8/11/2014 AM 5 Mile and Somers Fire Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 11, 2014 AM

5 Mile and Somers Fires – Joseph, Oregon

Information Contact Number: 541-432-0119

Location:  Two fires near Imnaha, Oregon.

Current situation: Smoke has settled into the area creating an "unhealthy" outdoor environment for those sensitive to poor air quality.  The air quality should improve today and be greatly improved by Tuesday.  Those sensitive to the smoke should remain inside and limit outdoor activities. An Air Quality Monitoring Group has been requested to assist in assessing the smoke and its health effects. Plans have been made to move part of the helibase and the air operations closer to the two fires.

5 Mile Fire –Firefighters continued to mop-up containment lines along the southeast flank.  The east, north, and west flanks are all in mop-up and rehabilitation status. Fences and water lines damaged during suppression actions are being repaired on private property as appropriate. This fire is expected to be in patrol status by end of shift. Equipment no longer needed is being back hauled to the incident command post. A chipper will begin work along the Hat Point Road cleaning up brush from earlier suppression efforts. The need for the Level 1 Evacuation Notice was again reviewed and will be re-evaluated 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.  The public should be aware of the potential for additional fire traffic on the Imnaha Road.

Start Date-August 3 

Cause-Under investigation 

Acres- 4,700

Percent Contained-65%

Total Personnel-386

            Crews-8           Engines-11      Water Tenders-8         Dozers-1          Helicopters-4

Somers Fire – The fire grew laterally north, south, and west.  Once the visibility cleared yesterday afternoon, the fire had moved over the planned containment ridge above Deep Creek in the northwest corner.  Heavy helicopters and retardant drops were unable to check the forward movement.  Two crews will move to a spike camp at Thomason Meadows to scout potential containment lines along Summit and Tryon Ridges.  Firefighters are prepared to defend the historical Tryon Creek and Temperance Ranches, and other historical and administrative sites. Other firefighters are being shuttled by jet boat and helicopters to provide point protection at various other locations in the canyon. Two Remote Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS) were placed near the Somers Fire to gather site specific weather information for operational planning. Boaters on the Snake River need to be aware of water dipping activities and to use caution while in the area.

Start Date-August 3 

Cause-Lightning 

Acres- 26,000

Percent Contained-0%

Total Personnel-20

Weather:

Hot and dry weather will persist with temperatures in the mid-90s and relative humidity 11-16%.  A Red Flag Warning has been issued for today beginning at 11:00 am through Tuesday 11:00 pm for abundant lightning.  Local unit and incident firefighters are prepared to respond to any new fire starts.

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. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest implemented two Closure Orders closing 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 River 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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