Tumblebug Update, September 22, 2009
Incident: Tumblebug Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/22/2009
(Oakridge, OR) The Tumblebug Complex more than tripled in size during yesterday's persistent east wind event. Gusts up to 35 miles per hour and extremely dry fuel conditions resulted in fire growth to 2240 acres. Helicopters did what they could, but were forced to stand down for several hours due to the strong winds. Crews, too, had to pull back for much of the day as significant fire behavior kept them from being able to directly attack the fire.
Fire crossed the divide just north of McLean Mountain and is established in the Echo Creek drainage to the east of Echo Creek. A spot was discovered north of Forest Road 21 near Sacandaga Campground. An infrared (IR) flight is scheduled for tonight to help identify any additional hot spots.
Because of threat to private forestland to the north of the active fire, Oregon Department of Forestry is collaborating with the fire effort.
Firefighters today plan to anchor the east end of the fire and begin finding effective locations for containment lines on the north and south flanks of the fire.
Fire behavior today is expected to duplicate yesterday's activity with possible even lower relative humidity and continued high east winds. The east wind event is expected to subside somewhat by Tuesday afternoon, but it is anticipated fire activity will remain extreme because fuels are so dry. Spotting has been a major cause of fire spread in the receptive fuels.
Forest road closures (see side bar) remain in place to ensure public safety. It is anticipated the closure area will be expanded today as the result of the fire's growth.
(Side Bar:)Fire at a Glance (9/22/09)
Size: 2240 Acres
Location: 24 miles SE of Oakridge, Oregon
Containment: 10%
Cause: Lightning, on 9/12
Personnel: 629
Helicopters: 7
Crews: 15
Engines: 13
Dozers 3
Tenders 12
Closures/Restrictions:
The following Forest Roads are closed: 2144, 2153-370, 2153-375, 2153-369, 2144-305, 2143-311.
An area closure is in effect. The complete description and a map of the area is posted on the incident website.
Sacandaga Campground is the spike camp for 100+ firefighters and is therefore not available to the public.
Fire Information:
Contact: Lauren Maloney
Phone: 541-782-2870
Web Site:
www.inciweb.org/incident/1894
