident Commander Mark Rapp) - assumed command of at 6:00 a.m. PDT on Friday morning. The team is working to get internet and phone connections established. Until then, information on this fire – and other fires in Central Oregon - will continue to be provided through the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire/ , PH: 541/416-6811.

Several fires on the Warm Springs Reservation are part of the newly named High Cascades Complex. The Oregon-California Interagency Incident Management Team (ORCA), a Type II Team, will assume command of this complex this morning. Information for these fires is now available at 541-553-8190.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ , or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 .

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

FIRE STATISTICS:
Fire statistics are for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the 16 million acres of private and public forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry:

January 1, 2011, through today:
Lightning-caused fires: 75 fires burned approximately 263 acres
Human-caused fires: 312 fires burned approximately 420 acres
Total: 387 fires burned approximately 684 acres

10-year average (January 1 through the present date in the year):
Lightning-caused fires: 273 fires burned approximately 20,686 acres
Human-caused fires: 520 fires burned approximately 3,557 acres
Total: 788 fires burned approximately 24,243 acres

****************
Jeri Chase, Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

COIDC Media Release - Central Oregon Lightning Fires Update; August 26, 2011, 7:00 p.m. PDT

2011-08-26T23:03:00.000-07:00

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

4550 SW Airport Way
Prineville, OR 97754

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
For Immediate Release: August 26, 2011 – 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Media Desk, 541/416-6811 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire

Central Oregon Lightning Fires Update

Central Oregon – With fewer new fires reported today, firefighters were able to make progress on the more than 200 new fires reported since a lightning storm passed through Central Oregon Wednesday afternoon and evening. In addition to getting control of the majority of on-going fires in the area, firefighters remain on the lookout for any additional lightning holdover fires and may locate these for the next several days.

The largest fire remains the Hancock Fire Complex, which is a group [of] fires burning around Clarno. The fire had moderate growth today and is now 17,000 acres. The fires in this complex are burning on both sides of Highway 218 and on both sides of the John Day River. Most of the growth today occurred on the north side of the complex. Firefighters are challenged by steep slopes, inaccessible and rugged terrain, and light, flashy fuels that ignite and burn quickly.

The Central Oregon Type II Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) assumed command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. this morning. Fire staff are working to get internet and phone connections and will continue to provide information through Central Oregon Dispatch until this is accomplished. Approximately 285 firefighters and staff are now working on the Hancock Complex. Resources include three Hotshot Crews, three Type 2 handcrews, one Type II helicopter, 18 engines, two dozers, four watertenders, 61 overhead personnel, and two camp crews.

The Hancock Fire Complex [is] a typical rangeland fire that moves quickly through light grass and shrub but calms down overnight when temperatures cool and relative humidity rises. Fire crews will focus on finding and suppressing hotspots in the cooler evening and early morning hours when fire behavior is lower and will continue to construct and hold containment lines throughout the day.

Firefighters are also working on a fire burning east of Twickenham. Incident #615 was reported yesterday and initially had minimal growth. The fire is a terrain and wind driven fire and behavior increased during the afternoon higher temperatures. The fire is approximately 550 acres the evening. The fire is burning in a mix of grass and shrub, making short uphill runs on one side of a slope and backing slowly down the backside of slopes.

Firefighters are also continuing to work on several fires in the Ochoco National Forest east of Prineville. Incident 606 in the Hamilton Creek area north of milepost 46 on Highway 26 is 25 acres this afternoon and 70 percent contained. A helicopter is providing bucket drops to help with containment efforts. In addition, crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry are working to contain a 10-acre fire that kicked up this afternoon. The fire is burning mostly on the ground in grass and needlecast, with occasional torching in ponderosa pine trees. A helicopter and the State air tanker have been providing assistance. There is no estimate of containment at this time.

Two incidents previous[ly] reported include Incident #608 and the Lyle Gap III Fire. Incident #608, burning near Johnson Creek east of Prineville, did not grow today and crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry spent the day holding and improving the containment line put in place last night. Firefighters also successfully stopped the progress of the Lyle Gap III fire burning northeast of Madras, and it is contained this evening at 78 acres.

