Fires on ODF-Protected Lands
The weather service issued a red flag warning effective through today in South Central Oregon.

NEW

Shed Fire
The 12-acre Shed Fire about 10 miles east of Chiloquin started yesterday evening. The cause is under investigation.

UPDATE

Withers Fire
The 3,424-acre Withers Fire one mile north of Paisley is 85 percent contained. Evacuation notices lifted. For more information click here.

An arsonist started the fire. Officials are conducting a criminal investigation. Specific details will not be released during the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 541-947-2504. For information on any other suspicious activity on public lands call Oregon State Police at 503-375-3555. For emergencies call 911.

Fires on Other Jurisdictions
 
For more info on these fires visit the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.  
 
NEW

Cherry Road Fire
The 14,500-acre Cherry Road Fire burning 7 miles southwest of Adrian is 5 percent contained.

UPDATES

Rail Fire
The 30,273-acre Rail Fire burning 5 miles west of Unity is 35 percent contained.

Sheridan Fire
The 191-acre Sheridan Fire burning 13 miles north of La Pine is 80 percent contained. Evacuation notices lifted.

Fire Statistics
 
Fire statistics are for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the 16 million acres of private and public forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. When fire activity increases, the latest information might not be included in the statistics.
 
January 1, 2016, through yesterday:
Lightning-caused fires: 61 fires burned 2,338 acres
Human-caused fires: 486 fires burned 1,964 acres
Total: 547 fires burned 4,302 acres

10-year average (for this period of the year):
Lightning-caused fires: 261 fires burned 28,675 acres
Human-caused fires: 465 fires burned 4,480 acres
Total: 726 fires burned 33,155 acres
 
For info on breaking fires, go to the department’s wildfire blog.

About this Update

This update provides information chiefly about fires 10 acres or larger on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands. ODF provides fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and Bureau of Land Management forestlands west of the Cascades, and also works closely with partner firefighting agencies.

The post FIRE UPDATE – Monday, Aug. 22, 2016 appeared first on IAMAW.

Fires on ODF-Protected Lands
The weather service issued a red flag warning effective through Saturday.

NEW

None.

UPDATE

Withers Fire
The 3,422-acre Withers Fire one mile north of Paisley is 40 percent contained. This human-caused fire is under investigation. Evacuation notices in effect. For more information click here.

Fires on Other Jurisdictions

 
For more info on these fires visit the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.  
 
NEW
None.

UPDATES

Rail Fire
The 28,209-acre Rail Fire burning 5 miles west of Unity is 25 percent contained.

Sheridan Fire
The 200-acre Sheridan Fire burning 13 miles north of La Pine is 25 percent contained. Evacuation notices in effect.

Rim Reservoir Fire
The 669-acre Rim Reservoir Fire burning 23 miles east of Burns Junction is 40 percent contained.

Aspen Fire
The 250-acre Aspen Fire burning 20 miles southeast of Frenchglen is 80 percent contained.

Fire Statistics
 
Fire statistics are for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the 16 million acres of private and public forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. When fire activity increases, the latest information might not be included in the statistics.
 
January 1, 2016, through yesterday:
Lightning-caused fires: 60 fires burned 2,218 acres
Human-caused fires: 483 fires burned 560 acres
Total: 543 fires burned 2,778 acres

10-year average (for this period of the year):
Lightning-caused fires: 256 fires burned 28,234 acres
Human-caused fires: 449 fires burned 4,393 acres
Total: 705 fires burned 32,627 acres
 
For info on breaking fires, go to the department’s wildfire blog.

The post FIRE UPDATE – Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 appeared first on IAMAW.

News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Posted on FlashAlert: August 18th, 2016 8:29 AM
The heat is on! A wave of hot dry windy weather is expected to hit the region Thursday and last through Saturday. Just a single spark under these conditions could lead to a significant and costly wildfire. Fire managers are reminding the public to be extra careful with fire as they seek ways to stay cool.

