July 26, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX
#UPDATEEvening Update 7-26-18 – 9:30pm
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 21,443 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. +1,499 acres
Containment: 25%
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $19.8 million
Personnel: 2530
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 76
Engines: 112
Dozers: 32
Water Tenders: 41
Assigned Aircraft: 27
Structure Task Forces: 9
Fire Status: The Red Flag weather today with temperature over 100 degrees and low relative humidity, allowed some areas of the fire to burn intensely within the control lines resulting in the smoke columns that were seen this afternoon. At this time, all fires are within the control lines, with a lot of interior burning. Air and ground resources are working around all the fires.
Taylor Creek Fire: The fire has backed to the upper end of the Limpy Cr. Well within the control lines, the fire spotted across Shan Cr. Rd. and crews and aircraft are working in coordination to control the spot. Conditions were too smoky to fly retardant today. Air reconnaissance flights are occurring to monitor the spot fire location. The interior unburned areas in drainages are experiencing islands of trees burning and active fire behavior thus producing a lot of smoke, which can be dramatic looking but are well within the interior of the fire. Based on the forecasted weather pattern, this fire behavior pattern is expected to continue.
A Level 3 Evacuation affects all of Shan Cr. Rd., Limpy Cr. Rd. and Rockinghorse Rd. To see the most current evacuation maps, go to the Josephine County website at
www.co.josephine.or.us.There are two OSFM structural task forces that will be in the West Pickett Rd., Limpy Creek Rd. and Shan Creek Rd. areas. They are mobile to go where needed. There is one task force assigned to the Pleasant Creek Rd. area.
Graves Creek Fire: The control lines are holding well and mop-up is under way. There are sill several unburned islands on this fire as well but firefighters are not experiencing control issues at this time.
Pleasant Creek Fire: Control lines are plumbed with fitting and hose and holding. The south end has improved since yesterday. The southwest corner has fire backing to the road.
Earlier today Governor Kate Brown visited the Garner Creek Incident Fire Camp. She received a briefing about the fire from the Incident Commanders followed by a tour of fire camp.
For a downloadable, printable version of this update, click here –
July 26, 2018
INCIDENT: Fire Evacuation Level Changes for:
All of Shan Creek Rd is now a Level 3 “GO”!
All residences on the west side of Riverbanks Road between Shan Creek Road and 6050 Riverbanks Road, including Rocking Horse Drive, are being UPGRADED to a Level 2 “BE READY”.
INCIDENT DATE AND TIME: 7/26/18 @ 11:15 am
REPORTING DEPUTY: C. Krauss
DETAILS: LEVEL 3 “GO”
Due to the fast moving Taylor Creek wildfire, all residents on Shan Creek Roads are being placed on a Level 3 “GO” Evacuation!
Do not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.
This may be the last notice you receive.
A shelter has been established at Grants Pass High School.
LEVEL 2 ”BE SET”
All residences on the west side of Riverbanks Road between Shan Creek Road and 6050 Riverbanks Road, including 6050 Riverbanks and Rocking Horse Drive, are being UPGRADED to a Level 2 “BE READY” Evacuation.
A LEVEL 2 “BE SET” evacuation notification means that you must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk.
Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
If you have not signed up for Josephine County Citizen’s Alert, Josephine County’s emergency notification system, you can sign up on line at www.rvem.org.
A human shelter has been established at the Grants Pass High School.
An animal shelter has been established at the Josephine County Fairgrounds.
These evacuation notices are based on fire activity from the Taylor Creek Fire.
July 26, 2018
Morning Update 7-26-18 – 8:00am
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 21,443 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. +1,499 acres
Containment: 19%
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $16.9 million
Personnel: 2491
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 76
Engines: 112
Dozers: 31
Water Tenders: 42
Assigned Aircraft: 27
Structure Task Forces: 9
A “red flag” weather warning means conditions will be prime for rapid fire growth today. Firefighters were cautioned at this morning’s briefing that with gusty winds in the forecast, high temperatures and low humidity, conditions call for a high level of vigilance. In addition, much of the smoke that has been trapped over the fires has cleared out. “The fire will be getting a breath of fresh air today” says Incident Meteorologist Tom Wright, which could produce large smoke columns.
The clear air also means the fires’ helicopters and airplanes should have good flying weather. They will be used, as needed, to help maintain our control lines. And, if conditions are right, aerial ignitions are planned to remove unburned fuels between the active fire and the lines. In all, there are over 70 miles of fire line. Today, firefighters will patrol, strengthen and “mop up” the lines on the Grave Creek portion the Garner Complex. “Mop up” means making sure all fire along the line is out cold.
Last night, a spot fire did threaten the line in the Shan Creek area on the Taylor Fire but firefighters worked to contain it all night and into this morning. A top priority today will be to make sure that portion of the line stays secure.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown, along with other state and local elected officials, are planning a visit to the Garner Complex this morning. Also today, the United States Forest Service became part of the unified command, joining the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office. Much of the Taylor Creek Fire is burning on and threatening forest service lands. Finally, firefighters will be taking a “tactical pause” today to review the things needed to keep them safe, such as communications, escape routes and safety zones, and medical emergency procedures.
Grave Creek/Section 14/Ditch Creek 7,259
For a downloadable, printable version of this update, click here –
https://tinyurl.com/GarnerComplexAMUpdate7-26
