Minimal movement on Granite Gulch Fire

Update:  Overnight rains dampen Granite Gulch Fire activity
JOSEPH, Ore.—Aug. 22, 2019 -- Last night's wind had little impact on fire activity and was followed by a light rain that lasted about 2 hours. Mule Peak Lookout reported total rainfall of 0.5" this morning.

JOSEPH, Ore.—August 21, 2019—Despite highly visible smoke and active burning Tuesday, aerial reconnaissance showed minimal spread on the Granite Gulch Fire today.

“Despite the intense burning yesterday in Wild Sheep Creek, the fire stayed out of the Lostine River canyon,” Incident Commander Adam Wing said. “The fire continues to meet management objectives and create more habitat for White Bark Pine.”

Tuesday’s pluming activity burned Subalpine Fir along Wild Sheep Creek, in an area where several sharp, rocky ridges separate it from the Lostine drainage.

Today, a Type 1 helicopter helped slow the progress of the fire’s western flank near Last Chance Creek and to prevent the fire from crossing the Minam River between Elk Creek and Lowry Gulch on the southern flank. Officials expect it to continue moving upriver beyond Wild Sheep Creek and backing down the slope toward Last Chance Creek.

Fire officials expect rain tonight to further reduce fire activity Thursday, providing an opportunity to update the long-term strategy for managing the fire to benefit the ecosystem. The total footprint of the fire is estimated to be 3,800 acres, or about 1 percent of the total Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Other resources assigned to the fire include four ground personnel serving as lookouts and providing directions for the Type 1 helicopter; and a Type 3 helicopter with a crew of 8 working initial attack and on the fireline as needed.

Throughout the summer and fall season, firefighters will use suppression tactics, as necessary, to meet the following objectives:

* Keeping the fire contained to specific areas of the wilderness
* Allowing the fire to play a natural role in maintaining the ecosystem

* Reducing hazardous fuels and the potential for future wilderness wildfires to burn onto general forest or private lands
* Reducing the risk that future wildfires pose to the public and firefighters

Forest visitors who plan to travel through the upper Minam River area should contact the Public Information Officer at 541-219-6863. Advisory signs have been posted at trailheads, and National Forest officials are reviewing the need for an area closure to protect public health and safety.

Please visit InciWeb for updated information about the Granite Gulch Fire.

Call 911 if you spot a wildfire.  Fire danger remains HIGH and Public Use Restrictions (Phase A) remain in effect across the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.