September 17 Update
Incident: Tumblebug Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/17/2009
(Oakridge, OR) Firefighters have contained 22 of the 25 fires in the Tumblebug Complex, but the three uncontained fires comprise 80% of the total acreage. Rappel crews, smoke jumpers, and other Type 1 crews were brought in Wednesday to try to stop the remaining fires.
A helicopter specializing in medical evacuations from steep, narrow canyons arrived yesterday from Yellowstone Park. Four landing zones were identified Wednesday for potential evacuation sites in the event of medical emergencies.
The air effort may be hampered this morning by low-lying clouds. The clouds brought increased dampness, but yielded no rain in the fire area. Clearing is expected this afternoon.
Eighty firefighters are camping at Sacandaga Campground along the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, allowing them quicker access to the fire area. Most of the firefighters are staying at what was once the Rigdon Ranger Station, east of Oakridge.
Despite the rugged terrain, there have been no serious injuries reported. Bees are active, however, and several firefighters have been stung.
Forest Road 2144 is closed for public and firefighter safety. Sacandaga Campground is not available for public use.
The Tumblebug Complex is burning on the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest, 24 miles southeast of Oakridge, Oregon. A Type 3 Management Team led by Incident Commander Chris Hays is directing the suppression effort.
