Falls Creek Fire Update 8/26/15

Falls Creek Fire Morning Update

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015, 9:00 a.m.

Fire Information:

(541)426-5633

Joseph, OR:  Firefighters continue to have successful operations on the Falls Creek Fire, burning about four miles southwest of Joseph, Oregon. Fire weather forecasters expect cooler temperatures and lighter wind conditions to continue today, easing the fight for fire crews. While the weather has moderated, the long-term forecast is calling for a chance of thunderstorms later in the week. Forecasters expect highs this week to be in the high 80s to low 90s. 

The fire is approximately 324 acres in size and 0% 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’s objectives are to continue holding and improving fire lines, while looking for opportunities to conduct burnout operations,  and to continue to identify and improve contingency lines north of Falls Creek. Crews will also begin mop up operations in some areas of fire. Firefighters from Oregon Department of Forestry and Joseph Fire Department continue to plumb structure protection systems and will begin watering operations.

A Level 1 evacuation notice (Ready) is still in place for the residents of Upper 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.  Evacuation notices and orders are issued by the Wallowa County Sheriff’s office.

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.  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 about Regulated Use Closures can be found at:

http://bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml

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.

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