Grizzly Bear Complex Daily Update 9/3/15 8:00 a.m.

Fire Lines Become More Secure as Mop Up Continues

      Elgin, Ore. – The Grizzly Bear Complex did not grow significantly yesterday and the size is estimated to be 74,634 acres.  An Infra-red flight was not flown last night so fire managers have mapped the perimeter of the fire using ground information and aerial reconnaissance tools.  The fire is currently at 27% containment.

Trace amounts of rain were reported last night. They are not considered significant but will delay active burning.  Minimal fire behavior is anticipated today.  By this afternoon, cumulus clouds are expected with no measureable rain.  No direct sun is forecast.  This afternoon, the relative humidity should be 30%, with lower values (upper 20%) near Troy and more moisture (40% range) on the shaded northern aspects and higher elevations.  Temperatures will be 5 to 10 degrees below average.  Light winds in the 3- 6 mph range near ground level are expected.  A wetting rain is forecast over the fire area for this Saturday.

Forest Service Road 62 will be graded and watered to make a smoother surface today.  Heavy equipment and fire crews will be working to treat vegetation and mop up along roads near the fire perimeter.  Many of the suppression objectives are being met, and progress continues.  Excess equipment, supplies and trash will be brought in from the fire lines.

With minimal fire behavior expected, mop up crews should make excellent progress again today.  The 305 members of the National Guard are making significant contributions in reaching containment goals.

The safety record for this fire has been excellent.  Considering the very hazardous conditions, long hours of work and assignments of up to two weeks, firefighters are factoring safety concerns into their numerous daily decisions when engaging in fire suppression activities.

Yesterday, Brigadier General Michael E. Stencel, Adjutant General, State of Oregon, and David A. Stuckey, Deputy Director of the Oregon Military Department, visited the fire line and reviewed the work of the 305 National Guard members.  He was pleased that they are working safely and making significant contributions to suppression goals.

There are no changes to the Evacuation Levels.