NIAGARA FIRE UPDATE – JULY 5, 2015 MORNING
July 6, 2015
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News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry – Posted on FlashAlert: July 5th, 2015 10:15 AM
Oregon Department of Forestry North Cascades District, Santiam Unit
Russ Lane, Incident Commander
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Size: 70 acres
Location: Adjacent to Big Cliff Dam on Highway 22
Personnel: 100
Aircraft: 5 helicopters, 3 Type 1, 2 Type 2
Weather: hot dry conditions expected to continue
The Niagara Fire was reported on July 4, 2015 burning above Big Cliff Dam along Highway 22. The fire grew rapidly with some spotting burning through heavy timber to a size now estimated at 70 acres. Helicopters and air tankers were used to slow its growth, and little additional growth was observed overnight.
Today, July 5, 2015, the goal explained by Russ Lane, Incident Commander “is to knock the fire down by air and get a containment line around it on the ground.” Weather in the fire area continues to be hot and dry, with historically dry fuels. About 100 personnel are assigned to the fire. Five helicopters, three heavy lift and two medium lift, are available to provide support for fire line construction.
There are no road or recreational closures associated with the fire at this time. Visitors to the Detroit Lake Recreation Area should be aware that boating on the west end of the lake and recreational activities on Detroit dam may be limited due to fire activity. For those traveling Highway 22, visit the Oregon Department of Transportation Trip Check site http://tripcheck.com for the most current information. Fire traffic is heavy in the vicinity of the Big Cliff Dam and the public is advised to use caution when traveling in this area.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire restrictions are in effect on the Willamette National Forest and state and private forests, http://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/fire/precautionlevelmap.aspx.
Cooperators include: Willamette National Forest, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon Department of Transportation, Bonneville Power Administration, Detroit-Idahna Fire District, Gates Fire Department, and Lyons Fire Department
