Falls Creek Fire Daily Update 8/29/15

Falls Creek Fire Morning Update

Saturday, Aug 29, 2015, 8:00 a.m.

Fire Information:

(541)426-5633

Joseph, OR:  In response to dynamic weather conditions, firefighters have prepared multiple contingencies for today’s operations. Overall, firefighters are continuing to gain ground on the the Falls Creek Fire, which is burning about four miles southwest of Joseph, Oregon. A strong frontal system will move across the region today bringing strong gusty winds with low relative humidity for 5 to 6 hours during the burn period. In this type of weather event, constantly re-evaluating the ever-changing risk environment is critical to firefighter and public safety.

The fire has not spread.  It is approximately 396 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 hold the fire line and take suppressive action as possible to maximize the benefit of previous suppression efforts. Firefighters will continue watering operations at residences within the upgraded Level 2 evacuation notice area, and prepare for additional watering operations at residences within the new Level 1 evacuation notice area. If a spot fire occurs outside the containment line, crews will disengage, regroup, and reengage as needed.

·         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.