Whitney Fire Update for Monday, July 20, 2009 at 11:00
Incident: Whitney Wildfire
Released: 7/20/2009
The 92 acre Whitney Fire burning in the northern most portion of Crater Lake National Park is 50% contained. The fire is burning in a remote area, with no road or trail access. Hand-constructed fire lines have been constructed around the perimeter of the fire. There are no road or trail closures in the Park, but some light smoke is visible above the fire There is a small, limited boat and recreation closure at the south end of Diamond Lake to safely permit helicopters withdraw water from the lake to fight the Whitney Fire.
Five 20-person hand crews, five engines and four helicopters are working to bring the fire to full containment. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect today for possible high winds and very dry conditions. The Oregon and California Incident Management Team is directing operations on the Whitney Fire from a command post located in the overflow area of the Broken Arrow Campground site at the south end of Diamond Lake. After today's expected wind event, and the fire does not jump any containment lines, excess fire fighting resources will begin to be released from this fire.
Two miles south of the Whitney Fire and also within Crater Lake National Park, another fire called the Desert Ridge Fire is being managed by the National Park Service. It too was started during the lightning storm of July 3rd and poses no immediate threat to travel through the Park or to any structures. The public is advised to use caution in the area where the helicopter base is operating near the road and for possible smoke impacts while driving within and near Crater Lake National Park.
