July 31, 2019
Firefighters were able to confirm in the
daylight today that the Panther Gulch Fire burning in the Applegate Valley is
completely lined, and crews were able to hold those lines today. The fire is
still estimated to be around 70 acres, however the steep terrain has made
walking the perimeter and mapping the fire for an exact acreage difficult. The
fire remains 15% contained tonight and more than 100 people are staffing it.
This evening, four crews, four
engines, one water tender and one bulldozer will be taking over. Safety is
tonight’s top priority; hazards include snags, rolling logs, and steep terrain.
Firefighters are tasked with finishing laying hose throughout the fire, before
beginning mop-up. When those operations begin, crews will begin by moving in 25
feet from the perimeter, extinguishing hot spots as they work inward.
Investigators were on scene today, working to determine the
cause of the fire. At this time, it is still under investigation. No
evacuations or road closures have been made.
Updates are also available online at our Facebook page:
@ODFSouthwest and our website: www.swofire.com.
July 31, 2019
Firefighters were able to make great progress overnight on the Panther Gulch Fire, lining nearly the entire fire in the first shift. This morning, it’s estimated to be 50 acres, however gps mapping today is expected to give a better picture of the size of the fire. The primary goal today is to hold the lines that were built overnight, and continue forward progress toward further containment with a focus on firefighter safety.
Crews were first alerted to the Panther Gulch Fire just before 6 pm on Tuesday evening; it was reported as a grassfire with a large plume of smoke above Panther Gulch road. ODF crews, along with Applegate Valley Fire and Williams Fire Rescue responded, however aircraft were first to reach the scene. Four helicopters, five SEATs, two LATs, and an air attack plane were engaged until the sun set. Air crews initially reported the fire to be seven acres. When firefighters arrived on scene, it was determined to be closer to 25. Four dozers and four 20-person hand crews also engaged in the fight, and worked through the evening. Steep terrain and snags in the area have been added challenges to fire crews, and the potential for rolling logs has posed a risk as well.
Our air attack will resume today with four helicopters, one fixed wing aircraft, one air attack plane and five SEATs. Four crews, six engines, two water tenders, and two dozers have taken over the line this morning, and will remain on scene today. With light wind and temperatures mirroring yesterday’s forecast, conditions will be favorable for firefighters on the line.
No evacuations or road closures are in place at this time. The cause of this fire remains under investigation.
