Friday Morning Update: July 31, 2009
Incident: Cougar Creek Wildfire
Released: 7/31/2009
The Cougar Creek Fire is currently managed by the Blue Mountain Interagency Incident Management Team. The fire is located 10 miles south of John Day in the Malheur National Forest inside the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area.
Firefighters are continuing to use aerial ignition on the north side of the fire to burn out pockets and strengthen the fire line. Increased smoke may be visible.
Lat: N 44˚ 18' 40" Long: W 118˚ 55' 3"
1030 (Friday Morning)
55% Containment
Cause is Under investigation
Start Date: Saturday, July 25, 2009
Resources Assigned:
20-person fire crews: 6
Helicopters: 4
Water tenders: 3
Overhead: 104
Total Personnel: 414
Closure:
Forest Service Roads 5401, 6510, and 651 are closed at junctions with Route 65 into the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. Trail closures are in effect in the southwest portion of the wilderness area.
Plans for today:
Monitor fire lines by air, complete burnout operations and hold the fire lines, identify and control spot fires. Rehabilitation operations have begun to restore the forest to pre-fire condition.
Expect increased fire traffic in John Day and surrounding areas. Drive with caution and lights on in areas of smoke and fire activity.