“Everyone will be looking for ways to beat the heat. Remember to take extra precaution with fires or anything that could start a wildfire,” said Oregon Department of Forestry Unit Forester Michael Curran.

The National Weather Service in Portland has issued a fire weather watch for high temperatures, gusty winds and low relative humidity. The fire weather watch will be in effect from late Thursday night through late Friday night.

Fire season is in effect and fire managers have raised the fire danger level to extreme. Normal summer weather has dried forests, brush and grasses. The impending heat wave poses a significant fire weather threat and any fire starts could spread rapidly. Curran says, “We don’t experience extreme fire danger very often. When it’s this hot and dry, we need everyone to think twice before using anything that might emit a spark.”

The following activities are prohibited during extreme fire danger.

* Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and other designated locations.
* Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at locations designated by the forester. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
* The use of powersaws is prohibited during extreme fire danger.
* Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited.
* The mowing of dried, cured grass is prohibited.
* Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
* Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2-?1/2 lb.or larger fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2-?1/2 lb. or larger fire extinguisher.
* Use of fireworks is prohibited.

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Fires on ODF-Protected Lands
The weather service issued a red flag warning effective through today.

NEW

None.

UPDATE

Withers Fire
The 3,424-acre Withers Fire one mile north of Paisley is 65 percent contained. An arsonist started the fire. Officials are conducting a criminal investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 541-947-2504. Evacuation notices in effect. For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/scofmpfireinfo.

Fires on Other Jurisdictions

For more info on these fires visit the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center at http://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/.

NEW

None.

UPDATES

Rail Fire
The 29,097-acre Rail Fire burning 5 miles west of Unity is 30 percent contained.

Sheridan Fire
The 191-acre Sheridan Fire burning 13 miles north of La Pine is 60 percent contained. Evacuation notices lifted.

Rim Reservoir Fire
The 669-acre Rim Reservoir Fire burning 23 miles east of Burns Junction is 80 percent contained. This is the last report, unless significant activity occurs.

Fire Statistics

Fire statistics are for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the 16 million acres of private and public forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. When fire activity increases, the latest information might not be included in the statistics.

January 1, 2016, through yesterday:
Lightning-caused fires: 61 fires burned 2,338 acres
Human-caused fires: 486 fires burned 1,964 acres
Total: 547 fires burned 4,302 acres

10-year average (for this period of the year):
Lightning-caused fires: 256 fires burned 28,234 acres
Human-caused fires: 449 fires burned 4,393 acres
Total: 705 fires burned 32,627 acres

For info on breaking fires, go to the department’s wildfire blog.

The post OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY FIRE UPDATE: AUGUST 21 appeared first on IAMAW.

The weather service issued a red flag warning effective through today.

NEW

None.

UPDATE

Withers Fire
The 3,424-acre Withers Fire one mile north of Paisley is 56 percent contained. This human-caused fire is under investigation. Evacuation notices in effect. For more information click here.

Fires on Other Jurisdictions
 
For more info on these fires visit the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.  
 
NEW

None.

UPDATES

Rail Fire
The 29,097-acre Rail Fire burning 5 miles west of Unity is 30 percent contained.

Sheridan Fire
The 191-acre Sheridan Fire burning 13 miles north of La Pine is 35 percent contained. Evacuation notices in effect.

Rim Reservoir Fire
The 669-acre Rim Reservoir Fire burning 23 miles east of Burns Junction is 80 percent contained.

Aspen Fire
The 250-acre Aspen Fire burning 20 miles southeast of Frenchglen is 90 percent contained.This is the last report, unless significant activity occurs.

Fire Statistics
 
Fire statistics are for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the 16 million acres of private and public forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. When fire activity increases, the latest information might not be included in the statistics.
 
