Beachie Creek Fire Update for Friday September 11, 2020

Brian Gales, Incident Commander, NWIMT13
Les Hallman, Incident Commander, OSFM

Start date: Aug, 16, 2020
Location: Santiam Canyon west of Detroit, OR, Southern Clackamas County
Cause: Unknown
Fire size: 186,856 Acres
Air Assets Assigned: 7
Total personnel: 487

Salem, Ore. – Firefighters spent yesterday morning mopping up areas along the southern fire front along the Highway 22 corridor. Crews were successful in establishing anchor points in the Mehama and Lyons area where significantly less fire growth occurred. Crews then transition to doing structure protection in Silver Falls State Park and the areas of Drake’s Crossing and Scott’s Mills. Structural protection and assessment were also done along the Abiqua drainage while additional crews established anchor points to limit rapid fire spread. As the fire continued north, work was performed along the northwest and northern fire fronts. Extremely dry condition fueled continued growth toward the Riverside Fire.

Fire Officials continue to work closely with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT and the Oregon State Police to coordinate recovery efforts along the Santiam Canyon. Currently 13,764 structures are at Level 3 evacuations and another 18,528 homes are under in level 2 evacuations.

It is imperative to protect first responders and communities in the path of the fire that everyone heeds fire and law enforcement road closures and evacuations. Anyone who enters the fire perimeter is jeopardizing firefighting and rescue operations, increasing the time it will take to return residents to their communities and putting lives at risk.

WEATHER:  The strong high pressure over the region for the past several days will weaken today and continue into the weekend.  Winds should also begin to fall below critical thresholds elsewhere. Onshore flow will begin today and continue through the weekend. Temperatures are expected to reach 83-88 degrees today. These weather conditions are generally excepted to improve firefighting conditions as crews work to make progress on the fire.

SAFETY: Members of the public are encouraged to heed local evacuation orders issued by the county sheriff’s office and emergency notification systems. Know each Ready, Set, Go levels and make appropriate preparations. READY your belongings; SET your things at the door or prepack them in your car; GO Leave immediately.

SMOKE:  Smoke is expected to remain heavy throughout the area for the next several days. Individuals with respiratory issues may find themselves affected by the intense smoke. Smoke levels are fluctuating between unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange) and hazardous (maroon) in these areas. Areas closest to fires - near Detroit, Florence, Chiloquin and Eugene - are having the worst smoke impacts. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on DEQ's Air Quality Index or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.

CLOSURES: Willamette National Forest roads, trails, and lands around the fire area are closed. View the official order (Order 06-18-04-20-13) or go to InciWeb (link below) for a list and map of the closed roads, trails, and recreation sites.

Public information:
Facebook: facebook.com/BeachieCreek
E-mail: BeachieCreek@gmail.com
Phone: 541-583-0526, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7001/

Oregon Smoke Blog:  http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/p/air-quality-now.html

Beachie Creek Fire (*Incident Name Update) Update for Thursday September 10, 2020

Brian Gales, Incident Commander, NWIMT13

Les Hallman, Incident Commander, OSFM

Start date: Aug, 16, 2020

Location: Santiam Canyon west of Detroit, OR, Southern Clackamas County

Cause: Unknown

Fire size: 182,000 Acres

Air Assets Assigned: 5

Total personnel: 423

Salem, Ore. – Fire Operations continue to be in rescue mode; however, firefighters made significant progress yesterday in opening roadways for emergency personnel. This has created critical access for crews to affect rescues and for trapped citizens to evacuate. Additionally, as fire crews and law enforcement officers patrol the interior of the fire we gain critical intelligence on the extent of destruction.

The cities of Mill City, Gates, Lyons, Mehama, Detroit and other areas along Hwy 22 have seen significant damage. The fire has destroyed multiple buildings along the Santiam Canyon. Fire managers have now determined that at least 13 new fires were started between Detroit and Mehama from downed powerlines during the peak of Monday’s wind event and then on Tuesday a large front of wind-driven fire ran through the city of Detroit from the east. Local fire departments along the Hwy 22 corridor and along the northern flanks of the fire continue to respond to 911 calls for rescues and new fires. Firefighters also continued their rescue operations in the North Fork Area and along the northern and western perimeter areas of the fire.

Fire crews are working in close coordination with ODOT, Oregon State Police and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to create road access, effect rescues and assess the extent of damage. Evacuation notices are being coordinated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office who are working to identify victims and notify next of kin.

Rescue operations have been extensive and wide-ranging. Rescues have varied widely, in some cases individuals were impeded by downed trees and roadway blockages while others escaped the heavy smoke, high heat and flames by moving to local waterways. Individuals found with injuries were transported to local hospitals for further care and assessment.

Currently 9,764 structures are at Level 3 evacuations and another 11,941 homes are under in level 2 evacuations.

For the safety of first responders, fire officials want to stress how important it is that the public stay out of the fire perimeter. There are many fallen trees, hanging snags and power lines impeding roadways and it is not safe to access these areas.

