The Buckskin Fire is estimated at 5,341 acres and is 60 percent contained. Full suppression of this fire remains the operational objective.
Today, crews will patrol and mop-up hotspots along the southwest containment line near Baldface Creek. Remaining equipment from the south containment lines will be removed and backhauled to the incident command post. Repair of dozer work, including trails and firefighter safety zones, will continue on the east flank. A large pile of woody debris stacked during line development will be chipped. Wildland Fire Modules will continue to monitor and patrol the west fire edge.
The helibase at the Illinois Valley Airport will be closed tomorrow and all helicopters will operate from Merlin. The heliwell will remain at the airport for use. All water used in bucket drops from helicopters for any additional suppression efforts will come from the heliwell to protect critical Coho habitat in Baldface Creek.
A Type 3 fire organization is planned to follow the current incident management team. This organization will be smaller and operating from the Wild Rivers Ranger District office in Cave Junction. The type 3 organization will continue to monitor, complete suppression repair and be available to respond should the fire situation warrant.
Hotter temperatures, lower humidity, and gusty winds are predicted for the next several days. A Fire Weather Watch, an advisement of conditions that could result in extensive wildland fire occurrence within 12 hrs., has been issued for abundant lightning Friday afternoon through Sunday. These thunderstorms could produce dry lightning and erratic winds creating very active fire behavior. Firefighters are prepared and will remain vigilant to take additional suppression actions needed on the Buckskin Fire.
Resources no longer needed in the suppression of the fire are being released for reassignment or to return home.
With burnout operations completed, less smoke generated by the Buckskin Fire should be in the air. For future reference, Oregon Smoke at http://OregonSmoke.BlogSpot.com is an excellent resource for air quality information.
A Fire Area Closure Order remains in place closing forest land around the wildfire area to provide for public health and safety. For more information, please see the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Buckskin Fire Inciweb, or Buckskin Fire Facebook web pages.
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A TFR remains in place over the Buckskin Fire. Please check the NOTAMs for current information.
Resources – Crews – 6; Dozers – 1; Engines – 2; Water Tenders – 6; Helicopters – 9
Total Personnel – 352