January 1, 2016, through yesterday:
Lightning-caused fires: 61 fires burned 2,338 acres
Human-caused fires: 486 fires burned 1,964 acres
Total: 547 fires burned 4,302 acres

10-year average (for this period of the year):
Lightning-caused fires: 256 fires burned 28,234 acres
Human-caused fires: 449 fires burned 4,393 acres
Total: 705 fires burned 32,627 acres

The post FIRE UPDATES – Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016 appeared first on IAMAW.

Fires on ODF-Protected Lands
Corey Road Fire
The 12-acre Corey Road Fire just north of Forest Grove was contained yesterday. As the summer heats up this becomes more difficult to do because the grass, sticks, trees and other fuels dry out so quickly.
As temperatures reach triple-digits this week, please help prevent wildfires. Preventing wildfires helps protect forests and firefighters. You can do this by following the fire prevention laws and industrial fire precaution level restrictions. This map shows fire restrictions.
Redwood Highway Fire Final Update
The Redwood Highway Fire burned 54 acres. Crews contained the fire yesterday and continue cooling hot spots to strengthen the containment lines.

Fires on Other Jurisdictions
 
More info on the following fires:http://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/information/fire_info.aspx  
 
Porcupine Butte
The 280-acre Porcupine Butte Fire burning 10 miles East of Clarno and is 30 percent contained.

Rail Fire
The 16,349-acre Rail Fire burning 5 miles west of Unity is 15 percent contained.

Juntura Complex Final Update
The 24,301-acre Juntura Complex burning 30 miles SW of Vale is contained.

Fire Statistics
 
Fire statistics are for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the 16 million acres of private and public forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
 
January 1, 2016, through Monday, Aug. 16, 2016:
Lightning-caused fires: 59 fires burned 2,218 acres
Human-caused fires: 466 fires burned 541 acres
Total: 525 fires burned 2,759 acres

10-year average (for this period of the year):
Lightning-caused fires: 231 fires burned 28,050 acres
Human-caused fires: 434 fires burned 4,233 acres
Total: 665 fires burned 32,283 acres
 
For information on breaking fires, go to:
http://wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/

The post FIRE UPDATE – Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016 appeared first on IAMAW.

Just before sunrise today on the Redwood Highway Fire, firefighters discovered a small spot fire 1,000 feet outside of the current fire line. Within minutes, firefighters extinguished the flames and formed a wet line along the perimeter. Throughout the day, ground crews and aircraft will continue to monitor fire activity and watch for burning snags, spotting and flare ups. The goal is to ensure the fire perimeter is 100 percent lined by this evening.

Firefighters working on structural protection this morning uncovered three homes, and at least five outbuildings destroyed by the fire. It was originally thought by fire crews that only two homes were lost on Deer Creek Road in Selma; however, the daylight revealed that there were two homes on one property, a main house and guest house. All residents managed to safely evacuate. Firefighters will continue to search for additional structures damaged or threatened in the burned area.

Deer Creek Road remains under evacuation this morning. Residents on the 975 block and above on Deer Creek Rd. are at a “Be Set” Level 2 evacuation notice. Residents on the 974 block and below on Deer Creek Rd. remain at a “Go” Level 3 evacuation status. The road is closed to the public. After an additional assessment early this afternoon, Incident Command will revisit the option of reopening the road and changing evacuation levels. Residents seeking shelter assistance should visit the evacuation center, located in Cave Junction at 200 W. Watkins Street.

Redwood Highway is open but travelers are advised to drive slowly through the Selma area. Firefighting operations are still occurring next to the road and areas of smoke may be present.

The weather forecast today in southwest Oregon includes a Red Flag Warning for the Rogue River, Applegate River and Illinois River basins. Hot temperatures, 100-105, low relative humidity and potentially strong afternoon winds are expected across the region.
In the rest of Oregon, temperatures along the Coast remain moderate with highs in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-50s. East of the Cascades, high temperatures are expected in low-to-mid 90s and light winds. On Sunday, there is a chance of thunderstorms in the southern Oregon Cascade Range and the Klamath Basin.

