Rail Fire Update - Tuesday, Aug 23rd

Northwest Incident Management Team 6 Shawn Sheldon, Incident Commander Rail Fire Update August 23, 2016

Despite windy conditions, containment on the Rail Fire has now reached 40%. Overnight, fire lines were tested as wind blew embers across the line and firefighters worked to successfully extinguish small spot fires. Sunday night and most of Monday saw breezy conditions but also slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity, creating favorable conditions for fire crews to strengthen positions along the fire’s western edge. Air support has been active in helping fire crews with bucket and retardant drops along the southeast flank where west winds pushed the fire toward control lines. Today, as weather permits, firing operations will continue along the fire’s edge in the southwestern and southeastern portions of the fire, patiently extending secured fire line piece by piece. Mop-up and monitoring are now the focus along the western, northern, and eastern edges of the fire. Tonight, crews will begin to carefully examine sections on the north end with handheld InfraRed devices commonly called “Palm IR units” that help detect heat not otherwise visible. The southern flank of the fire is burning in the Monument Rock Wilderness but crews are prepping, extending, and strengthening positions to narrow the fire’s more active areas. To ensure firefighter and public safety, a fire Closure order is in effect around the fire on the Wallowa-Whitman and Malheur National Forests. Detailed information about closed roads and restricted areas can be found on Inciweb (at the link in the right-hand column) and on the Wallowa-Whitman and Malheur National Forest websites. Conditions are hot and dry, and there are now several large wildfires burning around the Pacific Northwest. Please take extra care with outdoor activity. Even striking a rock when mowing a lawn can spark a wildfire.

Fire at a Glance Size: 32,170 Containment: 40% Location: 5 miles west of Unity, Oregon Cause: Under Investigation Personnel: 849 Resources: 24 Crews 42 Engines 7 Dozers 25 Water tenders 4   Masticators 5   Skidders/Skidgins Aircraft: 4 Type 1 heavy helicopters 1  Type 2 medium helicopter 2  Type 3 light helicopter Closures: The fire area and multiple roads are closed. The current closure order can be found on Inciweb (see below). Fire Information: (541) 446-3592 Railwildfire@gmail.com Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4914/ (Click “Maps” for the closure map)