Falls Creek Fire Morning Update 8/28/15

Falls Creek Fire Morning Update

Friday, Aug 28, 2015, 8:30 a.m.

Fire Information:

(541)426-5633

Joseph, OR:  In response to an expected change in weather conditions, firefighters are taking proactive measures to protect private residences which could potentially be affected by the fire. Overall, firefighters are continuing to gain ground on the the Falls Creek Fire, which is burning about four miles southwest of Joseph, Oregon. Fire weather forecasters predict mildly windy conditions this morning, shifting in the afternoon to the Southwest. Windy conditions are expected to pick up on Saturday, with an expected ten degree decrease in temperature, an increase in humidity, and a slight chance of showers.

The fire has not spread.  It is approximately 337 acres in size and is now 15% contained. It is burning on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, as well as on private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry.  It is burning in timber, brush and grass, in steep and difficult terrain.  The cause is still under investigation.

Today, firefighters will continue mop up and monitor activities on the northern edge of the fire near Falls Creek. Some crews will shift north to be in position to respond to expected changes. Firefighters will continue watering operations at residences within the upgraded Level 2 evacuation notice area, and evaluate structure protection needs at residences within the new Level 1 evacuation notice area.

·         All residents of the Upper Hurricane Creek Road who have been at Level 1 (Ready) evacuation notice are now at Level 2 (Set) evacuation notice.  This is not due to a change in current fire activity, rather to ease the transition of operations if conditions change throughout the day.

·         A new boundary for Level 1 (Ready) evacuation notice has been established.  Residents who live within this boundary will be contacted today.   

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.  Evacuation notices and orders are issued by the Wallowa County Sheriff’s office.

Road closures remain in effect at Upper Hurricane Creek Road (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.  

-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 . 

-Regulated Use Closures are in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast and central Oregon.  Additional information can be found at  http://bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml

-Information on 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.