Grizzly Bear Complex Daily Update 08/31/15 10:00 a.m.

Grizzly Bear Crews Increasing Containment

      Elgin, Ore. – Yesterday’s rain was sparse over most of the fire area and did not penetrate the tree canopy. Fire will still be active, finding its way through heavier fuels. Gentle breezes and damp fine fuels will slow its ability to spread.  Days are getting shorter.  The “burn window” of most active fire behavior during the hottest, driest time of day now only lasts about three to four hours, down from seven hours or longer during hotter summer days.

Robert Trujillo, Agency Administrator for the Umatilla National Forest, warned crews to watch for complacency as they work to contain the 74,471-acre Grizzly Bear Fire Complex.  17 percent containment has been achieved, but hazards such as weakened trees and snags, ash pits, and driving on rough roads still exist.

Crews are scouting the Bear Ridge Fire area, constructing and improving fire line where breeches occurred along the Misery Trail system.

Contingency line construction and improvement continues on the western flank along Forest Road 64 and on the southwest flank in the Elk Flats area.  A contingency route to the north from Road 4039 is being scouted. On the northeast corner of the fire, helicopters will slow fire growth up drainages, especially First Creek.

Crews continue the arduous work of increasing fuel breaks around structures and building containment lines around the fire. National Guard members will add their strength to crews in Troy and Grouse Flats, enlarging defensible space near structures and widening fire lines.

When crews mop up inside a fire containment line, they examine the soil and debris for hot spots.  They expose any burning material and soak the embers. They cut down fire-weakened trees ensuring that any burned material inside is extinguished.  Unburned material is pulled out of the containment line.

Due to increases in containment and moderation of the weather, at 12 noon today, the Evacuation Levels in place to the south and east of the Grizzly Bear Complex Fire will decrease.  Areas currently at Level 3 (Troy, Grouse Flats, Eden Bench area) will become Level 2.  Areas currently at Level 2 (Asotin county north and east of Boggan’s Oasis and Big Butte) will become Level 1.  The evacuation warning has been lifted from areas that were previously Level 1.  Please look at inciweb and other websites listed above to view the current (August 31) Evacuation Level map.

Grizzly Bear Complex Fire Evacuation Level Update, Effective 12 NOON Monday, August 31, 2015

Evacuation levels reduced for Grizzly Bear Complex Fire

      Elgin, Ore. – Because fire lines on the east and southern flanks successfully held on the Grizzly Bear Complex Fire through high winds on Saturday and cooler, wetter weather is predicted this week and the near future, additional reductions to yesterday’s changes in evacuation levels have been recommended today by the Wallowa County (Oregon) and Asotin County (Washington) sheriffs, emergency management and incident management officials.  The changes will be in effect today at 12 noon.

The new changes in levels include elimination of the Level 1 evacuation levels for the area east of Highway 129 in Washington and the area west of Highway 3 to the Grand Ronde River in Oregon.  The area west of Highway 129 in Washington will be reduced to a Level 1 and all of the Level 3 area in both states will be changed to a Level 2. 

The revised map of evacuation levels are posted on line for the Grizzly Bear Complex Fire.  A new Umatilla National Forest Closure Order was added on Sunday, August 30, 2015 to the existing closure for the Complex yesterday to include the area surrounding Bluewood Ski Area.  Closure Order T2015-0614-UM-013 and T2015-0614-UM-014 are in effect.  Complete Closure Map.

The written definition of the revised evacuation levels is now follows:

Level 2: Troy, Eden Bench, Grouse Flat, and Bartlett. Evacuation 2 Level includes the area north of the Grande Ronde River at the state line; west of Oregon Highway 129; to the western section lines of 13, 14, 27, and 36 T07R4E to the National Forest Boundary; along the National Forest boundary to the Grand Ronde River. The Evacuation Area Level 2 includes the Wenaha State Wildlife Area, southwest of Troy, Ore. Please refer to the DETAILED MAP for the area under Level 2 Evacuation.

