Falls Creek Fire Morning Update 8/24/15

Falls Creek Fire Morning Update

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2015, 11:00 a.m.

Fire Information:

Katy Gray:(541) 523-1246

Jamie Knight: (541)786-0501

Joseph, OR:  Due to better than expected weather conditions and firefighter efforts, the Falls Creek Fire has not spread north of Falls Creek or east of Hurricane Creek. On Sunday, firefighters focused on identifying structure protection needs, as well as constructing fire lines along Hurricane Creek Trail and the ridge south of Falls Creek.

The Falls Creek Fire, last reported size of 200 acres, is located four miles southwest of Joseph, Oregon and burning on both Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and Private Lands Protected by Oregon Department of Forestry. The cause is undetermined. A red flag waring is in effect until 9 PM tonight for hot, dry and unstable air conditions. The fire is currently zero percent contained.

A Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Francis Tyler is currently managing the fire. Today’s objectives include improving natural barriers and existing hand lines, identifying possible burnout locations, prepping and plumbing structure protection systems, and evaluating contingency locations north of Falls Creek.

Last night’s public information meeting was a success, with firefighters, local and federal officials, and local citizens sharing information. Several citizens expressed interest in volunteering opportunities. We greatly appreciate the support but at this time we ask that people focus on supporting family, friends, and neighbors affected by the devastating fires in the region. People can also help by supporting the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, http://www.wffoundation.org/ . 

Wallowa County officials have issued a Level 1 evacuation notice for the residents of Hurricane Creek Road. Questions regarding evacuation notices and the evacuation process can be directed to the Wallowa County Communication Center at 541-426-3131. Any changes to the evacuation notice will be coordinate by Wallowa County Communication Center.

Road closures have been implemented for public and firefighter safety and include:

- Upper Hurricane Creek Road (Open to local traffic only)

-Forest Trail 1807 (Hurricane Creek) and Forest Trail 1753 (Falls Creek)

Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at EXTREME and Public Use Restrictions involving campfires and chainsaw use are in effect on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.  Regulated closures are in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast and central Oregon.  Additional information about Public Use Restrictions and emergency closure areas on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman/  and http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4561 . Additional information on other incidents in the Blue Mountain Region can be found at www.bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com. Oregon smoke condition information is available at http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com.