Sunday, August 10, 2014

8/10/2014 9:00 am Beaver Complex Update



August 10, 2014
9:00 a.m.                    

Special Message: 
Thunderstorms expected today in the area of the Oregon Gulch Fire pose a significant threat to safety.  If you see lightning and hear thunder following in less than 30 seconds, take shelter in a vehicle or building.  If you are outdoors, find a low spot away from tall trees and conductive objects.  Do not resume work in exposed areas until 30 minutes after the storm has passed. 

Current Situation (Oregon Gulch Fire): 
Dry lightning is predicted for today, creating a high potential for new fire starts in the area.  Fire managers directed crews today to stay vigilant on the primary mission of full containment of the Oregon Gulch Fire, while at the same time keeping an eye on the big picture and being ready to respond to any new fires which may start nearby.  Lightning safety plans are in place for fire crews on the line as well as personnel stationed at the Incident Command Post.

Good progress has been made on the mop up process and the fire perimeter is more secure each day.  Crews will be using thermal imaging equipment today to identify and extinguish hot spots within 500 feet of the edge of the fire.  Unstable weather, thunderstorms and fuel conditions create the potential for extreme fire behavior.

Weather and Fire Behavior: 
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning starting at 11:00 am today, extending to 11:00 pm Tuesday.  Thunderstorms are expected to arrive in the fire area this afternoon bringing with them abundant dry lightning.  Any new fire starts may grow rapidly due to the dry fuel conditions.  There is a good potential for extreme fire behavior given the fire weather conditions.  Temperatures should be between 87 and 92 degrees with relative humidity between 13 and 18%.

Fire Statistics for Oregon Gulch
Location:  15 miles east of Ashland, OR                    Percent Contained: 64%                            
Size:  35,129 acres (9,464 acres in California)                          Cause:  Lightning                             
Start Date: 7/30/14                            

Oregon wildland resources assigned to the complex include: 48 Type 2 hand crews, 4 camp crews, 44 engines, 13 dozers, 29 water tenders, and overhead personnel. 

Air resources:  7 helicopters

Total personnel:  1458

Evacuation orders by county:
Jackson County
The evacuation level for residents from the 6,000 block south to the Oregon Border on Copco Road remains at a Level 1 Evacuation.  Access to Copco Road is limited to residents and emergency services only.  Residents living along Highway 66 in Jackson County between the 11,000 and 22,000 block are still under a Level 1 Evacuation.  This does not impact people living in Keno.  Level 1 Evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation.  Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. 

Klamath County
Current roadblocks remain at Road 106 (Camp 4) south from Highway 66.

For the complex, 270 homes and 50 outbuildings are threatened; 6 homes were destroyed.

Places to get information:

Twitter - www.twitter.com/swofire/

Southwest Oregon District Blog - www.swofire.com/
Smoke Information - oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office - www.facebook.com/JacksonCountySheriff

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