Falls Creek Fire Update 8/27/15

Falls Creek Fire Morning Update

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015, 8:30 a.m.

Fire Information:

(541)426-5633

Joseph, OR:  Firefighters are gaining ground on the the Falls Creek Fire, which is burning about four miles southwest of Joseph, Oregon. Fire weather forecasters predict slightly higher wind conditions this afternoon. These winds will bring gradually higher humidity over the next few days, along with breezy conditions, cooler temperatures, and a chance of showers this weekend.

The fire is approximately 396 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, firefighters will continue mop up and monitor activities on the northern edge of the fire near Falls Creek. Some crews will shift south to construct additional fire lines along Hurricane and Deadman Creeks. Firefighters from Oregon Department of Forestry and Joseph Fire Department have completed structure protections systems, and they will continue watering operations at residences within the Level 1 evacuation notice area.

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.

###