Firefighters on the Warm Springs Reservation have been busy over the past several days responding to new wildfires as well. Several fires are part of the newly named High Cascades Complex. The complex includes the following fires: Fire #127 Shitike Fire (1000 acres) located west of the town of Warm Springs with structure protection in place from the Central Oregon Task Force #3; Fire #121 Seekseequa Fire (3000 acres) burning on the Metolius Bench; and, Fire #133 Razorback Fire (1700 acres) on the NE side of the Reservation in the Mutton Mountain area. A Type II Team (ORCA) will assume command of this complex tomorrow morning. Information for these fires is now available at (541) 553-8190.

-end-

ODF Type 3 Incident Management Team assigned to fire complex burning on ODF-protected forestlands in the John Day Unit, Fossil Sub-Unit

2011-08-26T22:57:00.000-07:00

At 3:30 p.m. on Friday, August 26th, additional ODF overhead fire management personnel, known as a Type 3 Team, was assigned to a complex of six fires burning grass, juniper, and timber on ODF-protected forestlands (Fossil Sub-Unit) in steep terrain near a local landmark known as Hells Half Acre. The complex of fires, at approximately 35 acres when the team assumed command, includes the previously-named Cobb Saddle Fire (estimated at 3:30 at approximately 25 acres), which was previously reported on in the ODF Wildfire Update from earilier in the day, and is now named the Dead Horse Complex. The determination was made to assign this team based on the extreme fire conditions in the area, fuels, difficult terrain, and potential for fire growth and resource damage. The majority of these six fires have line completed around them, with an airtanker dropping retardant and two helicopters performing water drops earlier throughout the day to help stop the fire spread while the team was being ordered and arriving on the scene to assume command.

Jeri Chase, ODF Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager #503-370-0403

Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire Update - Friday, August 26, 2011

2011-08-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) fire update for Friday, August 26, 2011.

Over the past 24 hours, lightning continued to move through Oregon, including systems through western Oregon, starting near Eugene, that moved northeast through Wasco County/Cascade crest, out of Oregon into central Washington, and then veering south into Oregon again into portions of Umatilla County. Precipitation accompanying this lightning was variable. More lightning and thunderstorms are in the weather forecasts for parts of Oregon from today through Sunday.

The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center has reported this morning that there have been more than 196 new fire starts since the in initial lightning storm passed through southern/southeastern, central, and northeast Oregon on Wednesday afternoon and evening. The majority of these fire starts have been contained, with a few fires resulting in extended attack. Crews from all fire protection agencies in Oregon, including the Oregon Department of Forestry, continue to work actively in suppressing new fire starts, extended attack on those fires that necessitate it, and at patrol, reconnaissance, and detection to locate any new holdover fires from the lightning earlier this week, as well as on new fire starts due to the lightning from last night/early this morning, in addition to monitoring those fires that have been contained and are in patrol status.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:

Central Oregon District, John Day Unit, Fossil Sub-Unit:
The Rosenbaum Fire was reported at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, burning in grass, juniper, and sagebrush on the west side of Rosenbaum Canyon. This fire is active and estimated at 100 acres. Resources assigned to this fire have included one engine, one air tanker, and one dozer.

The Cobb Saddle Fire was reported in the morning on Thursday, August 25, burning at the bottom of a local landmark know as Hells Half Acre in grass and timber in steep terrain. The fire was last reported at 16 acres, active, and 45 percent lined. Resources assigned to this fire have included one engine, two air tankers, one helicopter, and one dozer.

The 29-acre Murphey Mt. Fire, near the north fork of the John Day River, reported early on Thursday, August 25, burned in grass and timber in steep terrain on ODF protected lands. At this time, this fire is mopped up. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report on this fire.

Central Oregon District, Prineville Unit:
The Johnson Creek #2 Fire, burning near Johnson Creek seven miles east of Prineville, was reported on Thursday evening, August 25. This fire is at 122 acres this morning, lined and in mop-up. Smoke may be noticeable in the Prineville area from this fire. NOTE: This fire is approximately ½ mile away from an initial Johnson Creek Fire that was contained on Thursday, August 25. Also NOTE that this fire was also reported in previous iterations of our wildfire information as Incident 951-016. Incident 951-016 was named and is the same fire as Johnson Creek #2.

