8/8/2014 AM Fire Update 5 Mile and Somers Fires

Fire Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 8, 2014 AM

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 southeast flank of the 5 Mile Fire was active again yesterday. Firefighters assisted by heavy helicopters with water drops and retardant from single engine air tankers were successful to keep the fire south of the Hat Point Road. 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 are patrolling for hotspots. Firefighters will be attempting to go direct along the southern flank on the ridge between Dunlap and Thorn Creeks.  If fire becomes established in Thorn Creek, firefighters will drop back to the ridge between Thorn and Jody Creeks and burnout fuels along the previously prepared containment line. Aviation assets will continue to be critical to keeping the fire in check. 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-25%

Total Personnel-365

                Crews-7               Engines-16          Water Tenders-9              Dozers-3              Helicopters-4

Somers Fire – The Somers Fire is located in the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area. The fire continued to grow yesterday. Firefighters were flown into the Somers radio repeater site to reduce fuels around the area. Others completed cold-trailing around the Pittsburg administrative site and the area is considered secure. Equipment was also flown into the Temperance and Tryon Creek Ranches (locations north and south 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 flight to install the new radio repeater did not occur and is rescheduled. Today, the fire is expected to continue to grow north and south (laterally) with little movement east or west. The priority continues to be point protection of the radio repeater at Somers Point, and additional sites located in the canyon.  The new radio repeater will be installed on the Idaho side of the Snake River to aid in radio communications.  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.  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 is expected to be implemented today closing the use of the Oregon river frontage of the Snake River to use.  See Closures below for more information.

Start Date-August 3 

Cause-Lightning 

Acres- 12,000  

Percent Contained-0%

Total Personnel-10 Rappellers

Weather:

Continued hot and dry weather will persist today with temperatures in the mid and lower 90s with relative humidity of 12-17%.  A chance of thunderstorms is forecasted this afternoon and increases through-out the week-end.

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. A new closure order is being developed that will close the Oregon river frontage of the Snake River to landing or camping in the fire area.  More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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:

Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4048/  and http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4053/

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 20140808_AM-5Mile-SomersUpdate.doc

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