Boze and Rainbow Fire Update 10-1-09
Incident: Boze and Rainbow Creek Wildfire
Released: 10/1/2009
Closure Area Reduced Near Boze and Rainbow Creek Fires
TILLER, OR - October 1, 2009, - The National Incident Management (NIMO) Type 1 team will transfer command of the Boze Fire, located 6 miles south of the Boulder Creek Wilderness and Highway 138 and the Rainbow Creek Fire, located in and near the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness Area, to a local management team on Friday October 2.
With much colder air, rain showers throughout the day and snow at higher elevations, the Boze and Rainbow Fires have stopped their spread. The Boze Fire is now estimated at 10,500 acres and the Rainbow Creek Fire and has burned about 4,000 acres, bringing the total for the two fires to about 14,500 acres.
With shorter days and approaching winter weather it is very unlikely that these fires will spread. Although the weather will warm and dry slightly on Thursday, the weekend brings another period of cool, damp weather with snow on the ridgetops. While heavy concentrations of fuel within the fire will put up smoke for weeks to come, there is little predicted chance of the fire spreading.
"We have enjoyed the cooperation and support of the local agencies and communities," said Incident Commander Tom Cable. "Fire is a frequent visitor to these forests, and area residents understand what we're up against with these large and difficult fires. We got through this one with only one minor injury and no damage to recreational facilities, thanks to a lot of hard work and focused attention."
Resources remaining on the Boze and Rainbow Creek Fires today include: 3 crews, 5 engines, 1 dozer, 3 water tenders, and 2 camp crews. In total, 293 people are assigned to managing these fires. These numbers are decreasing rapidly with accelerated demobilization as mop-up and chipping is completed along the 28 Road.
The area closure surrounding the fires has been reduced. For a full description and map of the closure area see: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua/conditions/forest-orders/index.shtml
The revised closure is described as all lands inside the following boundary are closed: Beginning at Forest Service Road (FSR) 2715 and the 530 junction; continuing south to FSR 2814 to FSR 28 (South Umpqua Road); continuing east to FSR 2823 towards Forest Trail 1576 (Castle Creek) continuing on Forest Trail 1576 connecting with FSR 3700-870 (Fish Creek Valley Road) continuing east to Rogue Umpqua Divide Wilderness Boundary, continuing along the northwest of the Wilderness Boundary along the District boundary to junction of FSR 28 and FSR 2715 (French Junction).
The public is asked to stay diligent while traveling in the forest and watch for fire and other forest user traffic.
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