Williams Creek Fire Update, Saturday, August 15, 2009
Incident: Williams Creek Wildfire
Released: 8/15/2009
Start date:
7/28/09
Cause:
Under Investigation
Estimated Size:
8,389 acres
% Contained:
88%
# of Firefighters:
684
Injuries to date
1
Estimated Containment:
8/16
Closures:
See list of closures below
# of 20-person hand crews:
17
#Fire Engines:
23
# of helicopters:
1 - Heavy-lift
1 - Light-lift
Total: 2
Williams Creek Fire
Idleyld Park, OR - A strong warming and drying trend is expected over the fire area during the next two to three days. As temperatures increase today, interior islands of unburned fuels will likely ignite with flanking or backing fire, producing increased smoke at times. With winds predicted from the north and northwest, smoke will most likely travel to the south and upriver. Hot spots within the outer 300 feet of the fire continue to be pursued and extinguished.
Five power poles were set in place by helicopter yesterday, and PacificCorp expects to be able to re-energize its transmission line through the fire area on Sunday afternoon.
Thirty bicyclists with Cycle America will be traveling along Rock Creek Road this morning, and have been coordinating their planning with fire officials in order to ensure the safety of participants and firefighters.
Highway 138 is open to normal traffic, but turnouts and pull-offs along a 10-mile stretch of the highway (between Susan Creek Campground and Steamboat) will remain closed to stopping and parking at least through the weekend, according to ODOT officials.
The Williams Creek Fire, located north of the North Umpqua River between the communities of Idleyld and Dry Creek, is now 88% contained and 8,389 acres in size.
Closures from the Williams Creek Fire:
The following closures remain in effect: the three mile section of the Umpqua River between Bogus Creek boat launch and the confluence of Thunder Creek; the North Umpqua Trail (#1414) from the junction of Cougar Trail (#1507) and its intersection with Thunder Creek; Bogus Creek Boat Launch; Fall Creek Picnic Area; Williams Creek and Bogus Creek Campgrounds; FS Trail #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.
