Firefighters made great progress yesterday and were able to complete a strategic burnout on the northern flank of the Bybee Creek Fire, located in Crater Lake National Park. This firing operation will better secure the northern edge in case of high wind events and keep the fire south of Lightning Springs Trail.
Rim Village reported ash fallout yesterday afternoon. A predicted wind shift occurred, increasing fire activity on the northern flank. Fire activity did not increase closest to Rim Village.
An infrared flight occurred last night at 10 p.m. which showed the fire had grown to approximately 1,125 acres, and is 12 percent contained. This growth was primarily from firing operations that secured the already established control lines.
Increased fire activity with northwesterly winds is expected again today. Spotting and group torching will likely occur, followed by smoke and potential ash into Rim Village later in the afternoon.
Firefighters continue to monitor the small fire that is burning half way up the slope in the caldera. Less smoke was visible on the fire yesterday due to the lack of vegetation and pumice fields acting as natural barriers.
A structure protection group is in the area assessing threat to historical buildings which are in no immediate danger.
Nearly 380 personnel are assigned to the fire, along with 12 wildland fire engines, eight helicopters and two air tankers.
Fire danger continues to be high in the Crater Lake area with dry vegetation and changing weather. The public should be mindful of their surroundings and watch for updates.
Fire Restrictions: Crater Lake National Park implemented Stage Level 1 fire restrictions at midnight July 31, 2016. For more information visit: http://bit.ly/2b8gNfz
Level 1 Evacuation: Crater Lake National Park has issued a Level 1 Evacuation Notice for Rim Village and Park Headquarters until further notice. The Level 1 notice informs residents and visitors to “be ready” for a potential evacuation of Rim Village and Park Headquarters in the event that the Bybee Creek Fire approaches those areas. Mazama Village and other areas in the park are not affected by this Level 1 notice.
Closure: The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Dutton Creek Camp north to the PCT parking lot on North Entrance Road. The Rim Trail is closed between Rim Village and North Junction. PCT hikers should use East Rim Drive as an alternate route. Lightning Springs Trail and backcountry camp are closed. The West Rim Drive from Rim Village to North Junction is temporarily closed.