ODF Firefighters Respond To New Starts
Scattered lightning over Jackson and Josephine counties during the past 24 hours triggered several fires on Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands in southwest Oregon. Today firefighters, with the help of helicopter bucket drops are nearing containment on the Boaz Gulch Fire located in the upper Applegate Valley, currently reported at less than two acres in size. On Saturday crews contained the Speaker Road Fire located northeast of Wolf Creek at three acres, and the Pete’s Camp and Cinnabar Mountain Fires in the upper Applegate to less than half an acre each. Fire crews remain on high alert for new starts as lightning continues to cross the region and the ability to detect them is challenged by poor visibility caused by smoke from large fires burning to the north in Douglas County and to our south in California. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for Jackson and Josephine counties until 5:00 a.m. Monday morning for continued isolated, mostly dry thunderstorms passing through the area.
Fire Danger Extreme – New Fire Restrictions Are Now In Effect For Southwest Oregon District
Beginning today public regulated use restrictions now ban the use of all machinery utilizing internal combustion engines on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. This includes the use of chain saws, brush cutters and mowers. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level has also been elevated to Level 3, requiring industrial operations to shut down most equipment by 1:00 p.m. To view details on public regulated use and IFPL currently in effect click on the Fire Season Regulations tab on this page.
Power Equipment Shutdown and IFPL 3 Take Effect Saturday
Chain saws, gasoline-powered brush cutters and mowers, and all other machinery using internal combustion engines are being shut down on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties starting Saturday, August 1. Industrial operations, such as logging, must shut down most equipment by 1:00 p.m. starting Saturday when Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3 (three) takes effect.
These measures are necessary to prevent wildfires as much of the southwest portion of the state enters into a period of hot weather, low humidity and a threat of thunderstorms.
The public regulated use fire danger level climbed to “Extreme” (red) yesterday and will remain at that level for the foreseeable future.
“The fire danger is at its highest point right now,” said District Forester Dan Thorpe, “and there isn’t any relief in sight. On top of this, we’ve just seen a fire to the north of us cross the Umpqua River and quickly burn 270 acres. It’s time to take some additional steps to prevent other fires from starting in southwest Oregon.”
Southwest Oregon residents may continue to mow green lawns, and power equipment may be used for crop production and harvest on agricultural lands, but power machinery use in dry grass, forests and brushlands must end by Saturday morning. Welding and the grinding or cutting of metal – any activity that produces sparks – must also stop on ODF-protected areas starting Saturday.
Other public fire prevention regulations remain unchanged. Campfires may be used in county, state and federal campgrounds, unless otherwise posted. Vehicles are allowed only on improved roads. Smoking while traveling may only take place inside of an enclosed vehicle. Fireworks, tracer ammunition, exploding targets and sky lanterns are not allowed in wildland or forested areas.
Under Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3, the following fire prevention regulations take effect:
- Cable yarding will not be allowed. However, gravity operated-logging systems employing non-motorized carriages may operate until 1:00 p.m. and after 8:00 p.m. These systems must have all blocks and moving lines suspended 10 feet above the ground, except the line between the carriage and the chokers;
- Power saw use will not be allowed. However, power saws may be used until 1:00 p.m. and after 8:00 p.m. at loading sites and on tractor or skidder operations;
- In addition, the following equipment and operations must shut down between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.:
- Tractor/skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations where tractors, skidders or other equipment with a blade capable of constructing fireline are immediately available to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start;
- Mechanized loading or hauling of any product or material;
- Blasting;
- Welding or cutting of metal;
- Any spark-emitting activity not specifically mentioned above.