Level 1: The closure area is as follows: From Asotin west along County Road 105 to County Road 110 to County Road 181 to Forest Road (FR) 41 to FR 40 to FR 44 to FR 43 to Forest Boundary; south along the western section lines of Sections 13, 14, 27, and 36, T07R4E, to Highway 129, and north to Asotin.  Asotin is no longer on an evacuation level.

Sheriffs and county emergency are working with affected residents. You can get updated fire information, including local Evacuation Levels, by calling Fire Information at (541) 612-0059; Hours:7 AM-9 PM or by looking at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4511/

***Final*** Falls Creek Fire Daily Update

Falls Creek Fire Morning Update

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015, 9:00 a.m.

Fire Information: (541)426-5689

Joseph, OR:  Today, Sunday August 30, will be the last daily update for the Falls Creek Fire.  For further information please consult InciWeb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4561/# .

The fire has not spread.  It is approximately 396 acres in size and 35% contained.  It is burning on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, as well as on private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry.  It is burning in timber, brush and grass, in steep and difficult terrain.  The cause is still under investigation.

The fire behavior is currently minimal with heavy fuels smoldering within the perimeter. There may be visible drift smoke seen in the surrounding area over the next few days. Ground crews and aircraft worked to combat winds and changing weather conditions, with much success, on Saturday August 29^th.  Crews and helicopters will began to ramp down operations on the Falls Creek Fire over the next few days.

Portions of the fire have been placed in ‘patrol’ status while other areas are in the ‘mop-up’ stage.  Rehabilitation has begun on large portions of the hand line put in place for containment.  This rehabilitation will include:

-          Removal of almost  5 miles of hose and fittings

-          Placement of water bars

-          Removal of pumps, flagging, and other firefighting/safety equipment

Repair on areas of the Hurricane Creek and Falls Creek Trail is ongoing. 

Due to the cooler temperatures and work completed on Saturday, Aug 29^th the following updates to Evacuation Levels will take place beginning at noon on Sunday, Aug 30^th.:

·         All residents of the Upper Hurricane Creek Road who have been at Level 2 (Set) evacuation notice will be moved back to Level 1 (Ready) evacuation notice. 

·         Those residents that were placed in a Level 1 (Ready) evacuation notice on Friday August 28^th have now been removed from any evacuation notice.

Questions regarding evacuation notices and the evacuation process can be directed to the Wallowa County Communication Center at 541-426-3131. Any changes to the evacuation notice will be coordinate by Wallowa County Communication Center.  Evacuation notices and orders are issued by the Wallowa County Sheriff’s office.

Road closures remain in effect at Upper Hurricane Creek Road (Local traffic only), Forest Trail 1807 (Hurricane Creek) and Forest Trail 1753 (Falls Creek).

Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at EXTREME and Public Use Restrictions involving campfires and chainsaw use are in effect on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.  

-Additional information about Public Use Restrictions and emergency closure areas on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest can be found at: www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman/  and http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4561 . 

-Regulated Use Closures are in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast and central Oregon.  Additional information can be found at  http://bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml

-Information on incidents in the Blue Mountain Region can be found at              www.bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com

-Oregon smoke condition information is available at http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com.

BMIDC's Morning Briefing

BMIDC BRIEFING
Sunday, August 30th, 2015
8/29 (NEW) INITIAL ATTACK	Fires	Acres
Umatilla National Forest	0	0
Wallowa Whitman National Forest	0	0
Vale District BLM Baker Area	0	0
NEO Oregon Department of Forestry	0	0
WA DNR Snake River Unit	4	3,000
BIA Umatilla	0	0
Total	0	0
INCIDENT SUMMARY
8/29 No New Initial Attack Fire Activity

Fire Danger Stays High, Restrictions Increase

Fire conditions remain extreme across the forests of Northeast Oregon. In addition, resources available for new fires remain very limited throughout the region. Oregon Department of Forestry managers have responded by increasing the restrictions associated with the current Regulated Use Closure that is in effect. These restrictions continue the ban on campfires and other types of burning, and additionally ban off-road vehicle travel and chainsaw use.

