News Release 09/27/08 9:00am PT
Incident: Lonesome Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/27/2008
News Release - 09/27/08 9:00 a.m. PT
PNW National Incident Management Team 3 assumed management of the Lonesome Complex at 6 a.m., Thursday, September 25, 2008
Yesterday's Activities: Firefighters continued to make significant progress mopping up the burned out areas on the western flank of the fire. Contingency lines are being installed and chippers are being used to remove brush and small trees from several roads along the eastern side of the fire. The crews located a line for laying hose from the fire's northern edge up to Union Peak. They also continued scouting for the best locations to put a hose line between Union Peak and the Pacific Crest Trail.
The Lonesome Complex is operating two helibases in support of firefighting efforts. Both helicopters and fixed wing airplanes dropped water and retardant on the fire front near Union Peak. Helicopters were also involved in supporting the three spike camps located in the interior to the fire.
Weather and Fire Behavior: A general warming and drying trend seen yesterday in the fire area is expected to continue for the next several days. Winds should be light on Saturday and increasing on Sunday and Monday. The fire will continue torching individual trees and creeping and spreading in the heavy fuels. The fire may do some short runs up favorable slopes in the afternoon.
Today's Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue holding the fire's northern and eastern spread as they build and strengthen containment lines. Chipping will continue along road 3282. Final mop-up work will occur on the west edge of the fire. The fire line rehabilitation in collaboration with personnel from the Prospect Ranger District will continue. Air attack will continue with both helicopters and airplanes dropping water and retardant near Union Peak. Helicopters will deliver supplies to the spike camps and continue reconnaissance missions throughout the day.
Closures: A map of the three area closures for the Lonesome Complex is available online at: http://www.inciweb.org/ - Lonesome Complex / MAPS
This Fire Update was produced by the Lonesome Information Center staffed by PNW Team 3 Incident Management Team.
Quick Facts: Lonesome Complex Summary
Location: 12 miles East of Prospect, OR
Approximate Size: 19,263 acres
Fire Containment: 35%
Start Date: August 16, 2008
Cause: Lightning
Incident Commander: Jeff Pendleton, PNW Team 3
Resources on the Fire:
26 crews
9 helicopters
14 engines
1 dozers
20 water tenders
Total Personnel: 936
Estimated Containment Date: October 15, 2008
Cooperating Agencies: USFS NPS
Landowners: USFS NPS
