8/10/2014 10:00 am Mile and Somers Fire Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 10, 2014 AM

5 Mile and Somers Fires – Joseph, Oregon

Information Contact Number: 541-432-0119

Location:  Two fires near Imnaha, Oregon.

Current situation:

5 Mile Fire –Firefighters continued to secure containment lines along the south flank.  The infrared flight from last night showed heat in the southeast corner and firefighters will be working to mop up the residual hotspots. The east, north, and west flanks are all in mop-up and rehabilitation status. Fences damaged during suppression actions are being repaired on private property. The need for the Level 1 Evacuation Notice was reviewed and will be reevaluated today. 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. An initial attack group has been identified to respond to any new fire starts within the local vicinity.

Start Date-August 3 

Cause-Under investigation 

Acres- 4,700

Percent Contained-50%

Total Personnel-399

            Crews-8           Engines-11      Water Tenders-8         Dozers-2          Helicopters-4

Somers Fire – The fire continues to grow laterally north and south due to the light fuels and an extended burn period. Smoke from this fire and other regional fires are posing a challenge to ground and aerial operations. Firefighters are prepared to defend the historical Tryon Creek Ranch and continue to work around the Temperance Ranch. Fire burned down to the Temperance Ranch and a small burnout was initiated to check the forward movement. The priority continues to be point protection of the radio repeater at Somers Point and additional historic sites and ranches located in the canyon.  The Wisnor Place cabin was lost yesterday as the fire moved south.  Firefighters will be scouting potential containment lines, specifically along Summit Ridge.  Resources continue to transition from 5 Mile Fire to Somers Fire.  Firefighters are being shuttled by jet boat and helicopters. Heavy helicopters from Joseph and McCall will continue with bucket drops of water to cool the fire's edge on the north and south flanks. Boaters on the Snake River need to be aware of water dipping activities and to use caution while in the area. Three Remote Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS) are being strategically placed near the Somers Fire to gather site specific weather information for operational planning. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has implemented a Closure restricting the use of the Oregon and Idaho river frontage for ¼ mile inland along the Snake River.  See Closures below for more information.

Start Date-August 3 

Cause-Lightning 

Acres- 20,000

Percent Contained-0%

Total Personnel-27

Weather:

Continued hot and dry weather will persist with temperatures in the upper 90s to 100 degrees with relative humidity of 9-15%. A Fire Weather Watch is issued for all of northeast Oregon late Monday through Tuesday for abundant lightning. 

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. Two new Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Closure orders are being implemented that will close the Oregon and Idaho river frontage of the Snake River ¼ mile inland.  The river will be closed on the Oregon side from Copper Creek to Rush Creek and on the Idaho side from the Forest Boundary to the north and the mouth of the Salmon to the south. For a full listing of the closures please see the following links:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3812310.pdf

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3812309.pdf

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): Two TFRs are in place over the two fires. The TFR over the Somers Fire has been expanded due to the perimeter growth. Please check the NOTAM for current information. TFRs 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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