Fire Update
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2014 AM
5 Mile and Somers Fires – Joseph, Oregon
NEW Information Contact Number: 541-432-0119
A Community Meeting is scheduled for tonight at the Community Center in Joseph at 6 pm. The public is invited to hear an update on the fires and ask questions.
Location: Two fires near Imnaha, Oregon.
Current situation: Additional firefighting resources are arriving to assist with suppression efforts. Resources continue to be prioritized to protect high value assets and the community of Imnaha.
5 Mile Fire –The southeast flank of the 5 Mile Fire became very active yesterday and last night. Fire became established in Dunlap Creek and burned aggressively uphill throwing embers across the Hat Point Road. The spots totaled approximately 1 acre in size. Two hotshot crews were working to secure those spots last night. Idaho Power crews grounded the deactivated high voltage transmission lines transecting the area. 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. The northern flank near Imnaha and west flank along the river continue to hold. Firefighters continue to mop-up hot spots to secure those lines and structure protection remains in place.
Today will be a critical operational day to hold this fire. Firefighters will be assessing if Thorn Ridge is still a viable option for a containment line. A contingency containment line further south will be scouted. If Thorn Ridge is still an option, a burnout operation will occur today. Timber fallers will begin to fall snags along Hat Point Road. Structure protection efforts will begin at College Creek Guard Station and at Cayuse Flats.
Start Date-August 3
Cause-Under investigation
Acres- 4,700
Percent Contained-20%
Total Personnel-358
Crews-7 Engines-23 Water Tenders- 9 Dozers-2 Helicopters-3
Somers Fire – The Somers Fire is located in the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area. The fire grew significantly yesterday and last night. An infra-red radar flight from early this morning displayed the fire had backed down to the Snake River encompassing approximately seven miles of river frontage. The priority continues to be point protection of Pittsburg administrative site and the radio repeater at Somers Point. A new radio repeater will be installed on the Idaho side of the Snake River to aid in communications. Ten rappellers continue to staff this fire. Lack of availability of resources continues to be an issue on this fire. Resources will be assigned as they become available. Heavy helicopters will continue with bucket drops of water to cool hotspots. Boaters on the Snake River need to be aware of water dipping activities and use caution while in the area.
Start Date-August 3
Cause-Lightning
Acres- 10,000
Percent Contained-0%
Total Personnel-10 Rappellers
Evacuations:
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 remain at a Level 1 Evacuation Notice.
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.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): Two TFRs are in place over the two fires. Please check the NOTAM for current information.
For more information on the 5 Mile and Somers Fires visit:
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