8/3 Rail Fire Update

Northwest Incident                   Fire Update                 Rail Wildfire   

Incident Commander: Richy Harrod

Wednesday, August 3, 2016 @ 9AM

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

NEWS FROM THE FIRELINE:   Crews worked through the night building direct and indirect contingency lines and watching for spot fires after yesterday’s passing cold front delivered wind gusts up to 35 mph, driving the fire farther to the east and north.  Today crews are continuing to build and reinforce direct contingency lines and build indirect lines on the east and north sides of the fire.

Baker County Sheriff’s Department delivered Level 2 evacuation notices to approximately ten homeowners Tuesday evening.  Level 2 status suggests that people be prepared to evacuate should the risk increase. 

CONTAINMENT: 0%

SIZE: 5,500 acres.   

LOCATION:  Approximately 10 miles southwest of Unity, Oregon.

VEGETATION TYPE AND TERRAIN:  Rangeland, grass, and timber in a mix of moderate and steep terrain.

WEATHER:  High temperatures in the low ‘80s,  degrees, 12-15% humidity with north to northwest winds 3-6 mph.  Thunderstorms with lightning predicted for Friday and Saturday.

PERSONNEL: Approximately 314, with additional resources arriving today.

RESOURCES:  11 dozers, 31 engines, 10 water tenders and 4 helicopters, with additional resources ordered.

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

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