The following IFPL regulations are currently in effect and will remain in effect:
- The use of fire in any form is prohibited;
- Commercial operations must have fire suppression equipment on the job site;
- Watchman service must be provided.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season regulations, contact the unit office in your area:
- Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. Phone: (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Drive, Grants Pass. Phone: (541) 474-3152
Hot Weather and Thunderstorms Expected Across Much of Oregon
As the heat returns to the region this week, fire managers are once again spreading the word of caution in efforts to prevent human-caused fires. Fire weather meteorologists are anticipating temperatures in the high 90’s and low 100’s midweek with a chance of lightning in southern and eastern Oregon arriving Friday. A Red Flag Warning is also in effect for much of the Willamette Valley and southern Oregon calling for hot and dry unstable conditions combined with low fuel moisture levels.
As fire season hits full stride, the chances of fires starting and spreading rapidly are of grave concern.
“We’re looking at a formidable fire weather forecast,” said Oregon State Forester Doug Decker. “The benefit of any recent moisture we’ve received has now evaporated, and we’re looking straight at record-breaking temperatures, extremely low humidities, and dry lightning: the trifecta of bad wildfire conditions.”
“This is the time for all Oregonians and visitors to be extremely aware of fire danger. One wrong move with power equipment, a cigarette, or any open flame can spell trouble.”
Homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts alike can contribute to the fire prevention campaign by reducing fire prone activities. Campfires are only allowed in designated campgrounds on public lands and prohibited entirely on all private lands under ODF’s protection. Outdoor debris burning also remains prohibited throughout much of the state. While logging activity is being curtailed under these extreme conditions, many large industrial landowners have also closed their gates to public access in efforts to reduce possible ignitions from off-road driving, target shooting, smoking and campfires; all of which are illegal during fire season.
Should a fire occur close to communities, State Fire Marshal Jim Walker is urging homeowners to be prepared in case an evacuation is necessary. “A serious wildfire can come up in a moment’s notice, so residents need to prepare now in case they have to leave their home, Walker said. “Make sure to put together a “Go Kit” and make a plan where your family will go and how you will stay in contact.” Find out more at www.wildlandfirersg.org .
To date, 621 fires have burned 3,393 acres on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry and forest protective associations. Of these, 429 have been caused by people. ODF protects about 16 million acres of private and public forest and grazing land from wildfire in Oregon.
Fire Prevention Regulations Increase Tuesday in the Wild & Scenic Section of the Rogue River
As the weather continues to trend towards warming and drying, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry are increasing campfire restrictions on those lands located within the boundaries of the Wild section of the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River. The Wild section flows from Grave Creek to the mouth of Watson Creek.
Effective 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, building, maintaining, attending, or use of a fire is only permitted with the use of commercial stoves that use liquid fuel or propane. No campfires or charcoal fires are allowed. Cooking areas need to be naturally cleared of vegetation, and must be below the high water mark. As a preventative measure, groups traveling on the river must have a shovel and bucket.
Additionally, smoking is only permitted while on watercraft on waterways, or in areas that are on vegetation-free sand and gravel bars located between the river and high water mark.
The stretch of the river between Grave Creek and Marial is Bureau of Land Management-administered and protected from fire by the Oregon Department of Forestry. From Marial and downriver to the mouth of Watson Creek is managed by the Forest Service.
For more information and to see the full text of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest order, including a list of designated recreation sites where campfires are permitted, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices.
For information about the Wild & Scenic Section of the Rogue River between Grave Creek and Marial, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry at (541) 664-3328.
Fire Danger Level Increases Tuesday on ODF-Protected Lands in SW Oregon
The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties rises to “extreme” (red) at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, July 28. This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands within ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.
The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level 2 (two).
The primary difference between current fire prevention regulations and those taking effect Tuesday affects power-driven equipment, such as chain saws and mowers. Power-driven equipment will be required to shut down at 10:00 a.m. instead of 1:00 p.m., and users of other power-driven, spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, must also shut down at 10:00 a.m. Equipment use may resume after 8:00 p.m. In all cases, a fire watch of at least one hour should take place after the equipment is shut down.
