Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Deception Complex Update



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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