8/7/2015 Phillips Creek Fire Update

Expect an Increase in Smoke Production Today and Saturday as Burnout Operations Proceed on the Phillips Creek Fire

Delays on Highway 204 Due to Firefighting Operations: As the Phillips Creek Fire continues to back downhill towards Hwy 204, travelers can expect delays due to firefighting operations. Drivers are encouraged to drive with caution as smoke may greatly reduce visibility, and firefighters and equipment could be working along the edge of the highway. For current information concerning road conditions on Hwy 204, travelers should visit www.tripcheck.com.

Yesterday’s Operations: On the northeast corner and the southern portion above Hwy 204 on National Forest lands, firefighters continued to conduct firing operations down from Middle Ridge Road towards Hwy 204. In the southwest and west flanks, adjacent to private lands, firefighters took advantage of moderating fire behavior to go direct to the fire’s edge and secure the fire at those locations. Helicopter water drops were used to ensure the firing operations maintained a low to moderate intensity level.

Weather and Fire Behavior: The forecast today calls for mostly sunny conditions with temperatures near 80 degrees. The potential for active fire behavior still exists with low relative humidity in the region. Winds will be light.

Today’s Operations: Weather and fuel conditions are favorable for today’s planned aerial ignition on National Forest land above Hwy 204 and helicopter bucket drops will be used to moderate fire intensity. Additional contingency lines east of Hwy 204 will continue to be improved. Firefighters will continue to mop-up in areas where the line is directly adjacent to the fire.

Phillips Creek Fire information can be found on Inciweb at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4443/