Unified Command:

       Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2

   Fremont National Forest

Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office

                                                                                              

                                                                                                     Information Contact:

541-943-3513

541-943-0998

                                                                        

Winter Fire Update

July 22, 2002

8:00 AM

 

The Winter Fire isn’t giving up easily.  It pushed hard at the north and west lines yesterday, and crossed over a control line on the west side during the night. The fire is now 32,000 acres and is 40% contained. Full containment is expected by July 25th.

 

Two hundred fifty men and women from the Oregon National Guard are expected to set up camp in Paisley this afternoon.  They have been trained in basic fire-fighting skills at the Bend National Guard armory over the last few days.  “The National Guard will really help us out,” said Jim Mair, Incident Commander on the Winter Fire.  “Having them here will give a big morale boost to our fire-fighters who have been here from day one.”  The National Guard will go to the fire line on Tuesday, focusing primarily on putting out any remaining hot spots near homes.

 

Governor Kitzhaber plans to visit Paisley today to review progress of the fire-fighting effort.

 

The structural task forces and the State Fire Marshal’s Red Team will return to their home stations today because of diminished threat to homes in the area of the fire.  Protection of the homes along Highway 31 and in the Ana Reservoir area will continue to be provided by the fire organization. 

 

The City of Paisley is posting fire information on its web page at “www.paisley.presys.com”.

 

Dry lightning is expected this afternoon.  In addition to the threat of new fire starts, firefighters are concerned with the strong downdrafts associated with thunderstorms that can cause erratic fire behavior.

 

There are 814 personnel currently assigned to the fire. There have been no major injuries.

 

 

Resources Currently Assigned To Winter Fire

 

Hand crews

21

Engines

26

Helicopters

9

Dozers

15

Water tenders

11

Total Personnel

814

 

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