News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry – Posted on FlashAlert: August 24th, 2015 9:33 PM
Willamina Creek Fire Update
Oregon Department of Forestry
West Oregon District – Dallas Unit
Fire Information number: (503) 934-8153
August 24, 2015
8:00 pm
Current Situation:
Crews working on the Willamina Creek Fire spent the day fully-engaged in mop-up activities. This is arduous work during which firefighters locate and fully extinguish every hot spot. This process requires digging out roots and stumps or breaking apart piles of burned fuel which still has burning material deep inside. Crews often use water to extinguish the burning material completely until they can’t feel any heat. Mop up can be a long process–especially in the heavy fuels that characterize the northwest Oregon Coast Range forests. Firefighters on the Willamina Creek Fire will be mopping up the entire 230 acre fire area to ensure no hidden ember has a chance to escape and reignite the fire. Tree fallers were working in the fire area again today taking down snags and hazard trees to protect the crews who will be working below. Handheld infrared cameras will be used again tonight to help identify as many hidden hot spots as possible. A few crews will also be working on mop up this evening.
This will be the last evening update for this fire. Daily updates will continue to be provided in the morning once per day unless conditions change.
Weather and Fire Behavior:
The weather forecast is expected to become partly cloudy overnight with temperatures between 50 and 53 degrees and 84-88% humidity.
Fire Statistics
Location: approx. 9 miles north of Willamina, OR
Percent contained: 75%
Size: 230 acres
Cause: under investigation
Start Date: 8/19/15, approximately 5:00 pm
Wildland resources assigned to the fire include (day and night shifts): 13 hand crews, 6 engines, 1 dozer, 6 water tenders, and overhead personnel.
Total personnel: 197
Cost estimate to date: $1,086,000
Evacuations and closures:
Four cabins along East Creek Road are under a Level 1 (Ready, in the Ready, Set, Go! system) evacuation. Willamina Creek Road and East Creek Road are closed north of the junction with Coast Creek Road.
Places to get information:
ODF Fire Blog – http://wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/
Facebook – www.facebook.com/oregondepartmentofforestry
Twitter – www.twitter.com/ORDeptForestry
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