Here are the details of the adjusted fire prevention regulations taking effect on July 28:
- Chain saw use will be prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Chain saw use will be permitted at all other hours, if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one axe, one shovel, and one 8-ounce or larger fire extinguisher. In addition, a fire watch will be required at least one hour following the use of each saw.
- The cutting, grinding and welding of metal will be prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. These activities will be permitted during other hours if conducted in a cleared area and if a water supply is present.
- The mowing of dry or dead grass with power-driven equipment will be prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This will not apply to the mowing of green lawns, or the use of equipment for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
- The operation of any other spark-emitting machinery not specifically mentioned above will be prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The following fire prevention regulations are currently in effect and will remain in effect until the fire danger level drops significantly:
- Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads.
- Debris burning is prohibited.
- Burn barrel use is prohibited.
- Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in approved fire rings at designated campgrounds. In other locations, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
- Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, may only be used on improved roads, except when used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Any electric fence controller in use shall be listed be a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and operated in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions
- The use of exploding targets is prohibited.
- The use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base is prohibited.
- The use of sky lanterns is prohibited.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season regulations, contact the unit office in your area:
- Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. Phone: (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Drive, Grants Pass. Phone: (541) 474-3152
Some Closures Lifted in Buckskin Fire Area
Effective July 10, 2015, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has re-opened portions of the area previously closed for public safety in the Buckskin Fire area. The McGrew Trail is a popular destination for motorized recreationists that begins west of O’Brien and travels to Sourdough Camp, and is now open in its entirety.
Areas remaining closed to provide for public health and safety due to active fire and extreme fire conditions include the areas included in the fire perimeter, Buckskin Peak, Franz Meadow, and Doe Gap. A map of the closure area (which includes the fire perimeter), as well as the official Forest Order, may be obtained at the Gold Beach and Wild Rivers Ranger District offices, and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest office in Medford. Additionally, the information is available online on the Forest website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/news/rogue-siskiyou/news-events
The closures are effective through October 31, 2015, or sooner if conditions are favorable to rescind the order. The Forest Service will notify the public when the closure order is no longer in effect.
Small Fire Pops Up in Soda Mountain Wilderness
[ Fire size revised to 3/4 acre at 3:00 pm ]
Shortly after 1:00 p.m. today, Soda Mountain Lookout spotted a smoke rising from the Soda Mountain Wilderness. The fire is estimated at 1/4-acre in size and a helicopter from the Oregon Dept. of Forestry’s Medford Unit is making water drops on it. A crew is being shuttled into the fire area by a second helicopter.
The fire is located at T41S, R4E, Sec. 5.
The cause of the fire has not been determined as yet, but lightning from last week’s storms struck in the area.
Ten Small Lightning-Caused Fires Found on ODF-Protected Lands
Widespread thunderstorms swept across Jackson and Josephine counties’ forestlands Thursday afternoon and evening. ODF’s Southwest Oregon District engine crews found 10 fires on Bureau of Land Management and private lands. Two of the fires are 1/4 acre in size and the rest are smaller.
- 1/4-acre Board Tree Fire, 5 miles east of Wolf Creek
- 1/4-acre Curr Creek Fire, 7 miles northeast of Butte Falls
- 1/10-acre Sardine Creek Fire, 4 miles northwest of Gold Hill
- 1/10-acre Willy Rock Fire, 3 miles north of Trail
- 1/100-acre East Jones Creek Fire, 1 mile north of Grants Pass
- 1/100-acre Woodcock Fire, 3 miles south of Cave Junction
- 1/100-acre Bear Branch Fire, 5 miles north of Rogue River
- 1/100-acre Sykes Creek Fire, 3 miles north of Wimer
- 1/100-acre Taggerts Creek Fire, 3 miles east of Stewart State Park
- 1/100-acre May Creek Fire, 4 miles northeast of Wimer
A reconnaissance flight is looking over southwest Oregon’s forestlands this morning, watching for smoke.