 
Fires on Other Jurisdictions
 
More info on the following fires:http://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/information/fire_info.aspx  
 
Rail Fire
The 13,500-acre Rail Fire burning 10 miles WSW of Unity is 10 percent contained.
Gibbon Fire
This 316-acre fire is located 20 miles east of Pendleton is 40 percent contained.
Juntura Complex
The 24,301-acre Juntura Complex burning 30 miles SW of Vale is 85 percent contained.

Fire Statistics
 
Fire statistics are for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the 16 million acres of private and public forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
 
January 1, 2016, through Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016:
Lightning-caused fires: 59 fires burned 2,218 acres
Human-caused fires: 433 fires burned 463 acres
Total: 491 fires burned 2,681 acres

10-year average (for this period of the year):
Lightning-caused fires: 221 fires burned 25,380 acres
Human-caused fires: 414 fires burned 4,206 acres
Total: 635 fires burned 29,586 acres
 
For information on breaking fires, go to:
http://wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/

The post Fires on ODF-Protected Lands appeared first on IAMAW.

Downloadable file: An abandoned campfire on Aug. 1 in Douglas County burned one-half acre and cost more than $12,000 to put out.

The 2016 fire season is off to a promising start. Following three consecutive prolific fire seasons, the Oregon Department of Forestry is having early success. But as always, there is room for improvement. To date, 470 wildfires have burned 2,685 acres on ODF-protected land. Acres burned at this time each of the last three years accounted for 93,613 (2013), 46,583 (2014) and 17,800 (2015) respectively.

Preparedness has played a key role. The state’s wildfire organization, which protects nearly 16 million acres of private, county, state and some federal lands, coordinates with other private landowners, forest workers, fire districts, and state and federal partners to keep fires small. With Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches forecasted for central and eastern Oregon over the previous weekend, ODF shifted several west-side crews, engines and aircraft east of the Cascades to prepare for lightning and high winds. The strategy paid off as initial-attack crews and supporting resources worked nonstop to keep up with multiple lightning ignitions from Friday through Sunday.

Weather and conditions on the ground have also attributed to the low number of acres burned as the state continues to recover from four consecutive years of drought. Cooler conditions and the occasional shot of rain this summer have been a nice reprieve from the previous three sweltering summers. But don’t be fooled. Fire risk models still indicate high potential for fires to start and spread out of control. And we still have a long way to go before the risk is reduced. Fire season generally lasts well into October.

The wildcard is people. To date, 87 percent of all fires started on ODF-protected lands have been caused by people. And leading the way are things that can and should be prevented: burning back yard debris and campfires escaping control.

“This is troubling,” said ODF Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields. “We have been preaching fire prevention for over 100 years. That’s why our organization and several other forestry agencies were originally formed: to prevent fires from occurring and keep them small when they do happen. We absolutely need the public’s help to be successful. Keep campfires in established fire pits within campgrounds; put them out when you leave; and wait until fire season is over to burn back yard debris.”

Fields said that while campfires and debris burning have been restricted statewide for several weeks, 74 fires have burned over 135 acres since July 1.

“There’s a perfectly good reason why we need to regulate these activities,” he said. “Summer conditions are conducive to pushing what seem to be innocent campfires and debris burning fires out of the control of a person’s capabilities, especially when they walk away without completely extinguishing the fire.”

Other known fire starters currently restricted statewide include smoking, off-road vehicle use, mowing dry grass, and cutting and welding metal. Check ODF’s interactive fire restrictions map on the web, www.oregon.gov/odf to find out what is allowed where you live and where you plan to travel.

