Corrected Copy: Date of Containment is 8/1

 

Unified Command:

Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2

Fremont National Forest

                                                                                              

                                                                                                     Information Contact:

541-943-3513

541-943-0998

                                                                        

Winter Fire Update

July 23, 2002

8:00 AM

 

A contingent of 289 National Guard personnel set up an encampment yesterday at Paisley to begin work on the Winter Fire. After several days of training in Bend, they will hit the fire lines today assisting with fire suppression on the northern section of the fire. 

 

Thunderstorms brought strong downdrafts over the fire yesterday afternoon creating extreme burning conditions in an area of bug-killed lodgepole pine on the west flank, pushing the fire across Forest Road 2901. Crews were temporarily pulled off the fire line in that area until the fire behavior moderated. The good news is that the thunderstorms brought a drenching rain that has cooled much of the fire overnight. Fire crews and dozers returned to the area last night to begin re-establishing the containment line.

 

Governor Kitzhaber arrived yesterday afternoon at the Winter Fire Incident Command Post in Paisley to receive an update on the fires burning in the area. An Area Command has been established at Lakeview to prioritize resources on the fires burning within Lake County. These include the Winter, Toolbox, Silver, and Grizzly fires, which collectively cover over 95,000 acres. The Governor listened as the fire staff reported.

 

The fire weather forecast for today predicts mostly sunny conditions with only a slight chance for showers or thunderstorms, predominantly over the far northern portion of the fire.

 

The lightning-caused fire started on July 12th, is currently estimated at 34,300 acres and 40% contained. There are 1160 personnel currently assigned to the fire. There have been no major injuries. Fire managers are projecting full containment on August 1st.

 

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

 

Resources Currently Assigned To Winter Fire

 

Contract Hand Crews (20 person crews)

24

National Guard Hand Crews (10 person crews)

20

Engines

32

Helicopters

9

Dozers

17

Water Tenders

11

Total Personnel

1160

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