Target Shooting Sparks Fire on Kershaw Road
For Immediate Release Contact: Ashley Lara 541-831-2778
Date: June 30, 2015
Target Shooting Sparks Fire on Kershaw Road
At 4:45p.m. dispatch received a report of smoke at the White City Shooting Range on Kershaw Road. Jackson County Fire District 3, the Oregon Department of Forestry and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department arrived on scene to find a .10 acre fire moving up slope with high winds.
This is the fourth fire that has been reported in the area in the last month. The most recent being just a day before the Kershaw Road Fire started. Resources including, 5 Jackson County Fire District 3 engines, 1-20 person Jackson County Community Justice Crew, 7 Oregon Department of Forestry engines, 2-10 person handcrews, 1 tender, 1 dozer and a Type 1 and Type 2 helicopter. Crew moved quickly to form a wet line (a temporary control line using water to prevent fire from spreading) around the perimeter. The helicopters dipped out of a nearby pond, rotating bucked drops on the hot spots.
Within two hours, the fire was 100% contained with dozer line around the perimeter. Crews worked overnight to mop-up the area. Jesse Blair, Fire Investigator for the Oregon Department of Forestry stated, “The fire has been deemed shooting related, and it moved quickly due to high temperatures and low humidity”. Though this fire was not started due to tracer ammunition, it is also important to state that according to ORS. 477.510 and ORS 477.512, the discharge of tracer ammunition on land that is within the district or within one-eighth mile of the district, or when discharged, crosses above land that is within the district or within one-eighth mile of the district are prohibited during fire season.
###
Ashley Lara
Fire & Life Safety Specialist
Jackson County Fire District 3
8383 Agate Rd
White City, OR 97503
(541) 831-2778
Lightning Causes Four Fires on Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
Abundant lightning strikes Friday evening over the High Cascades Ranger District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest resulted in four new fire starts. The Bessie Fire is currently estimated at 10-20 acres and is being attacked with air tankers, helicopters and hand crews. All other fires are currently reported at one acre or less in size. A variety of different firefighting resources, including engines, hand crews, smokejumpers, rapellers and helicopters are either on site or en route to each of the fires.
No lightning-caused fires have been found on forestlands protected by the Oregon Dept. of Forestry.
Fire lookouts and aerial reconnaissance flights will continue to look for any additional smokes.
A Red Flag Warning for lightning and dry fuels remains in effect throughout the region into Sunday.
Fire managers are encouraging the public to be extremely fire aware over the course of the weekend. Unattended campfires, careless disposal of smoking materials and the use of any spark emitting apparatus could result in a rapidly growing wildfire.
“We need the public’s help to limit human caused fires given the potential for many starts due to lightning over the next few days,” reminds Eric Hensel, Fire Staff Officer for the Rogue River-Siskiyou NF. “Both the National Forest and State protected lands have fire restrictions in place for good reason. I encourage the public to become familiar with and abide by them for their own safety, the safety of our firefighters and the protection of our natural resources.”
Information about current fire restrictions can be found at: www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou.
Industrial Fire Precaution Level Rises to Level 2 on July 1
Prolonged dry conditions in southwest Oregon forestlands is the cause for the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to raise to a Level II (2) on July 1. Restrictions under IFPL II take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, and apply to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, as well as state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties.
The public regulated use fire danger level on ODF-protected lands remains at High (yellow).
The IFPL II restrictions apply only to contractors and permit holders, including those with permits to cut firewood for personal use. These restrictions are not applicable to standard recreational uses, such as campfires, which have separate restrictions that may apply.
Under IFPL II:
- The use of fire in any form will be prohibited.
- The use of power saws will be prohibited, except at loading sites, between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- The use of cable yarders will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Blasting will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Welding or cutting of metal will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Additionally, commercial operators on forestlands are required to have fire suppression equipment on site and provide watchman service.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season regulations, contact the unit office in your area:
- Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. Phone: (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Drive, Grants Pass. Phone: (541) 474-3152
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest fire prevention regulations are posted online at www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou.