Fire is a dynamic situation and a rapidly evolving incident. For better accounting of fire resources assigned, the name has been updated to reflect the original assignment. The name of the fire will be referred to as the Beachie Creek Fire.

WEATHER: Red Flag Warnings have been extended through 8 AM PDT Thursday due to the continuation of dry and windy conditions in these areas tonight. Winds should begin to fall below critical thresholds elsewhere. Dry and possibly unstable conditions are expected today. Onshore flow returns by Friday and continues through the weekend and into next week.

SAFETY: Members of the public are encouraged to heed local evacuation orders issued by the county sheriff’s office and emergency notification systems. Any public trying to access the area are asked to stay away to keep roads clear for those evacuating and for emergency vehicles. The roads are extremely hazardous due to falling debris, smoke and emergency vehicle traffic. Members of the public in the immediate area are asked to keep the Ready, Set, Go levels of evacuation in mind. READY your belongings; SET your things at the door or prepack them in your car; GO Leave immediately.

SMOKE: Smoke is expected to remain heavy throughout the area for the next several days. Individuals with respiratory issues may find themselves affected by the intense smoke. Smoke levels are fluctuating between unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange) and hazardous (maroon) in these areas. Areas closest to fires - near Detroit, Florence, Chiloquin and Eugene are having the worst smoke impacts. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on DEQ's Air Quality Index or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.

CLOSURES: Willamette National Forest roads, trails, and lands around the fire area are closed. View the official order (Order 06-18-04-20-13) or go to InciWeb (link below) for a list and map of the closed roads, trails, and recreation sites.

Public information:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeachieCreekFire2020

E-mail: Santiamfire2020@gmail.com Phone: 541-583-0526, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7001/

Oregon Smoke Blog:  http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/p/air-quality-now.html

1. Entering into or being upon National Forest System lands closed for the protection of public health or safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e)

2. Being on the road. 36 CFR § 261.54(e)

3. Being on a trail. 36 CFR § 261.55(a)

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50 (e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Any person with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission;

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

3. Owners or lessees of land in the area.

4. Forest Service Roads may be utilized by visitors vacating the Forest.

Forest Service
Willamette National Forest
3106 Pierce Parkway Suite D
Springfield. OR 97477
541-225-6300
https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette/

News Release

Media Contact:
Jennifer O’Leary, Public Information Officer
joleary@blm.gov
541-222-9241

Your safety is paramount: Continued rapid fire growth expected

Springfield, OR, Sept. 8, 2020 – Continued rapid fire growth is expected tonight as theRed Flag Warning for low humidities and strong east winds remains in effect. The highest priority is your safety. Many towns in and around the western slopes of the Cascades near Forest lands remain under Level 3 - Go Evacuations being implemented by County Sheriff’s Offices. Please be aware of notifications and advisories being issued by local authorities, and check back often for updates on fire activity and how it may potentially impact you. Opportunities for firefighters to make assessments of the status of current fires on the Willamette National Forest were limited today due to active fire behavior. Using sound risk management practices, firefighters will continue to conduct assessments and take suppression actions on fires where it is safe to do so. Based on the latest heat signatures, Beachie Creek Fire is now estimated to be over 100,000 acres in size, with 0% containment. Further growth along the fire’s perimeter with east winds pushing the fire to the southwest is expected again tonight. The Incident Command Post for Northwest Incident Management Team 13 has been re-established in Salem.

As of noon today, the Holiday Farm Fire located along Oregon Route 126 had traveled from milepost 47, where it was first reported last night, to Vida Fire Station, an estimated distance of 20 miles. Observed fire behavior included twelve-foot flames and long range spotting up to a mile and a half away. The fire, which is 0% contained, is established on the ridgelines of both sides of the highway. An approximate size of the fire is not currently available. Presently, it is not safe to conduct thorough assessments of any damage the fire may have caused. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Warner Fire, which started last night on the Middle Fork Ranger District, is estimated to be five acres. The fire is located ¾ mile east of McCredie Day Use Area. Despite having the fire mostly lined, fire managers feel the influence of tonight’s weather conditions on it could prove challenging. Moderate to heavy smoke impacts from the fires are expected to continue along the western slopes of the Cascades and into the Willamette Valley. Stay informed on air quality ratings and more by visiting the Oregon Smoke Blog at http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/. Learn how to stay safe from wildfire smoke at

https://www.cdc.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/default.htm.

The Red Flag Warning for the persistence of critical fire weather on the heels of this historic September event with low humidity and east winds of 15 to 30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph remains in effect until 8pm tomorrow. Conditions during this time will remain favorable for continued rapid fire spread. All recreation offerings across the Willamette National Forest are currently closed including campgrounds, day use areas, trails, boat ramps and more. Forest Service roads are closed to the public across the Willamette National Forest unless you are vacating the Forest.

Evacuations are managed by local emergency officials. You are encouraged to check with local emergency officials for the latest information on evacuations.

Marion County https://www.facebook.com/MCSOInTheKnow

Lane County https://www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment

Visit https://www.tripcheck.com/ for the latest road and weather condition updates.

