A unified command begins today as the Oregon Department of
Forestry, (ODF), joins Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 4 currently
managing the fire.
Yesterday, smoke was visible throughout the day in the
Oakridge and Westfir communities as fire activity increased with the warmer
temperatures and lower humidity. The
increased activity was expected and helicopters were used to cool down
hotspots. The majority of fire growth was on the Deception Fire with an
increase of 140 acres.
The fires are a result of five lighting storms that passed
through lands managed by the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Willamette
National Forest. In addition to the Staley and Deception Fires firefighters
have responded to numerous smaller lightning caused fires. Yesterday two new
fires were detected. Both fires were
less than a quarter acre in size. Firelines were constructed around the
perimeter of each fire.
Today, weather conditions are starting out hotter and dryer
with temperatures 3 to 5 degrees warmer. Relative humidity is predicted to be
from 15 to 20%. The forecast is for this warming pattern to continue through
Wednesday with an anticipated increase in fire activity. Residents can expect
to see smoke throughout the day. Five heavy lift helicopters are assisting
crews by dropping water and cooling down developing hot spots
.
Closure Information (no changes):
There are three area, trail and road closures related to
these fires on the Middle Fork Ranger District.
Check the following web site for details: http://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette/.
Total acres 614
Contained 53%
20- person Crews 26
Engines 31
Dozers 4
Helicopters 5 heavy , 1 medium 3 light
Total Personnel 1021
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