Effective at 3:00 p.m. August 28, 2015 the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is adding additional restrictions to the Regulated Use Closure for lands within the Northeast Oregon District. The Regulated Use Closure affects private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands in seven counties: Union, Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla, and small portions of Malheur, Morrow and Grant Counties. The Regulated Use Closure is intended to protect natural resources and public health and safety. The current restrictions include: The current restrictions include:

 Open fires are prohibited, even at designated campgrounds, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires.

 Debris burning is prohibited, including the use of burn barrels.

 Non-industrial use of chain saw is prohibited.

 Internal combustion engine use, except for motor vehicles is prohibited.

 Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or at a cleared area.

 Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), is prohibited except on improved roads, except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

 Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited.

 Mowing of dried and cured grass with power driven equipment is prohibited.

 Use of fireworks is prohibited.

 Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2 ) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Additionally, the use of exploding targets, tracer ammunition and sky lanterns are prohibited on lands protected by ODF during fire season.

Other privately owned lands may have more restrictions in place. Before traveling onto privately owned lands, please check with the landowner to identify restrictions above and beyond the Oregon Department of Forestry Regulated Use Closure.

“It’s important that people check the restrictions for the lands they are visiting. ODF has a minimum level of restrictions, but private landowners can set their own more stringent restrictions for their lands.” Said Mitch Williams, Acting Unit Forester, Oregon Department of Forestry. “We’re keeping an eye on the conditions, and will adjust our restrictions when we can, but for right now, this is the best way for us to limit human caused fires.”

Although moderating weather may provide a slight respite, a significant trend of cooler and wetter weather conditions will be necessary to lower fire prevention restrictions.

Note that when traveling from private land onto federal land, land use restrictions can change. Please check restrictions before conducting activities in the outdoors. More information for fire danger in Northeast Oregon can be found at bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml.

Contact a local Oregon Department of Forestry office for more complete information on ODF Restrictions:
La Grande Unit (541) 963-3168
Baker City Sub-Unit (541) 523-5831
Wallowa Unit (541) 886-2881
Pendleton Unit (541) 276-3491
To report a fire, contact:
Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch (541) 963-7171
Or, call 9-1-1.

Grizzly Bear Complex Update 8/29/15 8:00 a.m.

A Red Flag Warning issued for high winds today

     Elgin, Ore. – A strong cold front is moving through the area today which is expected to bring high winds. The wind direction in the morning will be from the south and will shift, pushing to the east in the afternoon.  Sustained winds along ridgetops are forecasted to be 20 to 25 mph, with gusts to 30 to 35 mph.  Temperatures could drop by 10 to 15 degrees and the relative humidity may be as high as 50% by this afternoon. A brief period of precipitation may drop only .01 to .02” of rain today.  Tomorrow, up to 1/4” of rain may occur over the fire.

Firefighters have been briefed this morning to expect changing conditions and to remain situationally aware of high winds and active fire behavior in their immediate area.  Falling snags and debris combined with shifting winds will present challenges for crews fighting this fire.  The rate of fire spread could be up to one mph in the grass/timber areas and ¼ mph in the timber areas.

Yesterday, the predicted high winds did not occur.  The weather was calmer than expected and the containment lines held.  The fire is mostly burning within the Wenhaha-Tucannon Wilderness of the Umatilla National Forest and private lands protected by the Oregon Dept. of Forestry and Washington Dept. of Natural Resources.

Structure protection in Slick Ear and Little Turkey has been completed.  Firefighters have completed most of the protection tasks for structures and chair lifts at Ski Bluewood, and the cell phone tower nearby.

