Fire Update
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2014 PM
5 Mile and Somers Fires – Joseph, Oregon
Information Contact Number: 541-432-0119
Location: Two fires near Imnaha, Oregon.
Current situation: Smoke has settled into the area creating an "unhealthy" outdoor environment for those sensitive to poor air quality. The air quality may improve as weather fronts approach this week but will be a persistent factor. People sensitive to the smoke should remain inside and limit outdoor activities. An Air Quality Monitoring Group has been requested to assist in assessing the smoke and its potential health effects. Part of the helibase and the air operations are moving to be closer to the two fires. Crews and other resources are being transitioned from 5 Mile Fire to Somers Fire as available.
5 Mile Fire –Containment lines are in mop-up and rehabilitation status. Hot spots along the southern and eastern edges were identified and are being addressed to reduce the potential threats posed to the fire line. Fences and water lines damaged during suppression actions are being repaired on private property if damaged during firefighting. This fire is expected to be in patrol status by end of shift Tuesday. Equipment no longer needed is being back hauled to the incident command post. A chipper will be put in place Tuesday to work along the Hat Point Road cleaning up brush from earlier suppression efforts. The operational priority remains to secure the town of Imnaha and keep the fire from the Oregon Department of Forestry protected private lands, ranches, and homes along the Imnaha River Road. An initial attack group will respond to any new fire starts within the local vicinity. The public should be aware of the potential for additional fire traffic on the Imnaha Road.
Start Date-August 3
Cause-Under investigation
Acres- 4,524 (new lower acreage reflects removal of unburned areas)
Percent Contained-80%
Total Personnel-295
Crews-3 Engines-6 Water Tenders-8 Dozers-1 Helicopters-5
Somers Fire –Air attack worked on the most active part of the fire near Lord Flat on the ridge above Deep Creek in the northwest corner. Spotting occurred over the two-track trail on the Summit Ridge when a thunder cell passed. Hand crews moved from 5 Mile fire to a spike camp at Thomason Meadows. The crews had planned to scout potential containment lines along Summit and Tryon Ridges, but smoke didn't allow shuttle of firefighters by air. When conditions did improve in the afternoon, it was not safe to move firefighters onto the line. A helibase will be established at a spot near Thomason Meadows. Another spike camp will be established at Memaloose. Spike camps are being established to position firefighters and resources closer to the fire. Firefighters are prepared to defend the historical Tryon Creek and Temperance Ranches, and other historical and administrative sites. Other firefighters are being shuttled by jet boat and helicopters to provide point protection at various other locations in the canyon. Boaters on the Snake River need to be aware of water dipping activities and to use caution while in the area.
Start Date-August 3
Cause-Lightning
Acres- 26,500
Percent Contained-0%
Total Personnel-100
Crews-4
Weather:
Hot and dry weather will persist with temperatures in the mid-90s and relative humidity 11-16%. A Red Flag Warning will continue through Tuesday 11:00 pm for abundant lightning. Local unit and incident firefighters are prepared to respond to any new fire starts.
Evacuations:
A Level 1 Evacuation Notice remains in place for the town of Imnaha and residents along the Imnaha River Road 5 miles south of Imnaha near Freezeout Creek to 10 miles north of Imnaha near Fence Creek.
Closures:
The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has closed Hat Point Road FR4240. Wallowa County has closed the Upper Imnaha Road; private landowners will be allowed access. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest implemented two Closure Orders closing the Oregon and Idaho river frontage of the Snake River ¼ mile inland. The river will be closed on the Oregon side from Copper Creek to Rush Creek and on the Idaho side from the Forest Boundary to the north and the mouth of the Salmon River to the south. For a full listing of the closures please see the following links:
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): Two TFRs are in place over the two fires. Please check the NOTAM for current information. TFRs are in place for safety to restrict other aircraft from entering the fire area while incident aircraft are working.
For more information on the 5 Mile and Somers Fires visit:
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