8/17/15 Soda Fire Evening Update (Oregon/Idaho border)

Soda Fire Evening Update 8/17/15

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team- Todd Pechota, Incident Commander

Great Basin Team 5 – Mike Whalen, Incident Commander

Information Center: (208) 779-1971

Website: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4475/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sodafire2015

Email: sodafireinfo@gmail.com

August 17, 2015 – 9pm

Current Situation: In a pleasant turn of events, today’s predicted wind event never transpired. This made it possible for crews to increase containment to 90%. It was a slow patrol day, as the majority of the fire had zero smokes and only a few hot spots were noted near the perimeter in one area. Tonight will be the last night shift of the fire.

One objective today was to maintain the current perimeter to protect forage resources for already impacted ranches in the community. Crews will also continue mopping up unburned islands within the containment lines, preserving sage-grouse habitat.

Public Safety: Owyhee County Sheriff’s office reminds the community that road closures remain in effect for Rabbit Creek Road, Reynolds Creek Road, and Silver Creek Road on the Owyhee Front. Local property owner access is being allowed. We continue to ask that recreationists find alternative locations to recreate as fire suppression activities continue and until the fire is contained, for public safety

Fire Statistics:

Location: 8 miles northeast of Jordan Valley, OR

Start Date: August 10, 2015

Size: 283,686 acres Percent Contained: 90% 

Total Personnel: 702 Cause: Undetermined

Resources Include: 5 helicopters, 26 engines, 13 crews, 9 water tenders, and 8 dozers.