WILLAMINA CREEK UPDATE
August 21, 2015
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News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry – Posted on FlashAlert: August 21st, 2015 10:06 AM
Willamina Creek Fire Update
Oregon Department of Forestry Team
West Oregon District – Dallas Unit
Fire Information number: (503) 934-8153
August 21, 2015
9:00 am
Special Message:
Expected weather for Saturday shows a return to hot and dry conditions, extending critical fire danger. The Oregon Department of Forestry urges all Oregonians to exercise extreme caution. Before you head out to play in the wildlands, check out fire restrictions. Bring the required fire tools (a shovel plus one gallon of water or a 2 ?1/2 pound fire extinguisher) with you and refrain from engaging in any activity which could create a new fire start. Nationwide, fire resources are stretched thin; preventing one more fire will help.
Current Situation:
An increase in onshore winds late yesterday afternoon pushed the fire towards the southeast, outside of the containment line that had been constructed. Overnight, crews worked to reestablish and strengthen containment lines around that portion of the fire. Winds calmed, temperatures dropped and humidity increased overnight, which helped crews in their efforts. Today’s goal is to have line built around the entire fire and mop-up well under way by the end of the day. Fire managers want to have strong containment lines complete before the weather change, which is expected on Saturday.
The Willamina Creek fire started at approximately 5:00 pm on August 19 on land protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The fire is currently estimated to be about 140 acres and is burning in heavy fuels on BLM and private timberland. The requested infrared flight from last night was not available, so acreage totals are still estimates at this time.
Weather and Fire Behavior:
Forecasted weather for today is similar to yesterday – onshore breezes with cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Temperatures today are predicted to be between 69 and 72 degrees with humidity between 50 and 55%. Looking out to Saturday, hot and dry conditions with northeast winds will return.
Fire Statistics
Location: approx. 9 miles north of Willamina, OR Percent contained: 10%
Size: 140 acres (estimated) Cause: under investigation
Start Date: 8/19/15
Wildland resources assigned to the fire include (day and night shifts): 12 hand crews, 11 engines, 4 dozers, 12 water tenders, and overhead personnel.
Air resources: 1 Type 2 helicopter
Total personnel: 226
Evacuations and closures:
Four cabins along East Creek Road remain under a Level 3 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 – wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/
Facebook – www.facebook.com/oregondepartmentofforestry
Twitter – twitter.com/ORDeptForestry
