Yesterday
Yesterday’s
highest priority was initial attack, suppressing new fires started by the
lightning that occurred on Sunday night. Six new fires in the area were
discovered and contained by fire crews.
The South
Fork Complex fire grew slightly in the last 24 hours as crews continued to
conduct burnout operations along the northeast flank adding depth to the
fireline. The higher temperatures and
lower humidity provided for sufficient burning conditions. Aerial resources
continued to drop water onto smokes and hotspots. Crews worked securing the NW flank from
Aldrich Mountain down into Oliver Creek, where some heat near firelines was
found. The west side of the fire is in
mop-up, and patrol status.
Weather and Fire Behavior
A dry
cold front is forecast for today, with increasing sustained wind throughout
the day. There is a potential for isolated embedded thunderstorms. As the
heat increases during the early part of the day, some interior unburned
pockets of fuel may flare up and some surface fire may be observed, causing
increased smoke. Localities around the fire may see increased smoke.
Today’s Operations
Initial
attack on new fires will be today’s priority. Fires that didn’t show up
yesterday may flare up today. As crews are able, and conditions permit,
burnout operations will continue along the northeast fire edge to further
deepen the fireline. Anticipated weather may bring northwest winds that could
test firelines.
Firefighters
will continue to hold, patrol and mop-up lines on the west, south and
southeast sides of the fire to prevent any further spread beyond established
lines.
Crews are beginning
to remove excess equipment from the fire lines and return it to camp for
cleaning, repackaging and reuse. Some resources are being released to other
incidents when they are no longer needed on the South Fork Complex.
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Closures and Evacuations
The team
is working hard to contain the fire and create a safe area for public
entrance. Fire managers understand the
importance of restoring access into the closure areas and are working with
agency representatives to reopen areas when it is safe to do so.
A Level 1
evacuation remains in effect for the area bounded by the 2150 road on the
south, the 21 road on the east, Highway 26 on the north and on the west by a
line running due north from the Aldrich Lookout to Highway 26.
A closure
is in place on the Malheur National Forest, the Ochoco National Forest and
BLM and private lands surrounding the fires. All roads and trails are closed
within the closure area. Closure information is available online at
inciweb.nwcg.gov.
Maps and other information, are
available online at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4042/
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