Meacham Complex Daily Update - Aug. 21, 2020

Fire Information Line: 458-206-6192

Email: 2020.meacham@firenet.gov

Incident Commander: Mike Almas, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7038/

The Umatilla National Forest received abundant lightning on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. More than 30 new fires were reported on the Walla Walla Ranger District following the passing storms. With numerous fire starts in the area, the Umatilla National Forest requested a Type 2 incident management team to manage the Hager Ridge Fire and the other fires in the area, which will be managed collectively as the Meacham Complex.

Mike Almas’ Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team assumed command and management of the Meacham Complex on Friday, August 21, 2020, at 6:00 a.m.

Numerous resources aided in initial attack efforts, including support from Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Indian Affairs and various aerial resources. The majority of the fires are staffed and remain small, less than one acre in size.

A reconnaissance flight on Thursday, August 20, 2020, showed four priority fires: the Hager Ridge Fire, the Horse Fire, the Heron Fire and the 896 Fire. The largest fire is the Hager Ridge Fire at approximately 100 acres. It was reported on August 19, 2020, and is burning in rugged terrain with grass, timber and dead and down trees. The fire burned actively on all edges, with gusty winds contributing to fire growth.

Today, fire managers will be collecting information from the fire area to determine the needs of the fire crews and to develop the fire suppression plan. Firefighters will focus on establishing access points to the fire and securing anchor points from where they can build containment lines.

Resources Threatened: No structures are threatened at this time; however, there are significant cultural and natural resources of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Fire managers are actively working with the CTUIR to protect these resources.

Evacuations and Closures:

Currently there are no closures in place; however, this could change. Please see https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7038/ for the latest closures and restrictions.

COVID-19

The health and safety of the public and wildland fire responders is the top priority. Mitigations are being taken regarding group sizes by dispersing resources through separate and smaller fire camps, conducting virtual meetings when possible, using more virtual resources and limiting contact with each other and the community to the extent possible. While COVID-19 circumstances are constantly evolving, and federal guidance continues to adapt to the situation, wildland fire agencies are prepared to fight fire during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Sunny and hazy with breezy conditions are expected today and throughout the weekend. Temperatures will be 80-89 and 72-80 on the ridges. There is a chance of thunderstorms into next week.

Horse Fire within Meacham Complex. Aug. 21, 2020