Crockets Knob Fire Update - Sept. 1, 2022

NORTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM 12 

Incident Commanders: Jeff Dimke and Bobby Shindelar  

September 1, 2022 

Weather: While lower temperatures overnight contributed to fuel humidity recoveries, conditions will dry out quickly later today with critically low relative humidity at most elevations developing in the afternoon. East southeast winds will develop along the Middle Fork John Day River valley during the evening.  

Operations: Fire activity increased on the northern edge of the fire yesterday, crossing the constructed dozer line in several places and moving toward Indian Rock Lookout. In some areas the fire burned into rocky areas with less fuel loading and burning slowed considerably. In areas with Subalpine Fir, some spotting occurred when the winds increased during the afternoon. On the northwest corner, Large Air Tanker planes (LATs) dropped nearly two dozen loads of retardant along FSR 537 which has been improved for containment line. These retardant drops allow firefighters on the ground more time to engage in reinforcing lines and containing spot fires. Helicopters were also working throughout the day to cool areas of heat around the perimeter and aid crews on the ground. There was some additional growth in the northeast corner on the Umatilla National Forest.  

Hotshot Crews will be engaged along the west, north and east edges of the fire today. Work will be done to strengthen containment lines and secure areas where the line may be challenged by an increase of fire behavior with an expected rising temperatures and higher wind speeds in the next two days. Heavy equipment, hand crews and engines continue to hold and mop up line on the southern fire edge, watching for heat near the perimeter and creating depth in containment lines. 

Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will be working across the fire area throughout the day today. If you see firefighting aircraft near a water source, please keep back to allow pilots to maneuver safely and continue firefighting operations. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place, which also applies to private unmanned aircraft (drones).  

Closures: Current area closure information and map for both Malheur and Umatilla Forests can be found here:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur 

Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com 

Quick Facts: 

• SIZE:   2,840 Acres 
• CONTAINMENT: 5% 
• CAUSE: Lightning 
• PERSONNEL: 576 
• LOCATION: 19 miles north of Prairie City 

FIRE INFORMATION:  

541-625-0892 

2022.crocketsknob@firenet.gov  

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CrocketsKnobFire  

INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/  

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION 

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Crockets Knob Fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone - if you fly, we can’t.