The Allen Creek Fire, reported on Wednesday evening, August 24, 13 miles south of Mitchell, burned 47 acres in grass, brush, and pine. This fire was 100 percent lined and controlled by last night. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report on this fire.

OTHER INFORMATION:
Because of the conditions in many of Oregon’s forests due to the seasonal hot and dry weather, Regulated Use Restrictions are in place and increasing throughout most locations in the state. Please check with your local ODF office before heading out to recreate or engage in other forest activities, so that you are aware of these restrictions and what they mean to you and your use of Oregon’s forests.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS:

The Hancock Fire Complex (Incident #511), is the largest fire currently burning in Oregon. The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center reported this morning that the complex, “is a group of five fires burning more than 15,000 acres around Clarno. These fires are burning on both sides of Highway 218 and on both sides of the John Day River. The eastern-most fire triggered the safe evacuation of approximately 55 young campers Wednesday of the Hancock Field Station, a 10-acre science camp run by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry located one mile east of Clarno. Campers have not yet returned to the Field Station.

"The Central Oregon Type II Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) assumed command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. this morning and is busy assessing the wildfire and bringing in additional resources. Currently more than 100 firefighters are working, including two hotshot crews (Prineville and Union), one 20-person hand crew, 15 engines, and more resources are on the way. The Hancock Fire Complex a typical rangeland fire that moves quickly through light grass and shrub but dies down overnight when temperatures cool. Fire crews will focus on finding and suppressing hotspots in the cooler evening and morning hours when fire behavior is lower and will continue to construct and hold containment lines throughout the day.”

The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center also reported this morning: “Firefighters on the Warm Springs Reservation have been busy over the past several days responding to new wildfires as well. The Seekseequa Fire burning near the Metolius Rim is 1,000 acres this morning, and the West Hills Fire, burning near the city of Warm Springs is approximately 300 acres this morning. A new fire, the Antoken Fire, is burning about 500 acres on the northeast side of the reservation. No structures are threatened with any of these, and there are no estimates of containment at this time. Information on these fires will available at 541-553-2413.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ , or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 .
ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

******************
Jeri Chase, Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager # 503-370-0403

COIDC News Release - Firefighters continue to make progress on Central Oregon wildfires - August 26, 2011 - 8:30 a.m.

2011-08-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

4550 SW Airport Way
Prineville, OR 97754

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
For Immediate Release: August 26, 2011 – 8:30 a.m.
Contact: Media Desk, 541/416-6811 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/fire

Firefighters Continue to Make Progress on Central Oregon Wildfires

Central Oregon – Firefighters with the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Prineville District of the Bureau of Land Management and the Oregon Department of Forestry have been busy over the past two days. With more than 196 new wildfires reported since a lightning storm passed through Central Oregon Wednesday afternoon and evening, firefighters have worked to locate new fires, quickly suppress them and move on the next new start. Firefighters will continue to look for lightning holdover fires and will focus detection efforts in the Lower Deschutes River area today after a lightning storm put down another 1,200 strikes in the northern part of Oregon between Wasco County and the Cascade Crest last night.

The largest fire is the Hancock Fire Complex, which is a group of five fires burning more than 15,000 acres around Clarno. These fires are burning on both sides of Highway 218 and on both sides of the John Day River. The eastern-most fire triggered the safe evacuation of approximately 55 young campers Wednesday of the Hancock Field Station, a 10-acre science camp run by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry located one mile east of Clarno. Campers have not yet returned to the Field Station.

The Central Oregon Type II Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) assumed command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. this morning and is busy assessing the wildfire and bringing in additional resources. Currently more than 100 firefighters are working, including two hotshot crews (Prineville and Union), one 20-person hand crew, 15 engines, and more resources are on the way. The Hancock Fire Complex a typical rangeland fire that moves quickly through light grass and shrub but dies down overnight when temperatures cool. Fire crews will focus on finding and suppressing hotspots in the cooler evening and morning hours when fire behavior is lower and will continue to construct and hold containment lines throughout the day.

Incident #608 burning near Johnson Creek east of Prineville is 122 acres this morning. Crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry worked on this fire overnight and will hold and improve their initial containment line and begin mopping up the interior of the fire today. Incident #608 started approximately ½ mile away from a separate fire that started in Johnson Creek yesterday (this fire was contained Wednesday). An Oregon Department of Forestry airtanker helped knock down this fire with retardant.

