8/12/2014 Bald Sisters Fire Update

Acres: 1,068 Start date:
Location: 12 Miles East of Prairie City, OR
Containment: 0%
Fuels: Timber
Terrain: Steep, Rugged
Resources: 8 Crews, 10 Engines, 4 Dozers, 6 Water Tenders
Total personnel: 370
Helicopters: 1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft: 1

A red flag warning is in effect for the third day in a row until 11:00 pm tonight. A 70-acre fire burning on the west side of the main fire has now merged with the main fire. Patches of beetled-killed lodgepole pine continue to burn, with some trees igniting inside the fire perimeter. Firefighters are strengthening lines to keep the fire west of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and north of the 13 Road.

Southwesterly winds today could push the fire and smoke to the northeast into areas of beetle-killed pine. Thunderstorms with gusty, erratic winds up to 20 mph are expected over the fire area early and late this afternoon, with wet and dry lightning which could increase the chance of the fire spreading. Aerial reconnaissance will occur as weather conditions allow. Firefighters remain on alert to suppress any new fires that may start outside of the main fire.

Firefighters expect to complete a final section of fireline today on the east side of the fire. Faller teams, dozers, and feller-buncher machinery will be operating in several locations along Roads 2635 and 2652, and the 13 Road.

Moderate smoke may continue to impact Prairie City, Unity, and John Day, particularly overnight and in the morning; individuals who are very young, elderly, or with respiratory sensitivities are advised to remain indoors during these times.

Closures of roads in the vicinity of the fire remain in effect. For information on these closures refer to www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/malheur/alerts-notices/?aid=24329
.