Additional fire information is available on Inciweb:

Beachie Creek Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7001/
Lionshead Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7049/

Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @WillametteNF.

When the Dome Fire broke on August 15th from lighting, the Mojave National Preserve responded with every available resource they had to contain and suppress this fire. The Preserve has only a small contingent of suppression resources and was supported by the Bureau of Land Management and San Bernardino County Fire. Because of the numerous fires throughout the state, additional resources were limited or experienced long travel times to the location.

During the initial attack, fire personnel experienced extreme and potentially unsafe fire conditions which reduced the ability to implement traditional tactics such as direct attack. Due to passing thunderstorms the fire exhibited rapid runs. The winds shifted from one direction to another causing the head of the fire to continuously change directions. Firefighters were exposed to excessive heat. Additionally, the vegetation was at historic dry levels and ignited easily.

The objectives of wildland firefighting are the protection of life, property and the natural resources. Decisions are made by the fire commanders to utilize strategies and tactics that have the best chance for success while providing for firefighter safety.

Fire personnel had little to no support for additional resources to fulfill objectives. When other large fires occur prior to or simultaneously, the regional fire directors have to make critical decisions regarding which incident will receive fire resources. While currently in a National Preparedness Level of 5, it may be nearly impossible to adequately to support all fires to the ideal requirements. Priority is typically given to fires in areas where a large population and valuable infrastructure are located; wherein the fire has the most probability to rapidly grow to a more challenging size and character, becoming more difficult to control.

With the limited resources on the scene of the Dome Fire and little support confirming arrival, the incident commander and agency managers determined the need to order a Federal Incident Management Team. Teams such as these bring a contingent of highly experienced leadership to provide operational, planning and logistical support. In addition, the teams can improve the ability to order and receive the fire resources needed.

During the current recent fire conditions, fire managers never consider the option of supporting naturally caused fires to burn for resource benefit. This strategy is too risky to control, and it is not conducive to meeting ecological objectives.

As additional fires start and grow exponentially, the fire service is experiencing a 'draw down' in staffing at the national level. Unfortunately, the possibility of quickly containing fire starts may be limited as the season continues to be hot, dry and thunderstorm activity resumes.

Seneca Smith, Public Information Officer - CA Incident Management Team 12

 History of Mining on Mojave National Preserve

News Release  August 18, 2020

Colton, WA - The Chief Timothy Fire is located about 5 miles west of Clarkston, WA on the Washington side of the Snake River canyon. It started on Sunday August 16 and has burned approximately 1,400 acres of rangeland (grass and brush). Due to steep terrain, incident personnel have not mapped the fire perimeter with GPS units, therefore the incident size is approximate based on visual observations.

Northeast Washington Incident Management Team 3 was dispatched to assist the initial suppression efforts by Whitman and Asotin County Fire Districts and local landowners. The initial efforts by crews, aircraft, and equipment, resulted in dozer and hand control lines surrounding the current fire perimeter. Fire camp is established at the Colton School.

Last night fire crews patrolled the perimeter and provided structure protection for homes in the vicinity. There are no evacuation orders in place or expected.

Today, Crews are working on securing the fire perimeter by reinforcing established control lines and making sure hot spots near the fire control lines are extinguished.

Very hot temperatures are predicted for today with a slight chance for thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
 
 

Quick Facts

Chief Timothy Fire

Incident Start:

August 16, 2020

Incident
Approximate

Size:

Approx. 1400 acres

Fire
Containment:

30% Contained

90% Lined

Assigned

Resources
on the
Incident

Hand Crews: 2

 Engines: 10

Total

Personnel on Incident:

95

Estimated incident
Containment Date:

Thursday, August 20

Fire Cause:

Human

Evacuation Orders:

None

News Release  August 19, 2020

Colton, WA - The Chief Timothy Fire is located about 5 miles west of Clarkston, WA in the Snake River canyon. It started on Sunday August 16 and has burned approximately 1,400 acres of rangeland (grass and brush). No homes are threatened.

Crews spent yesterday reinforcing control lines. Where conditions allowed (not too steep, etc.), crews extinguished any remaining hot spots within 50 feet of the fire control line. Fast moving thunderstorms passed over the fire yesterday afternoon and early this morning with no change to estimated containment or acres.

There are no evacuation orders in place or expected.

Today  Crews will continue to extinguish hot spots to expand the fire line to 100 feet where terrain and conditions are safe. 
 
 Incident Start date:  8/16/20

Incident approximate size:  1,400 estimate

Fire Containment:  80% contained,  100% lined

Assigned resources on scene:  Hand crews : 2
                                             Engines: 10

Total personnel on incident:  95

Estimated incident containment date:  8/20/20

Fire Cause:  Human

Evacuation orders:  None

8 Mile Fire: 625 acres, 100% contained
Location: approximately 8 miles west of Sanderson, Texas

The 8 Mile Fire is 100% contained and has been turned back over to the local fire department to monitor.