News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry – Posted on FlashAlert: August 5th, 2016 1:28 PM
FIRES
Rail Fire
The 6,543 acre Rail Fire is burning 10 miles WSW of Unity in timber and beetle-killed lodgepole pine, in a mix of moderate to steep terrain. As a result of a wind event on Tuesday, the fire spread onto adjacent private property protected by ODF. Approximately 8 acres of private land has been affected.
Suppression along the east side of the fire has lessened the threat to private lands. The fire is 5 percent contained.
An estimated 621 people are assigned to the fire. Objectives for today include improving fire lines, protecting a communication tower site, and minimizing private acres burned. ODF fire managers, personnel and equipment have been involved in the firefighting operations.
Ten residences along Cemetery Road, South Fork Road and Bull Run Road are under a Level 1 Ready evacuation order. This evacuation notice is downgraded from the previously issued Level 2 Set evacuation order. Forest Service campgrounds Mammoth Springs, Elk Creek, Stevens Creek and South Fork remain closed to the public.
The forecast for Friday and Saturday calls for a chance of mostly dry thunderstorms in the area. Thunderstorms often produce gusty winds which can be problematic for firefighters on the line. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80s to lower 90s today.
Current fire restrictions for forestlands in Northeast Oregon can be found at www.bmidc.org
http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ is the spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains.
Neal Creek Fire
The Neal Creek Fire was reported yesterday evening burning in dense second growth Douglas-fir on steep terrain approximately eight miles south of Hood River, in the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Dalles Unit. The fire is estimated to be 15 acres in size.
Winds up to 20 miles an hour and steep terrain could be challenging as hand crews lay hose around the fire today. The fire is now 50 percent contained.
Resources on scene include four 20 person hand crews and 2 engines. A Type 2 and Type 1 helicopter is available.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
FIRE STATISTICS:
Fire statistics are for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the 16 million acres of private and public forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
January 1, 2016, through Friday, Aug. 5, 2016:
Lightning-caused fires: 47 fires burned 2,126 acres
Human-caused fires: 392 fires burned 459 acres
Total: 439 fires burned 2,675 acres
10-year average (for this period of the year)
Lightning-caused fires: 162 fires burned 17,020 acres
Human-caused fires: 380 fires burned 4,136 acres
Total: 542 fires burned 21,156 acres
For information on breaking fires, go to:
http://wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/