Today is Smokey Bear’s Birthday, the most recognized mascot in the world. In the spirit of Smokey’s legacy, ODF and its partners want to remind everyone to do their part to prevent careless wildfires and Keep Oregon Green.

http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/FirePrevention.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/odfprevention
http://keeporegongreen.org
https://www.facebook.com/keeporegongreen

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FIRES
Rail Fire

The 6,543 acre Rail Fire is burning 10 miles WSW of Unity in timber and beetle-killed lodgepole pine, in a mix of moderate to steep terrain. As a result of a wind event on Tuesday, the fire spread onto adjacent private property protected by ODF. Approximately 8 acres of private land has been affected.

Suppression along the east side of the fire has lessened the threat to private lands. The fire is 5 percent contained.

An estimated 621 people are assigned to the fire. Objectives for today include improving fire lines, protecting a communication tower site, and minimizing private acres burned. ODF fire managers, personnel and equipment have been involved in the firefighting operations.

Ten residences along Cemetery Road, South Fork Road and Bull Run Road are under a Level 1 Ready evacuation order. This evacuation notice is downgraded from the previously issued Level 2 Set evacuation order. Forest Service campgrounds Mammoth Springs, Elk Creek, Stevens Creek and South Fork remain closed to the public.

The forecast for Friday and Saturday calls for a chance of mostly dry thunderstorms in the area. Thunderstorms often produce gusty winds which can be problematic for firefighters on the line. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80s to lower 90s today.

Current fire restrictions for forestlands in Northeast Oregon can be found at www.bmidc.org

http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ is the spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains.

Neal Creek Fire
The Neal Creek Fire was reported yesterday evening burning in dense second growth Douglas-fir on steep terrain approximately eight miles south of Hood River, in the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Dalles Unit. The fire is estimated to be 15 acres in size.

Winds up to 20 miles an hour and steep terrain could be challenging as hand crews lay hose around the fire today. The fire is now 50 percent contained.

Resources on scene include four 20 person hand crews and 2 engines. A Type 2 and Type 1 helicopter is available.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

FIRE STATISTICS:
Fire statistics are for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the 16 million acres of private and public forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

January 1, 2016, through Friday, Aug. 5, 2016:

Lightning-caused fires: 47 fires burned 2,126 acres
Human-caused fires: 392 fires burned 459 acres
Total: 439 fires burned 2,675 acres
10-year average (for this period of the year)
Lightning-caused fires: 162 fires burned 17,020 acres
Human-caused fires: 380 fires burned 4,136 acres
Total: 542 fires burned 21,156 acres

For information on breaking fires, go to:

http://wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/

The post OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY FIRE UPDATE AUGUST 5 appeared first on IAMAW.

Fire crews worked through the night cooling hotspots on the Weigh Station Fire near Meacham, Oregon. Weather conditions were cool and calm allowing continued progress to be made on the line with 35 percent containment. The fire size remains at approximately 500 acres.

Conditions today call for warm temperatures with a light and variable wind. There is a fire weather watch in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening calling for gusty winds and low humidity.

The lands north and south of Interstate 84 from the Weigh Station on Deadman Pass to Emigrant Springs State Park remain at a “SET” Level 2 evacuation status, and the Emigrant Springs State Park remains closed. Residents seeking shelter assistance from American Red Cross can call the Red Cross Dispatch phone, 888-680-1455.

Interstate 84 has continued to remain open to all travelers, but caution is advised. Firefighting operations are still occurring along the freeway and areas of smoke may be present so travelers are urged to be alert. The Deadman Pass rest area will reopen today for westbound travelers but the eastbound rest area will remain closed until further notice.

Firefighters will work today to continue to strengthen control lines and work on mopping up hot spots. Work on hazard tree removal as well as utility right of way rehab are objectives for today. New fire starts in the region will cause increased competition for resources.

Citizens are asked to continue to use caution and adhere to regulations. The public is reminded that ODF is currently in Regulated Use Closure in Northeast Oregon and federal lands are currently under public use restrictions. Current fire restrictions for forestlands in Northeast Oregon can be found at www.bmidc.org.

http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ is your spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains.

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