The southeast flank of the fire is in patrol status, as all spot fires have been controlled.  Most of the fine fuels near containment lines have been blackened around the community of Troy.  Other contingency fire lines have been identified (and in some cases, improved) if the primary fire lines are breached.

The Forest Road 4039 containment line needs another 1.5 to 2 miles of preparation to support a possible burnout operation to prevent the fire from moving southeast.  The northeast perimeter of the fire remains a challenge due to inaccessibility of the area and the lack of options for safely constructing containment lines.

No changes in the current Evacuation Levels are planned until the cold front passes the area and the winds diminish.  Fire officials will consider reducing the evacuation levels if containment lines successfully hold and the fire behavior subsides.

Falls Creek Fire Daily Update 8/29/15

Falls Creek Fire Morning Update

Saturday, Aug 29, 2015, 8:00 a.m.

Fire Information:

(541)426-5633

Joseph, OR:  In response to dynamic weather conditions, firefighters have prepared multiple contingencies for today’s operations. Overall, firefighters are continuing to gain ground on the the Falls Creek Fire, which is burning about four miles southwest of Joseph, Oregon. A strong frontal system will move across the region today bringing strong gusty winds with low relative humidity for 5 to 6 hours during the burn period. In this type of weather event, constantly re-evaluating the ever-changing risk environment is critical to firefighter and public safety.

The fire has not spread.  It is approximately 396 acres in size and is now 15% contained. It is burning on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, as well as on private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry.  It is burning in timber, brush and grass, in steep and difficult terrain.  The cause is still under investigation.

Today, firefighters will hold the fire line and take suppressive action as possible to maximize the benefit of previous suppression efforts. Firefighters will continue watering operations at residences within the upgraded Level 2 evacuation notice area, and prepare for additional watering operations at residences within the new Level 1 evacuation notice area. If a spot fire occurs outside the containment line, crews will disengage, regroup, and reengage as needed.

·         All residents of the Upper Hurricane Creek Road who have been at Level 1 (Ready) evacuation notice are now at Level 2 (Set) evacuation notice.  This is not due to a change in current fire activity, rather to ease the transition of operations if conditions change throughout the day.

·         A new boundary for Level 1 (Ready) evacuation notice has been established.  Residents who live within this boundary will be contacted today.   

Questions regarding evacuation notices and the evacuation process can be directed to the Wallowa County Communication Center at 541-426-3131. Any changes to the evacuation notice will be coordinate by Wallowa County Communication Center.  Evacuation notices and orders are issued by the Wallowa County Sheriff’s office.

Road closures remain in effect at Upper Hurricane Creek Road (Local traffic only), Forest Trail 1807 (Hurricane Creek) and Forest Trail 1753 (Falls Creek).

Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at EXTREME and Public Use Restrictions involving campfires and chainsaw use are in effect on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.  

-Additional information about Public Use Restrictions and emergency closure areas on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest can be found at: www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman/  and http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4561 . 

-Regulated Use Closures are in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast and central Oregon.  Additional information can be found at  http://bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml

-Information on incidents in the Blue Mountain Region can be found at www.bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com

-Oregon smoke condition information is available at http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com.

BMIDC's Morning Briefing

BMIDC BRIEFING
Saturday, August 29th, 2015
8/27 (NEW) INITIAL ATTACK	Fires	Acres
Umatilla National Forest	0	0
Wallowa Whitman National Forest	0	0
Vale District BLM Baker Area	0	0
NEO Oregon Department of Forestry	0	0
WA DNR Snake River Unit	0	0
BIA Umatilla	0	0
Total	0	0
INCIDENT SUMMARY
8/28 No New Initial Attack Fire Activity

Falls Creek Fire Morning Update 8/28/15

Falls Creek Fire Morning Update

Friday, Aug 28, 2015, 8:30 a.m.