Buckskin Fire: Friday Update
A Type 3 fire organization, headed by Incident Commander Monte Edwards, will assume command of the Buckskin Fire on Saturday at 6 am. This team is meeting today with Rogue River-Siskyou National Forest managers for an in-brief of the fire. The Type 3 team will continue to monitor the fire, complete suppression repair and be available to respond should the fire situation warrant.
The Buckskin Fire is estimated at 5,345 acres. Overall containment remains at 60%. Full suppression of this fire remains the operational strategy.
The fire was quiet following yesterday’s test of the suppression lines with warm temperatures, lower humidity, and strong gusty winds. A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service 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.
Today, crews will chip piled woody material stacked along the southeast containment line, gather equipment for back haul, and complete any suppression damage repairs. The north, west and south flanks of the fire are being patrolled by air. A Wildland Fire Module will be shuttled by helicopter to the southeast containment line to monitor the fire. A hand held palm infra-red camera will be flown by helicopter around the fire flanks and identify hot spots. Those spots will receive water drops by helicopters to extinguish.
Helibase at the Illinois Valley Airport will be closed today and all helicopters will operate from the Grants Pass Airport. The heliwell will remain near the Illinois Valley 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.
Although there are lines surrounding the fire, several interior unburned islands remain within the primary containment lines. Smoldering of these unburned islands will likely continue until a season ending event.
Resources no longer needed in the suppression efforts of the fire are being released for reassignment or to return home.
With burnout operations completed, less smoke will be generated by the Buckskin Fire. 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 – 5; Engines –1; Water Tenders – 6; Helicopters – 3
Total Personnel – 295
Water Trees Deeply as Mercury Climbs
The weather forecast is calling for high temperatures around most of the state through the weekend and even into the middle of next week. It’s a time to keep fire prevention uppermost in our minds, and also, to remember to protect the health of trees in yards and landscapes by deeply watering them.
“Summer temperatures can be hard on trees, especially landscape trees in our urban areas,” says Kristin Ramstad, an urban forester with the Oregon Department of Forestry. “If they aren’t well-watered, warm weather and prolonged drought eventually make trees more susceptible to insect and disease problems,” adds Ramstad.
Seems like a good time to remember that when temperatures in Oregon get warm and stay warm, it can take a toll on trees as well as people. The Oregon Department of Forestry suggests a few tips for keeping your trees healthy during times of heat stress.
Symptoms of drought
One of the first signs that a deciduous tree (i.e., trees like birches or maples that drop leaves in the winter) needs water is that its leaves begin to look dull, and sometimes, limp.
More advanced symptoms of needing water are browning of leaves, wilting, and curling at the edges. Leaves may also develop a scorched or burned look, turning yellow or brown on outside edges, or between leaf veins. Leaves may even appear smaller than usual, drop prematurely, or turn brown but remain on the tree.
When drought-stressed, the needles of conifers (evergreen trees such as Ponderosa Pine or Douglas-fir) may turn yellow, red, purple or brown.
Watering tips
Given their benefits, longevity, and contributions to the environment, give your trees higher watering priority than lawns. Keep in mind that if trees are only provided with shallow water every so often, they’re probably only getting a fraction of what they need. Watering trees for short periods of time encourages shallow rooting, which can lead to future health problems for the tree.
To make sure your tree gets the water it needs, saturate the soil within the drip line – that’s the circle that could be drawn on the soil around the tree directly under the tips of its outermost branches. Using a regular hose or a soaker hose, water deeply and slowly – slowly is important, so the water doesn’t run-off. To make sure it gets enough water, keep moving the hose around different areas under the tree.
For conifers, water 3 to 5 feet beyond the drip line on all sides of the tree. Also, if you have a choice, water trees during the cooler part of the day. Another way to water trees slowly is to put a nail hole in the bottom (near the edge) of a five gallon bucket. Fill the bucket with water, and leave the slowly leaking bucket under the canopy of the tree. Do this twice or three times per tree, moving the bucket each time.
