Rail Fire Morning Update- Aug. 10, 2016

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 @ 9AM

                    

The Rail Fire started Sunday afternoon, July 31, approximately five miles west of Unity, Oregon.  Northwest Incident Management Team Twelve (NWIMT#12) assumed command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. Monday, August 1.  

NEWS FROM THE FIRELINE:    The fire area received light to moderate precipitation yesterday.  This gave firefighters an opportunity to continue building contingency lines.  Recent efforts have focused on completing containment lines and preparing for necessary burning operations, so containment figures have changed little. Fuel breaks have been completed along roadsides and in strategic areas where containment can be safely achieved.  While the fire continues to burn well within established contingency lines, it is burning in steep inaccessible terrain where direct engagement would pose unnecessary risk to firefighters. Once the limited burning operations begin, containment figures will reflect not only the effects of those actions, but also the significant efforts invested in preparing the containment lines. These tactics are consistent with the fire management objectives of limiting risk to firefighters, while also preventing further spread onto private and public lands.

 

PUBLIC INFORMATION: Public Information Officers will be in the communities of Unity, Prairie City, Sumpter, and Baker City today to provide fire updates and answer questions.

CONTAINMENT: 10%

SIZE: 11,405 acres

LOCATION:  Approximately 5 miles west of Unity, Oregon

  

VEGETATION TYPE AND TERRAIN:  Grass and timber in moderate and steep terrain.

WEATHER:  Temperatures are expected to begin climbing back above normal into the lower 90s, with humidity dipping back down into the teens.

PERSONNEL & RESOURCES: 768 people, 25 crews, 10 dozers, 30 engines, 19 water tenders and 7 helicopters are assigned to the fire.

AGENCIES & COOPERATORS INVOLVED:   Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, Baker County Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Services and local residents.

Mary Bean, Incident Information Officer

Incident Information Office Phone: (541) 446-3592