Williams Creek Fire - Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Incident: Williams Creek Wildfire
Released: 8/11/2009
Williams Creek Fire
Idleyld Park, OR - The Williams Creek Fire, located approximately 10 miles east of Idleyld Park, is now 65% contained and is estimated to be 7,717 acres in size. Today, warmer and drier weather conditions will contribute to increased fire activity along the active fire front and within the burnout areas between the fire front and the fire containment lines located in the northwest corner of the fire area.
Aerial ignition systems (helicopters) will continue to aid firefighters in reducing unburned fuels that remain between the active fire front and firelines. Incident management officials project full containment by the end of Sunday's day shift. Mop-up and repair activities in burned areas will be continuing. Repair activities include slope stabilization treatments, the removal of excess equipment, debris removal and hazard signing related to fire suppression.
Drivers are encouraged to use caution and common sense while traveling on Hwy 138E between MP 29 and MP 39. Firefighters and equipment are actively working along the highway and the potential for fire-related hazards remain. The enforceable speed has been temporarily reduced to 45 mph. Law enforcement personnel will be present on Hwy 138E and will be ticketing speeders and vehicles that have stopped along the 10-mile stretch of highway.
Closures from the Williams Creek Fire:
Closure orders have been implemented to protect the public in areas of helicopter activities. The Umpqua River is closed for three miles between Bogus Creek Boat Launch and the confluence of Thunder Creek. The North Umpqua Trail (#1414) is closed beginning at the junction with Cougar Trail (#1507) to the intersection of Thunder Creek and the Umpqua River. Bogus Creek Boat Launch and Fall Creek Picnic Area are also closed.
The following closures are still in effect: Williams Creek and Bogus Creek Campgrounds, FS Trails #1513 & Williams Creek Trail (#1514), Williams Creek Camp roads (4710-480), Canton Rd and Rock Creek Rd (8 miles north of Hwy 138 beginning at the junction with East Fork Rd), Scaredman Creek campground and an area closure on BLM land west & north of the fire area.