Other tips: Use mulch
Using mulch is an excellent way to care for trees in warm weather, as it helps the soil below trees retain moisture and stay cool. Mulch can be made of bark, wood chips, leaves and evergreen needles.
Apply mulch within the drip line, at a depth of four inches, leaving a six-inch space between the mulch and tree trunk. Mulch will also help discourage weeds.
Lastly, don’t plant annual flowers or other groundcovers under the canopy of your tree, as they’ll compete with the tree’s roots for moisture and nutrients.
Good tree care = a good investment
Trees and forests enhance quality of life in many ways, providing shade, wildlife habitat, clean air, wood and other products, raising property values, and providing clean, healthy streams.
What’s more, on hot days, we all rely on the shade of the trees in our yards and communities. Therefore, it is a really good idea to keep our trees healthy and watered.
For more information about trees and tree care:
www.isa-arbor.com/
www.treesaregood.com/treecare/treecareinfo.aspx
Buckskin Fire: Thursday Update
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
Fire Danger on the Rise
High Temperatures and the Threat of Lightning Forecasted
Fire managers throughout Oregon are feeling the heat. Continued hot, dry weather is plaguing the region that could lead to a significant fire from a single spark.
“I’m sure everyone is aware of the heat wave that is predicted over the next several days,” says Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields. “While we’re all looking for ways to stay cool, now is not the time to be careless with activities that could lead to a wildfire.”
Fire season is now in effect throughout Oregon and much of the state is experiencing fire danger conditions normally seen in late July and August. ODF Meteorologists are predicting record warm weather across Oregon later this week, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the 95-105 °F range by Friday and continuing through the weekend. In addition, southerly flow aloft will bring an increasing risk of dry thunderstorms, on both sides of the Cascades, beginning in southern Oregon on Friday and spreading north across the state this weekend. With forests already at mid-August dryness levels, the impending hot spell and dry lightning poses a significant fire weather threat. While wildland fire agencies gear up for natural-caused wildfires, the last thing anyone wants is careless human-caused fires.
“The conditions are driving the story. So far, we’re seeing above normal numbers of human-caused fires.” Fields says even activities not normally linked to fire starts are causing concern. “We have had three fires related to target shooting just in the last week. One of those fires burned 67 acres and cost over $80,000 to put out. These fires, and the fact that we have already had 80-plus human-caused fires above the average for this time of year is an indication that we need everyone to think twice before conducting any spark emitting activity.”
So far in 2015 the Oregon Department of Forestry has suppressed 301 fires in 2015, 227 of which were started by people. The two leading causes are debris burning and campfires. Many parts of the state have imposed public fire restrictions on outdoor debris burning, campfires, off road driving, fireworks, the use of tracer ammunition and exploding targets to name a few. Log on to www.oregon.gov/odf for fire restrictions in your area or call your local Oregon Department of Forestry office or fire department.
Smoke Activity in the Happy Camp Complex
Hot spots have rekindled in a few areas within the Happy Camp Complex fire, located on the Klamath National Forest in northern California. With the coming of triple digit temperatures later this week, it is expected that more smoke will be seen over the 2014 wildfire.
“With a fire this size and the lack of snowpack from last winter, seeing a few smokes within the fire perimeter is not a big surprise,” commented Happy Camp/Oak Knoll District Ranger Tom Mutz. “We have firefighters assigned to monitor the fire and take action when needed. It is likely we will be dealing with isolated smokes and hotspots until we receive significant rainfall.”
Three “holdover” hotspots have been reported recently, burning in single snags deep within control lines. Each time a smoke is detected, it is evaluated by the incident commander and appropriate action is taken. One recent detection – a one hundred foot tall, five foot diameter dead Ponderosa Pine with smoke coming out of the top – was burning 400 feet below a road in an area of high severity burn from 2014. This snag was surrounded by a continuous landscape of dead, burned trees. Firefighters evaluated the risk of the fire moving from the single tree. Due to little or no ground fuels to carry fire in the area, coupled with significant risks to firefighter safety from falling snags, the decision was made to monitor the snag until it burns itself out.