Firefighters are also working on a 35-acre fire burning 6.5 miles northeast of Madras. Firefighters are making good progress on the Lyle Gap III fire, and a Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) assisted with several 300-gallon retardant drops. There is no estimate of containment for this incident.

Firefighters on the Warm Springs Reservation have been busy over the past several days responding to new wildfires as well. The Seekseequa Fire burning near the Metolius Rim is 1,000 acres this morning, and the West Hills Fire, burning near the city of Warm Springs is approximately 300 acres this morning. A new fire, the Antoken Fire, is burning about 500 acres on the northeast side of the reservation. No structures are threatened with any of these, and there are no estimates of containment at this time. Information on these fires will available at 541-553-2413.

-end-

COIDC - Central Oregon Wildfire Update, August 25 @ 8:30 p.m.

2011-08-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

COIDC - Firefighters Respond to New Wildfires in Central Oregon

2011-08-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire Update for Thursday, August 25, 2011

2011-08-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) fire update for Thursday, August 25, 2011.

A lightning storm passed through much of southern/southeastern, central, and eastern Oregon throughout yesterday and the evening, resulting in more than 8,500 lightning strikes across those areas during the 24-hour period from midnight on the 24th to midnight on the 25th. Precipitation during these storms was variable, from areas that received heavy rain and hail, to portions of Oregon that received no rainfall.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
Central Oregon District, John Day Unit: The 10-40 acre Murphey Mt. Fire, near the north fork of the John Day River, was reported early this morning, burning in grass and timber in steep terrain on ODF protected lands. At this time, this fire is uncontained, with extended attack expected. Two engines and one crew are currently assigned to this fire.
Nine fire starts were reported as a result of lightning strikes on this unit.

Central Oregon District, Prineville Unit/Sisters Sub-Unit: The 29-acre Johnson Creek Fire, six miles northeast of Prineville, was reported late last night, burning in grass, juniper, and pine. This fire is 100 percent lined and contained, and in mop-up status today. Unless the situation changes, this will be the only report on this fire.

The 25-acre Allen Creek Fire, burning 13 miles south of Mitchell, was also reported last night, burning in grass, brush, and pine. Line is currently being completed on this fire, with 100 percent line anticipated to be in place by the end of the day, as well as beginning and continuing mop-up activity.

There were 11 reported fire starts from the lightning that move through the area on this Unit/Sub-Unit.

Northeast Oregon District, Pendleton Unit: The 69-acre Tunnel Canyon Fire, burning 10 miles north/northwest of Ukiah, was reported late yesterday evening, burning grass and scattered timber in steep and rocky terrain. A minor amount of rain was received in the area, contributing to help stop the spread of this fire, which is currently in mop-up status. Today, two engines and two 10-person Snake River Correctional Center Crews are assigned to this fire.

OTHER INFORMATION:
A Red Flag Warning was issued for 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. PDT due to abundant lightning (with some expected rainfall) over parts of northeast Oregon, southwest Washington, and central/eastern central Oregon.

Because of the conditions in many of Oregon’s forests due to the seasonal hot and dry weather, and the continuing probability of thunder and lightning activity, Regulated Use Restrictions are in place and increasing throughout most locations in the state. Please check with your local ODF office before heading out to recreate or engage in other forest activities, so that you are aware of these restrictions and what they mean to you and your use of Oregon’s forests.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS:
The largest new fire in Oregon is the Hancock Fire (Incident #511). The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center reported this morning that this fire is “burning more than 10,000 acres east of Clarno. The fire triggered the evacuation yesterday of the Hancock Field Station, a 10-acre science camp run by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry located one mile east of Clarno. The fire is a typical rangeland fire moving quickly through light grass and shrub. Resources on scene include four engines and the Prineville Hotshot crew.”

This fire is burning on BLM-protected lands and unprotected private rangelands. The Central Oregon Incident Management Team (COIMT – Type 2 Interagency Team) - Incident Commander Mark Rapp - has been ordered, and will be arriving and receiving an in-briefing on this fire later today.

