GARNER COMPLEX #UPDATE
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.
FIRE ACREAGES BY FIRE:
Taylor Creek 13,114
Pleasant Creek 836
Grave Creek/Section 14/Ditch Creek 7,259
Spencer Creek 228
For a downloadable, printable version of this update, click here –
https://tinyurl.com/GarnerComplexAMUpdate7-26