Fire Information:

(541)426-5633

Joseph, OR:  In response to an expected change in weather conditions, firefighters are taking proactive measures to protect private residences which could potentially be affected by the fire. Overall, firefighters are continuing to gain ground on the the Falls Creek Fire, which is burning about four miles southwest of Joseph, Oregon. Fire weather forecasters predict mildly windy conditions this morning, shifting in the afternoon to the Southwest. Windy conditions are expected to pick up on Saturday, with an expected ten degree decrease in temperature, an increase in humidity, and a slight chance of showers.

The fire has not spread.  It is approximately 337 acres in size and is now 15% contained. It is burning on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, as well as on private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry.  It is burning in timber, brush and grass, in steep and difficult terrain.  The cause is still under investigation.

Today, firefighters will continue mop up and monitor activities on the northern edge of the fire near Falls Creek. Some crews will shift north to be in position to respond to expected changes. Firefighters will continue watering operations at residences within the upgraded Level 2 evacuation notice area, and evaluate structure protection needs at residences within the new Level 1 evacuation notice area.

·         All residents of the Upper Hurricane Creek Road who have been at Level 1 (Ready) evacuation notice are now at Level 2 (Set) evacuation notice.  This is not due to a change in current fire activity, rather to ease the transition of operations if conditions change throughout the day.

·         A new boundary for Level 1 (Ready) evacuation notice has been established.  Residents who live within this boundary will be contacted today.   

Questions regarding evacuation notices and the evacuation process can be directed to the Wallowa County Communication Center at 541-426-3131. Any changes to the evacuation notice will be coordinate by Wallowa County Communication Center.  Evacuation notices and orders are issued by the Wallowa County Sheriff’s office.

Road closures remain in effect at Upper Hurricane Creek Road (Local traffic only), Forest Trail 1807 (Hurricane Creek) and Forest Trail 1753 (Falls Creek).

Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at EXTREME and Public Use Restrictions involving campfires and chainsaw use are in effect on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.  

-Additional information about Public Use Restrictions and emergency closure areas on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest can be found at: www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman/  and http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4561 . 

-Regulated Use Closures are in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast and central Oregon.  Additional information can be found at  http://bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml

-Information on incidents in the Blue Mountain Region can be found at www.bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com

-Oregon smoke condition information is available at http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com.

Grizzly Bear Complex Update 8/28/15 8:00 p.m.

Firefighters rally and catch 260-acre spot fire outside containment line on Grizzly Complex southern edge

     Elgin, Ore. – Firefighters rallied last night and today with heavy equipment to establish a direct fire line along the southern perimeter of the Grizzly Bear Complex Fire.  Yesterday the fire burned approximately 200 acres outside of the containment line.  Crews quickly constructed a fire line around the spot fire. Firefighters continue to mop it up along with another nearby smaller spot. Two heavy helicopters worked to cool down the fire so that firefighters could construct the fire line close to the head of the fire.

Today, indirect containment lines along the north and northeast perimeter (outside of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness) are holding. Firefighters there are mopping up and scouting for additional indirect fire line locations along Saddle Creek. One hand crew is working to construct direct line on the northwest edge of the small Bear Ridge Fire which is burning two miles north of the main Complex.

Crews continue to prepare the area around structures in the Godman and Slick Ear inholdings. A fire-resistant gel is also being applied on the structures to protect them from the fire.

Fire behavior today was driven by dry fuels, high temperatures and low humidity.  An infrared flight last night showed the hottest areas to be along the northwest perimeter, east of the Bluewood Ski Area, the north perimeter south of Crooked Creek, the northeast perimeter along Slide Canyon and the southern perimeter where the fire burned over containment lines.

Tomorrow, increased cloud cover should help to reduce solar heating and may bring very light precipitation.  On Saturday, winds are expected to shift from the south to west, bringing 30-35 mile per hour winds later in the day and potential lightning.  Temperatures are expected to drop sharply and humidity to rise.  Cooler than normal temperatures will prevail for the rest of the week with wetting rain predicted for Wednesday.

