Deception Creek Fire Update 9/19/14

The Deception Creek Fire remained within control lines yesterday and continued to burn islands of unburned vegetation. The estimate of acres burned within containment lines has not increased from yesterday because an infrared flight was not flown due to a heavy cloud cover. The infrared images identity hot areas and are used to determine the burned acres.

Yesterday, isolated pockets and various amounts of rain fell over the fire area. Weather stations near the fire recorded rain amounts up to 0.2 inches.

The Deception Creek Fire continues to be managed under a full suppression strategy which is designed to keep the fire size as small as possible while maintaining public and firefighter safety, and protecting natural resources.

Helicopters were not utilized yesterday to drop water on the fire, due to minimal fire activity. Large wood chippers will be used again today along the eastern perimeter of the fire to remove excess vegetation. A wood grinder, capable of shredding large diameter material will also be used. Repair of fire suppression activities will continue in all parts of the fire.

The 442 firefighters, 4 helicopters, 13 engines, 1 dozer, and 13 water tenders assigned to the Deception Complex are poised to respond if the fire escapes any containment line.

Air quality over the communities of Westfir and Oakridge is expected to be in the moderate range today. For additional air quality information see the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency website at oregonsmoke.blogspot.com or lrapa.org

The closure order placed over the Staley Fire has been terminated by the Willamette National Forest and all roads, trails and area previously closed are now open for public use. Other public use restrictions, area, road and trial closures can be viewed at:
Willamette National Forest - fs.usda.gov/willamette Umpqua National Forest - fs.usda.gov/umpqua