Friday, August 8, 2014

8/8/2014 5 Mile and Somers Fire Update

Fire Update
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2014 PM

5 Mile and Somers Fires – Joseph, Oregon
Information Contact Number: 541-432-0119

Location:  Two fires near Imnaha, Oregon.

The park and grounds of the Chief Joseph Rodeo Grounds are closed to public camping due to use by incident personnel for the 5 Mile and Somers Fires.

Current situation:
5 Mile Fire –The weather this morning provided firefighters with an opportunity to fight fire directly. The cooler weather tempered the fire behavior allowing firefighters to construct containment lines very close to the main fire.  Helicopters were used to cool areas with increased intensity. Firefighters began to burn along the containment line when winds increased and shifted directions. Therefore, the remainder of the burnout was postponed.  Tomorrow morning weather conditions will be reassessed prior to completing the burnout operation.. After tomorrow's operational shift, fire managers in conjunction with the Wallowa County Sheriff will determine if the Level 1 Evacuation Notice can be removed. 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. Firefighters continue to patrol for hotspots on the northern flank near Imnaha and west flank along the river. Timber fallers will continue to fall hazard trees along Hat Point Road. Structure protection efforts will continue at College Creek Guard Station and at Cayuse Flats. A weed washing station has been set-up for use by incident vehicles to reduce the potential spread of noxious weeds.
Start Date-August 3 
Cause-Under investigation 
Acres- 4,700
Percent Contained-35%
Total Personnel-397
            Crews-9           Engines-16      Water Tenders-9         Dozers-3          Helicopters-4

Somers Fire – The fire continued to grow laterally north and south. Firefighters and equipment are working to secure the Temperance and Tryon Creek Ranches (locations south and north of the fire respectively) to prepare the sites as a precaution. Preparation will include constructing fire line, removing receptive fuels around infrastructure, setting up sprinkler systems, and wrapping buildings in fire resistant foil. The priority continues to be point protection of the radio repeater at Somers Point, and additional sites located in the canyon.  Ten rappellers continue to staff this fire.  Lack of availability of resources, steep terrain, and access continues to be issues on this fire.  Heavy helicopters will continue with bucket drops of water to cool the fire's edge on the north and south flanks.  Boaters on the Snake River need to be aware of water dipping activities and use caution while in the area. A new Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Closure was implemented yesterday closing the use of the Oregon and Idaho river frontage for ¼ mile inland along the Snake River.  See Closures below for more information.
Start Date-August 3 
Cause-Lightning 
Acres- 15,000  
Percent Contained-0%
Total Personnel-10 Rappellers

Weather:
Continued hot and dry weather will persist tomorrow with temperatures in the mid and lower 90s with relative humidity of 15-18%.  A chance of thunderstorms is forecasted this afternoon and increases early next week.

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. Two new Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Closure orders are being implemented that will close the Oregon and Idaho river frontage of the Snake River ¼ mile inland.  The river from 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 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. The TFR over the Somers Fire is being expanded due to the perimeter growth. Please check the NOTAM for current information. TFR 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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