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 27, 2002

8:00 AM

 

The Winter Fire, ignited by lightning two weeks ago, is now 35,078 acres and 75% contained. 

 

Yesterday’s increase in the fire’s acreage was the result of burnout operations, designed to remove brush and trees between the containment lines and the fire. This will greatly help fire crews working to hold the fire within lines during a critical fire weather pattern setting up over the next 24 hours. 

 

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for strong winds and low humidity Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. The National Weather Service predicts wind gusts could reach 30 mph on ridge tops in the afternoon.

 

 “I think the winds are going to challenge us on the south end,” said Jim Mair, Incident Commander. 

 

Fire crews have now established hand-constructed and dozer-plowed containment lines around the entire fire, and will be working quickly this morning to reinforce these lines in anticipation of the winds this afternoon. Three task forces of National Guard troops, consisting of 15 20-person crews are helping to patrol and mop-up hot spots. In addition, The Guard has been using their heavy–lift Chinook helicopters to dump water on flare-ups.

 

The contracted helicopter that made the emergency landing on Wednesday had its engine replaced yesterday and was flown out of the fire area.

 

Full containment of the Winter Fire is expected by August 1.

 

A vehicle rollover accident unrelated to the fire occurred on Hwy 31 late yesterday afternoon. A woman and 10 year old child were assisted by several fire fighters while awaiting the arrival of an ambulance. The driver and passenger sustained only minor abrasions and bruises.

 

Some of the cooperating agencies on the Winter Fire include Oregon Department of Forestry, USDA Forest Service, USDI Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Corrections, and Lake County.

 

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

 

Resources Currently Assigned To the Winter Fire

 

Hand Crews

44

Engines

34

Helicopters

6

Dozers

16

Water Tenders

16

Total Personnel

1,470

 

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