Update Monday, September 28, 2009
Incident: Tumblebug Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/28/2009
Northwest Oregon Area Interagency Incident Management TeamCarl West, Incident Commander
(Oakridge, OR ) An expected weather event today may "advance weather from September to November in 24 hours," according to Tumblebug Complex Incident Meteorologist Andy Haner. Southwesterly winds are forecast to increase through Monday with predicted gusts up to 35 mph. Anticipated showers starting in the lower elevations by late evening will be snow in elevations of 5000 - 5500 feet. Fire behavior is expected to be extreme during the critical window when the cold front establishes in the canyons and valleys displacing the warmer smoky air.
This cold front, bearing welcome precipitation as either rain or snow will bring respite to firefighters and to Oakridge and downwind communities from the recent smoke inversions.
During Sunday's operations, firefighters worked to strengthen firelines on the north along the 315 to 325 roads. Mop up in some areas in the northwest is completed into the interior 50 - 100 feet. Along the eastern area of the fire a spot was contained. In the south, chipping continues along the 2153 to rehab that contingency line. Much of the fire perimeter along the north and west edges has been burned out and firefighters continue to mop up 100 feet to the interior.
Due to expected snow, both spike camps in the high country were demobilized on Sunday. Resources are being demobilized as the perimeter lines are completed.
The area closure remains in effect. Maps and description are posted on the incident website and the Willamette NF website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/.
Fire at a Glance (9/28/09) Approximate Size: 12,430 AcresContainment: 18%Expected Containment: 10/15/09 Location: 24 Miles SE of Oakridge, OR Cause: Lightning, 9/12 Personnel: 1002Helicopters: 7Crews: 23Engines: 37Dozers: 7 Closures/Restrictions:The following Forest Roads are closed: 21, 23, 2102, 2106, 2110, 2115, 2117, 2118, 2119, 2120, 2124, 2125, 2127, 2129, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2136, 2137, 2143, 2144, 2149, 2153, 2154, 2160, 2302, 2303, 2307, 2308, 2309, 5850, 5851 Campground Closures:Packard Creek, Sand Prairie, Camper's Flat, Sacandaga, Indigo Springs, Secret, Young's Flat Dispersed Area, Timpanogas Lake Fire Information:Contact: Lauren MaloneyPhone: 541-782-2870 Email:tumblebugfire@gmail.comWeb Site: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1894/
