Whitney Fire Update for Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 11:00
Incident: Whitney Wildfire
Released: 7/21/2009
Crater Lake, Oregon - Yesterday's very dry weather and predicted high winds created active burning conditions but all containment lines held the fire in check. Numerous spot fires were detected and quickly lined. The 92 acre Whitney Fire is burning in the northern most portion of Crater Lake National Park and is now 70% contained. It is burning in a remote area, with no road or trail access. Fire crews are continuing to mop-up, or extinguish any burning materials within 50' from the firelines. There are no road or trail closures within the Crater Lake National Park, but some light smoke is visible above the fire. A boat and recreation closure area at the south end of Diamond Lake is still in effect while helicopters continue to withdraw water from the lake.
Five 20-person hand crews, five engines and four helicopters are continuing to work to bring the fire to full containment. Fire crews, overhead personnel, engines and helicopters excess to the needs of suppressing and containing this fire will be released starting today.
Two miles south of the Whitney Fire and also within Crater Lake National Park, the Desert Ridge Fire, is being managed for resource benefit. It is slowly burning towards a pumice desert with little or no vegetation and will soon run out of "fuel" or vegetation that will burn. Both of these fires were started during the lightning storm of July 3rd and pose no immediate threat to travel through the Park or to any structures. The public is advised to use caution and common sense while driving within the Park, especially where the helicopter base is operating next to the North Entrance Park Road and for possible smoke impacts while driving within and near Crater Lake National Park.