While the weather is forecast to be very hot in the coming days, fire managers do not expect to have challenges from holdover hot spots. Control lines have been “mopped up” to over 300 feet and fire leaving the footprint of the 2014 burn is extremely unlikely. Firefighters are patrolling the fire area daily.
Forest visitors are cautioned that hazards in the burned area still exist. These include but are not limited to increased potential for falling trees, trail damage and mudslides or rockslides.
Buckskin Fire: Wednesday Update
The Buckskin Fire grew slightly due to the burnout operations to 5,340 acres. Overall containment is 50%. Full suppression of this fire remains the operational objective.
Crews burned out the last section of containment line working along an unnamed ridge carrying fire from the south containment line northeast to tie into the previously burned, cold fire edge and tie into Baldface Creek to secure this line. The heli-torch worked late into the evening adding depth to this containment line.
The west fire edge has not moved nor has any heat been detected for the past week. Fire managers and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest officials made the decision not to use a direct suppression tactic on this portion of the fire due to the risk and exposure to firefighters by falling snags. A contingency line (Trail 1233) will remain to the west until the fire is deemed controlled.
Today, operations along the east containment line will include patrolling and completing repair of dozer work including staging areas and firefighter safety zones. The heli-torch, if needed, will continue burning out pockets of fuels near the southwest containment line adding depth. Burning these areas will consume fuels between the containment line and the main fire. This will secure the containment of the fire into the Baldface Creek. Wildland Fire Modules on the western flank will continue to monitor the inactive west fire edge.
Hot temperatures, lower humidity, and winds will test the containment lines into the weekend. Firefighters are prepared and remain vigilant to take suppression actions as needed.
Resources no longer needed in the suppression of the fire are being released for reassignment or to return home.
Oregon Smoke at http://OregonSmoke.BlogSpot.com is an excellent resource for air quality information. The burnout operations might produce some level of smoke in the Illinois Valley and surrounding communities.
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.
Start Date – June 11, 2015
Location – 10 miles southwest of Cave Junction on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Cause – Lightning
Resources – Crews – 7; Dozers – 1; Engines – 1; Water Tenders – 7; Helicopters – 10
Total Personnel – 407
Buckskin Fire: Tuesday Update
The Buckskin Fire has grown to 4,993 acres as firefighters continued burnout operations yesterday along the southern perimeter near Baldface Creek. Overall containment has improved to 45%.
Today, crews along the southwest edge of the fire will work to complete interior burnout operations. Helicopters will support the burnout with bucket drops, sling load cargo off the line and shuttle personnel. Crews working the eastern flank are in various stages of mop up, repair and monitoring. WIldland Fire Modules on the western flank continue to monitor the inactive fire edge. The fire area will continue to smolder and creep in the drainage creating visible smoke until a season ending event occurs, likely later in the Fall.
Forecasted oppressive heat, over 100 degrees will test the fire lines into the weekend. Interior fuels which have been smoldering could become more active. Fire managers will take suppression actions as needed.
Suppression repair guidelines have been prepared by resource advisors on the Buckskin Fire in conjunction with the Rogue River – Siskiyou National Forest specialists. Where necessary, suppression repair will be implemented by fire crews.
Oregon Smoke at http://OregonSmoke.BlogSpot.com is an excellent resource for air quality information. The burnout operations might produce some level of smoke in the Illinois Valley and surrounding communities.
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.
Start Date – June 11, 2015
Location – 10 miles southwest of Cave Junction on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Cause – Lightning
Resources – Crews – 10; Dozers – 1; Engines – 6; Water Tenders – 7; Helicopters – 10
Total Personnel – 497