Pole Creek Fire Update 10-2-12
Incident: Pole Creek Wildfire
Released: 10/2/2012
Pole Creek Fire Update
October 2, 2012
Firefighters have completed over two miles of direct fireline construction along the northwestern flank of the fire from established line near Forest Road 1026 into the Three Sisters Wilderness toward Alder Creek. Helicopters supported the line construction with water drops to cool hotspots. Crews are installing fire hose as they go to provide firefighters with water. Portable water tanks will be set up along the line to provide a source of water. A Type 1 helicopter will join in the effort today.
Crews are in the final stages of fireline rehabilitation in the Little Three Creek Lake area and are working north along Forest Road 16. Chipping operations are cleaning up brush and limbs that were cut during fireline construction and returning the chips to the forest floor.
Work on the portion of the fire west of Trout Creek Butte continues with firefighters extinguishing hotspots inside the fire area. Crews began removing hose lays and equipment from the "Pig's Ear" area on the far north end of the fire west of Trout Creek Butte yesterday as they completed the mop-up operation in part of the area.
Weather forecast for Tuesday is for clear skies with high temperatures in the 69-72˚ range, and relative humidity near 20% range. Gusty winds are expected to be 8-12 mph out of the northwest. Smoke continues to settle in the lower areas overnight as the inversion develops over the area. The inversion is epected to lift around noon. Those with respiratory issues may wish to consult the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality website for tips on smoke mitigation. http://www.deq.state.or.us/aqi/wildfire/index.htm
Information avenues include Facebook, Twitter and www.inciweb/incidents/3244 . Each of these information sources will be updated as conditions change. Residents are reminded that the fire is not out and they should monitor available information sources.
Check www.firewise.org for tips and techniques to help protect your home from future wildfires.
