Rail Fire Morning Update- Aug. 11, 2016

Thursday, August 11, 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 dried a little yesterday and some active burning occurred, especially on the north side.  Today will be a transition to more active fire and warmer weather.  Fuels will likely burn below 6,000-foot elevation and any wind may carry ground fire into the crown.  Burnout operations may occur on the northeast corner of the fire, weather and fuels permitting.  Increased smoke is expected.  Firefighters continue building lines, including shaded fuel breaks, where containment can be achieved safely.  The fire is not being engaged directly in steep and inaccessible terrain where direct engagement would pose unnecessary risk to firefighters. Once 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 minimizing further spread, especially onto private 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: 11,503 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 into the mid-80s with lowering humidity. 

PERSONNEL & RESOURCES: 717 people, 23 crews, 10 dozers, 21 engines, 20 water tenders and 8 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.  The daily cooperator meeting has been suspended.

Mary Bean, Incident Information Officer

Incident Information Office Phone: (541) 446-3592