Lionshead Fire Update – Saturday, September 26, 2020 - 10 a.m.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LionsheadFire

Lionshead YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHSR6_yJRQkHyGjvvqX99gw

 Did you know that often resources assisting on larger or longer duration fires are not always locals? Many of the teams and crews that come in to assist come from out of the area. This is a map highlighting all the states represented here on the #LionsheadFire right now. With representation from most of the states, as well as Canada, we can truly call this a joint effort. All of the blue states in the attached map indicate the duty stations of Lionshead Fire personnel.

#dechutesNF #mthoodnf #willamettenf

Most state forest lands re-open -


    As of Friday, Sept. 25, all ODF-managed state forest land is open except for the Santiam State Forest and Land in Jackson and Josephine counties. Fire season is still in effect, so know public use restrictions in the area before you go.

    Note that some closures related to COVID-19 pandemic remain in effect. Please visit the recreation list for COCVID-19 updates on the specific recreation sites by opening the attached article and clicking on the underlined text.  This will lead you to the most up-to-date information on Oregon Department of Forestry information.  

NEWS RELEASE

Release date: September 25, 2020

North and east areas of Mt. Hood National Forest to reopen Saturday

Many forest areas that were closed following the historic Labor Day windstorm that brought down thousands of trees and propelled the Riverside Fire will reopen on Saturday, September 26 at 12:01 a.m.  The forest suffered extensive and severe damage as a result of the storm so many areas will remain closed or are still blocked by trees.

On the west side of the forest, areas north of US Highway 26 will reopen.  Land, roads, trails, and recreation sites south of Hwy 26 will remain closed due to widespread damage, debris slides, and the Riverside Fire, which is just under 140,000 acres in size and 34% contained.  The closed area includes all of Clackamas River Ranger District and a portion of Zigzag Ranger District.  The Timberline Trail, Pacific Crest Trail (Timberline to Town Trail), Top Spur Trail, Sandy River Trail (Ramona Falls), and other trails in the immediate vicinity of Mt. Hood, while not formally closed, are nearly impassable due to downed trees.

A few sites south of Hwy 26 will reopen.  These closure exceptions are:

• Forest Road 2618 (Old Salmon River Road);
• Mirror Lake Trailhead;
• Trails within the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness;
• The following trails: Mirror Lake (#664), Salmon River (#742), Still Creek (#780), McIntyre Ridge (#782), Bonanza (#786), Hunchback (#793), Flag Mountain (#766), Salmon Butte (#791), Green Canyon Way (#793A), Cool Creek (#794)



On the east side of the forest Hood River Ranger District and Barlow Ranger District will reopen except for a fire closure area surrounding the White River Fire.  The White River Fire is about 85% contained but is still burning on the interior of the fire and will likely have burning stumps and smoldering hot spots for many weeks.

All campgrounds on the forest have closed for the season, except for the following sites on the east side: Lost Lake, Laurance Lake, Sherwood, Nottingham, Eightmile, Lower Eightmile, Pebble Ford, Wahtum Lake, and Knebel Springs. 

Campfires are still prohibited on the entire Mt. Hood National Forest due to high fire danger and ongoing active fires.  Portable cooking stoves and lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel (like propane) are allowed as they can be instantly switched off.

Downed trees and hanging limbs are still being cleaned up.  Please use extreme caution when out on the forest, including looking up and around you to assess hazards.  While driving, watch out for fallen trees and debris on the roadway, as well as limbs extending over the roadway.

 

Lionshead Fire Update – Friday, September 25, 2020 - 10 a.m.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LionsheadFire

Lionshead YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHSR6_yJRQkHyGjvvqX99gw

We are expected another day of unsettled weather due to the passage of a cold front moving in from the west. Expect windy conditions today and rain beginning in the afternoon. Rain amounts could total over 3/4" today and overnight. 

Good air quality expected today and tomorrow throughout the forecast area.

Thanks to the hard work from the firefighters, as well as some help with the weather, the #LionsheadFire is now at 28% containment!

As containment slowly increases, the public may wonder why some closures or evacuations remain in place, and why they are not able to return home. We sympathize with those who have been affected by these fires. However, it's important to note that containment does not mean a fire is out, or that the danger has passed. The containment percentage ...refers to the perimeter of the fire, and doesn’t correlate to safety level within the fire perimeter. The fire itself may still burn within the interior for many weeks. We want the public to know that we are working diligently to make the areas safe for owners to repopulate, but it takes a thorough cooperative effort to do so

First and foremost, fire managers must assure the areas are contained, secured and safe from fire. Pockets of heat can remain, even months after a fire has passed. Crews are combing these areas diligently to eliminate any potential hazards and hot spots, both for the danger they pose to the public, as well as the possibility of them to reignite. Firefighters are working to cut down hazardous trees, and crews are working to open and clear roads for accessibility. The utility companies are coordinating with fire managers to fix dangerous downed power lines, check the water quality, and assure the area is safe from other potential dangers. The Sheriffs must complete their assessments of structures and infrastructure as well.

Once all parties have confirmed the area is safe for repopulation, the Sheriff will make announcements when they are able to repopulate. Thank you for your patience as we work diligently together to make your communities safe for return.

Prerecorded Information meeting for the public will be shared approximately 12:00 Friday, September 25 


The Rocky Mountain IMT will be recording a meeting tomorrow at 11:00 and then shared immediately afterwards (approximately 12:00).  The meeting will give updates on evacuation changes, current situation on the fire and other updates. Facebook will be one of the easiest ways to view the video of this meeting. The link to Facebook is www.facebook.com/LionsheadFire

It will also be added here on Inciweb. 

Here are the links to the daily operations videos that describe the current status of the fire and the plan for the day.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LionsheadFire
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHSR6_yJRQkHyGjvvqX99gw
 
You can also see past videos too.