8/7/2014 Bald Sisters Update

Bald Sisters Fire Update August 7

Acres: 583                               Start date:  August 2, 2014

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

Containment: 0%                    Fuels: Timber

Terrain: Steep, Rugged           Resources: 4 Crews, 5 Engines, helicopters, 2 Dozers, 3 Tenders

Total personnel:                      196

Bald Sisters Fire Experienced Significant Growth Yesterday

Summary: The Bald Sisters Fire grew significantly yesterday, July 6^th.  A highly visible plume was formed by the fire as it spread into unburned fuels, including an area which has experienced high tree mortality due to bug infestations.  Crews were unable to fight the fire directly as fire behavior was too intense. 

Today's plan has been drawn up to scout for new opportunities for fireline construction while continuing to reinforce existing firelines.  Keeping this in mind, the Bald Sisters Fire is expected to continue to show growth for the next few days as it burns within a large area of beetle killed timber.  The fire is projected to be most active during the hottest, driest part of the day which is from about 1pm through the early evening.  An indirect approach to fighting this fire is currently being utilized as fire behavior and fuel loading are simply too dangerous to work directly on the fire perimeter.  

The public is asked to please notice and obey the following closures:

1. Forest Service Road (FR) 13- at the junction of County Road (CR) 62 on the west

side; and at the junction of FR 13 and FR 1370 on the east side. (Residents only)

2.  Forest Service Road (FR) 2635 -at the junction of (CR) 62 on the west side; and at

the junction of FR 2635 and FR 476 on the east side. (Residents only)

3.  Forest Service Road (FR) 2652 - at the junction of FR 268 on the south; and at the

junction of FR 2640 on the north;

4.  Forest Service Road (FR) 2655- at the junction of FR 2652
5. Trout Farm Campground

Please note: We do not yet have a telephone line established.  We will publish a Bald Sisters Fire Information telephone number as soon as phone lines are established.

Please refer to www.inciweb.nwcg.gov for up-to-date fire information.

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