Incident #440, located three miles south of Bend near Lava Butte Lookout, was contained last night at 47 acres. Smoke from this fire is likely to continue to be visible from the area for several more days, as interior fuels continue to smolder. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report on this fire.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ , or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 .

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.
This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

**************

Jeri Chase, Incident Information Officer
Fire Duty Officer Pager # 503-910-2419

Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire Update - Wednesday, August 24, 2011

2011-08-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) fire update for Wednesday, August 24, 2011.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
Forest Grove District: The Rock Creek Fire, reported Monday afternoon burning near Highway 18 in Yamhill County in grass and brush is contained at slightly under 10 acres. The fire has been in patrol status yesterday and today, with no evidence of smoke or flame. Unless the situation changes, this will be the final report on this fire.

Central Oregon District, John Day Unit: The 276-acre Theimer No. 2 Fire, nine miles north of Burns, was contained on August 23. About 109 acres within the fire perimeter were Harney County lands protected by ODF, 70 acres on BLM lands, and 98 acres of U.S. Forest Service lands. The fire in 100 percent lined and in mop-up. Unless this situation changes, this will be the final report on this fire.

OTHER INFORMATION:
A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 11 p.m. tonight for lightning and outflow winds over parts of the ODF Southwest Oregon and Klamath-Lake districts. A Red Flag Warning is also in effect until 11 p.m. tonight for parts of the Central Oregon and Northeast Oregon districts for abundant lightning.

In anticipation of these predicted weather events, yesterday the Central Oregon and Northeast Oregon districts requested and pre-positioned extra engines and resources, so that they could be quickly mobilized for initial attack activity. These resources are funded with special monies allocated by the Oregon Legislature for these types of situations.

Because of the conditions in many of Oregon’s forests due to the seasonal hot and dry weather, and increasing possibilities for thunder and lightning activity, Regulated Use Restrictions are in place and increasing throughout most locations in the state. Please check with your local ODF office before heading out to recreate or engage in other forest activities, so that you are aware of these restrictions and what they mean to you and your use of Oregon’s forests.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS:
The 1,000-acre Elk Fire, reported Monday, August 22, is burning on Bureau of Land Management and non-ODF-protected lands four miles west of Madras. The Governor invoked the Conflagration Act on Monday evening, August 22, allowing additional resources for structure protection. Because of significant progress that was made on this fire throughout Tuesday, the State Fire Marshal task forces from Clackamas and Marion counties turned the structural protection for this fire over to Jefferson County RFD #1 at 8 p.m. last night. The fire was 100 percent contained by 9 p.m. last night. Initial reports indicate that the fire was started from an escaped debris burn in the area. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report on this fire.

The 1,500-acre Free Bridge II Fire, located six miles south of the mouth of the Lower Deschutes River (River Mile 6), was 80 percent by last night. All campgrounds along the Lower Deschutes River in this area remain open. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report on this fire.

Another fire, Incident #430, burning approximately nine miles southeast of Arlington, was also contained this on Tuesday evening at 1,328 acres. Unless the situation changes, this will be the last report on this fire.

Firefighters responded and worked overnight on a new fire start, Incident #440, located three miles south of Bend in a lava field east of the Deschutes River. The fire burned approximate 60 acres in a in a 70-acre island of ponderosa pine, completely surrounded by the lava field. Today, plans include cleaning up the remaining 10 acres that did not burn and continuing mop up of the edge of the fire where it approached the lava flow. A Type III helicopter will be available today to provide bucket drops of water to help with mop-up efforts. Smoke from this fire is likely to be visible from Bend, Highway 97 and recreation sites in the area for several days.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on wildfires in all jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, www.nwccweb.us/ , or to the national Incident Information System website, www.inciweb.org/state/38 .

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work closely together.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

**************
Jeri Chase, ODF Public Affairs Specialist
Fire Duty Officer Pager # 503-370-0403

Wildfire update - Aug. 23, 2011

2011-08-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
The 10-acre Rock Creek Fire reported Monday afternoon burning near Highway 18 in Yamhill County is now in patrol status. Oregon Dept. of Forestry mobilized a helicopter, eight fire engines, two inmate hand crews and one water tender to suppress the fire. One structure was damaged in the blaze. Local rural fire departments assisted in the suppression effort. Fireworks has been determined to be the cause of the fire.

