8/13/2014 Bald Sisters Fire Update

Acres: 1,108                            Start date:  August 2, 2014

Cause:  Lightning                    Location: 12 Miles East of Prairie City, OR

Containment: 0%                    Fuels: Timber

Terrain: Steep, Rugged          Resources: 6 Crews, 10 Engines, 4 Dozers, 6 Tenders

Total personnel: 329               Helicopters: 1 Fixed- winged aircraft: 1

Despite light rain over the fire area, a red flag warning is still in effect for the fourth day in a row until 11:00 pm tonight. Possible lighting may pose a risk to firefighter safety and new fires may start. Crews completed and continued to improve fire lines on the South West and East ends of the fire and safety zones were completed for firefighter protection. Several alternate back-up plans have been developed, should the fire grow beyond containment.

                                                   

Today, firefighters will continue with the plan by improving fire lines on Forest Road13 road and to the east side of the fire. These roads are primary fires lines to inhibit fire spread into the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and prevent any fire movement to the south.

 “Crews have done a great job removing hazardous debris,” said the Incident Commander Mike Quesinberry. “Now what remains is chipping the material and falling remaining dangerous trees alongside the road. Our primary concern today is staying alert to new fire starts.”

For all information on forest road closures regarding the fire, please link to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/malheur/alerts-notices/?aid=24329

Please note: The phone contact number for the Bald Sisters Fire public information office has been changed to 541-820-4919

Please refer to www.inciweb.nwcg.gov  or www.facebook.com/baldsistersfire for up-to-date fire information.

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