There were several reports of private vehicles on closed roads in the southern portion of the Complex.  Fire managers ask the public to please refrain from entering the area through road closures.  Unofficial traffic poses a hazard to firefighters and heavy equipment traveling along the roads. An official Area Closure has been issued for the fire area.  Maps and descriptions of the closure can be found on Inciweb or the Washington Interagency Incident Management Team #4 web site.

No changes in the current Evacuation Levels are planned until after heavy winds test fire lines on Saturday.  Fire officials may consider reducing the levels on Sunday if lines successfully hold the fire. A public meeting was held in Dayton, Wash., at 7 p.m. this evening at the Seneca Activity Center. More than 100 people attended the meeting.

BMIDC's Morning Briefing

BMIDC BRIEFING
Friday, August 28th, 2015
8/27 (NEW) INITIAL ATTACK	Fires	Acres
Umatilla National Forest	0	0
Wallowa Whitman National Forest	0	0
Vale District BLM Baker Area	0	0
NEO Oregon Department of Forestry	0	0
WA DNR Snake River Unit	0	0
BIA Umatilla	0	0
Total	0	0
INCIDENT SUMMARY
8/27 No New Initial Attack Fire Activity

Eagle Complex Update 8/27/15

Eagle Complex Update Thursday, August 27, 2015

Incident Summary Start Date:                  August 11, 2015 Cause:                        Lightning Location:                    20 Miles NW of Richland, Oregon Size:                            11,908 acres Containment:              7% Resources:                 328 Personnel                                      9 Crews, 14 Engines, 4 Water Tenders, 7 Dozers                                      4 Type 1 Helicopters,1 Type 3 Helicopters   On Wednesday, air support from fixed wing aircraft - including one 11,600 gallon retardant drop from a DC-10 VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker) - totaled 30,000 gallons on the Eagle Complex  with an additional 2,000 gallons dropped using heavy helicopters. The aerial resources assisted firefighters in securing containment lines and cooling hot spots across the fire, primarily  focusing on the East Eagle area where crews continued preparing lines in preparation for a  burnout running from the eastern most section of the fire to the Little Eagle Creek. Crews were  able to bring fire from the southern edge of the fire to the east of Forest Service Road 7745,  down the hill to the road. Finally, structure protection measures remain in place around the  fire perimeter including near Footbridge, just north of where the fire is continuing to back  down the Boulder Creek and Two Colors drainages toward Forest Service Road 7755. On Thursday, winds are expected to remain out of the south-southwest with gusts up to 20 mph. Indirect containment lines running east to west from the eastern-most section of the fire to  the Eagle Cap Wilderness are expected to be completed today, and firefighters plan to  burnout from the containment lines to secure the fire’s eastern edge as conditions allow.  Aerial resources will continue supporting firefighters on the ground during the burnout  operation. Crews remain engaged in mop up efforts on Forest Service Road 77 to the junction  of the 7745 road to secure the southern edge of the fire, as well as continuing mop-up around structures in the East Eagle Creek area.   Evacuations: The Baker County Sheriff's Office maintains a LEVEL 3 evacuation notice to   include where the intersection of the 7700 road turns to the Northeast at the intersection  of the 7700 and 7015 roads up the Long Creek drainage to the wilderness. The evacuation levels for the area south of the 7735 road, South of the junction of the 7735 and  7700 road to McBride Campground and over to Carson down to the forest boundary remain at LEVEL 2 (Get Set). Evacuation levels for the Eagle Complex are available on the interactive  incident map (http://arcg.is/1I5DaJw). Area Fire Closures: There is an area closure in effect for the Eagle Complex near Main Eagle,  East Eagle, Tamarack Campground and Two Color Campground. Please see the link to the  Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Website  (http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/wallowa-whitman/home). Facebook Website