Firefighters are working toward full containment of the 276-acre Theimer No. 2 Fire 14 miles north of Burns. About 108 acres within the fire perimeter are Harney County lands protected by ODF. A pilot car is guiding motorists along Highway 395 between mileposts 53 and 60, due to fire equipment traffic. Cause of the fire has been determined by law enforcement to be arson.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS:
The 1,000-acre Elk Fire reported Monday is burning on Bureau of Land Management and non-ODF-protected lands four miles west of Madras. Structures are threatened, and the State Fire Marshal has mobilized two crews to protect them. The fire is uncontained.

The 170-acre K-N-T Hamlet Fire is burning on the west side of Kah Nee Tah Resort, 10 miles north of Warm Springs. It is currently at 90 percent containment. The fire continues to smolder. Firefighters are continuing with mop-up today.

Rock Creek Fire burning near town of Sheridan

2011-08-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

The Rock Creek Fire near the town of Sheridan in Yamhill County was reported at 4:45 p.m. Monday. It is under 10 acres in size and uncontrolled. The blaze has engulfed one home. Oregon Dept. of Forestry is fighting the fire with two inmate hand crews, one helicopter, two bulldozers and eight fire engines. In addition, several local rural fire departments have engines on scene. Cause of the fire is under investigation. The Yamhill County Sheriff's Department has taken a suspect into custody.

Fire update, Aug. 22, 2011

2011-08-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

The 274-acre Theimer No. 2 Fire is burning along Highway 395 in Harney County. Reported at 2 p.m. on Sunday, the fire is now fully lined and firefighters began mop-up Monday morning. However, no percentage of containment has been announced since the fire is still active. The human-caused blaze started on Harney County property and eventually spread to adjacent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service lands. BLM is the lead agency on the suppression effort, with Oregon Dept. of Forestry firefighters assisting. Travelers are advised of slowdowns on Highway 395 due to fire equipment traffic. Oregon Dept. of Transportation is guiding motorists through the area via pilot car.

A seven-acre fire in Yamhill County reported Saturday has claimed the life of a Carlton, Oregon, man. Firefighters responding to a report of smoke coming from a field arrived on scene to find Streeter Luke Roy, 80, badly burned. He was transported to a Portland hospital where he later died. The fire was fully contained and placed in patrol status Sunday morning. Oregon Dept. of Forestry investigators said their initial examination of the scene indicated the fire may have resulted from Mr. Roy injecting fire into gopher holes. However, the ODF investigation into the fire cause is still in progress. Local fire teams are investigating the cause of the fatality.

Governor invokes state Conflagration Act to assist North River Road fire

2011-08-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

Last night Governor John Kitzhaber declared the North River Road fire, burning just outside the city of Rogue River, a conflagration. The declaration authorized the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.

"The fire near the City of Rogue River continued to spread last night and threaten both life and property, which is why I have directed all available state resources to help contain its growth," said Governor Kitzhaber. "My priority is to ensure that this community has every resource necessary to fight this fire and protect the citizens of Jackson County."

The request for the conflagration was made by Fire Defense Board Chief Lang Johnson.

The fire is approximately 425 acres and approximately 40 homes are threatened. Structural task forces from Klamath and Lane counties are on scene to assist in protecting threatened structures.

As of this morning, residents that were initially advised to evacuate last night, have been allowed to return to their homes. Currently the fire is estimated to be 40% contained and is burning in grass and timber understory. The cause is under investigation. Three outbuildings have been destroyed. Expected containment is Saturday, August 20, 2011.

Oregon's conflagration may be invoked only by the Governor and allows the State Fire Marshal to dispatch structural firefighters and equipment. More information on Conflagration and Emergency

Mobilization is available at OSFM website: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Oregon_Mob_Plan.shtml

Additional resources on surviving wildfires may be accessed at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/CommEd_WAW.shtml

Source: Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office

NORTH RIVER ROAD FIRE 40 PERCENT CONTAINED

2011-08-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

Aug. 19, 2011, 8:30 a.m.

Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
Contact: Brian Ballou, ODF public information officer, (541) 621-4156
Don Hickman, Jackson County Fire District #3 information officer, (541) 944-3873

Fire crews working on the North River Road Fire, east of the city of Rogue River, made good progress overnight with building fireline and knocking down hotspots along the fire’s perimeter. The fire is estimated at 425 acres in size and is 40 percent contained. Approximately 300 firefighters are assigned to the fire today.

A second fire west of the city of Rogue River, next to Foothill Blvd., is contained at 2.5 acres.

North River Road is closed to the public between the city of Rogue River and Twin Bridges Rd. Residents who were advised to evacuate from their homes yesterday have been allowed to return. At least 25 homes were threatened by the North River Road and Foothill Blvd. fires.

No homes burned in the fires, but three outbuildings and one vehicle were destroyed. No injuries have been reported.

The cause of the fires, which broke out after 4:00 p.m. Thursday, is being investigated. A series of fires started along the edge of Interstate 5’s northbound lane between mile markers 45 and 48.

No. River Road Fire burns 400 acres

2011-08-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

Aug. 18, 2011, 10:55 p.m.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
Contact: Brian Ballou, ODF public information officer, (541) 621-4156
Don Hickman, Jackson County Fire District #3 information officer, (541) 944-3873

A string of small grass and brush fires along Interstate 5 near the city of Rogue River started two wildfires that threatened approximately 40 homes. One of the fires burned more than 400 acres east of the city, and the second fire burned 2.5 acres west of the city. The 400-acre fire crossed North River Road, where most of the homes are located, and burned up the south side of Tin Pan Peak. The 2.5-acre fire burned next to Foothill Blvd.

The fires were reported at 4:20 p.m. Thursday.

Structural fire engines from many fire departments in Jackson and Josephine counties responded to the fire, along with engines, bulldozers, helicopters and airtankers from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Medford and Grants Pass units.

More than 200 firefighters are working tonight to complete a fireline around the blaze, and to protect homes and other structures. A few outbuildings are known to have burned, but no injuries have been reported.
Residents in the fire area along North River Road were advised to evacuate. An evacuation center is located at Rogue River Elementary School. North River Road remains closed in the fire area.

Call (541) 776-7338 for information about the evacuation center and road closures.

Brian Ballou
Fire Prevention Specialist
Oregon Department of Forestry

North River Road fire burns 400 acres

2011-08-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

Aug. 18, 2011 - 10:55 p.m.Report

A string of small grass and brush fires along Interstate 5 near the city of Rogue River started two wildfires that threatened approximately 40 homes. One of the fires burned more than 400 acres east of the city, and the second fire burned 2.5 acres west of the city. The 400-acre fire crossed North River Road, where most of the homes are located, and burned up the south side of Tin Pan Peak. The 2.5-acre fire burned next to Foothill Blvd.

The fires were reported at 4:20 p.m. today.

Structural fire engines from many fire departments in Jackson and Josephine counties responded to the fire, along with engines, bulldozers, helicopters and airtankers from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Medford and Grants Pass units.

More than 200 firefighters are working tonight to complete a fireline around the blaze, and to protect homes and other structures. A few outbuildings are known to have burned, but no injuries have been reported.

Residents in the fire area along North River Road were advised to evacuate. An evacuation center is located at Rogue River Elementary School. North River Road remains closed in the fire area. Call (541) 776-7338 for information about the evacuation center and road closures.

Brian Ballou, ODF public information officer

Don Hickman, Jackson County Fire District #3 information officer

Fire near Rogue River now 300 acres

2011-08-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

The North River Road Fire has a revised acreage estimate of 300 acres at 8:00pm. For evacuation center information, call 541 776 7338

Brian Ballou
Oregon Department of Forestry

Fast-moving fire near Rogue River estimated at 200 acres

2011-08-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Interstate Five has reopened near Rogue River; motorists should watch for fire equipment moving throughout the region.

The North River Road fire burning east of Rogue River is now estimated at 200 acres.

Several structures are believed threatened by the fire, and some evacuations have begun along North River Road. Cause of the fire, burning in grassland, is under investigation.

25 fire engines, from ODF and structural fire districts providing support, are responding to fire. Two air tankers and five helicopters have been ordered up to respond, as well as 3 bulldozers.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry