Northern Rockies Team 6, Incident Commander Rich Cowger
Hagen Fire
Latest Intelligence
Size: 54,995
Containment: 11 %
984 Personnel
Paradise Fire
Latest Intelligence
Size: 4737 acres
Containment: 0%
346 Personnel
Key Message
Fire managers are making progress and making good use of the limited resources available. A short-term surge force of firefighters has arrived and are working a swing shift that overlaps with both day and night crews. This extended coverage gives firefighters more time for careful, methodical firing operations to strengthen indirect lines, a key tactic when terrain or fire behavior makes direct engagement unsafe.
Paradise Fire –
On Thursday, fire activity stayed moderate for much of the day as smoke settled close to the ground, acting like a cap that minimized fire behavior. In the afternoon, the cap lifted, allowing the smoke column to rise and fire activity to increase. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS Drone) equipped with infrared cameras located multiple areas of smoldering duff and firefighters contained those before they could spread. Firefighters continue to build a dozer line on the ridge to the north of the fire between Lewis and Green peaks to protect structures on the other side. Other crews are completing burning operations along FS Road 64 to catch the fire burning in the Broken Creek area, which continues to burn actively. Firefighters are unable to safely engage the fire directly in this area, making indirect techniques necessary.
Hagen Fire–
Firefighters saw slightly less fire activity on Thursday thanks to increased humidity, cooler temperatures and low-hanging smoke. Firefighters made very good progress on tightening the containment area around the fire below residences along Highway 204. Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs) dropping retardant slowed the fire spread, allowing a hotshot crew to hand dig fire line from the river to the road system above. This work will continue Friday, taking advantage of the cooler, more humid conditions. On the southeast side of the fire, the UAS continues to be a valuable tool, locating spot fires that would otherwise go unseen in heavy smoke. The persistent slop on the west side of the fire tried to make a run in the grass at the bottom of the drainage, but firefighters were able to catch it with a quick, well-planned defensive firing operation. Extra resources from other divisions are moving to the area Friday to help with suppression and mop up.
Weather and Fire Behavior
Monsoonal moisture has increased relative humidity, which is moderating fire behavior, especially overnight. This moisture also increases the chances of thunderstorms with gusty, erratic winds and lightning, which can lead to increased and erratic fire behavior, unpredictable spread and greater risk to personnel on the fire line. Incident meteorologists and fire managers will watch carefully for these conditions and possible new lightning caused starts.
EVACUATIONS
Evacuation Levels:
Fire conditions can change rapidly. Evacuation levels and Road Closures are frequently adjusted.
Umatilla County, Union County and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
County Emergency Management Websites:
Columbia County Emergency Management
Umatilla County Emergency Management
Union County Emergency Management
Walla Walla County Emergency Management
Closures and Special Messages
Umatilla National Forest Closures: For public safety and to facilitate firefighting operations the following National Forest Closures have been issued.
Hagen Fire:
Expanded closure order for the Hagen Fire
Hagen and Horse Ridge Fire Emergency Closure
Paradise Fire:
Paradise Fire Emergency Closure
Road Closure Information:
Oregon Department of Transportation Trip Check
Fire Restrictions: The Umatilla National Forest has issued public use restrictions for smoking, off-road travel, and chainsaw use across the entire national forest.
Smoke Outlook: For current smoke reports visit https://fire.airnow.gov.
Detailed Northeast Oregon Air Reports
Detailed Southeast Washington Air Reports
Air Space Restrictions:
Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place over the wildfires. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. http://knowbeforeyoufly.org
