Pole Creek Fire Update for Thursday, October 4, 2012
Incident: Pole Creek Wildfire
Released: 10/4/2012
Pole Creek Fire Update
Thursday October 4, 2012
Sisters, OR - Most of the chipping operations on the east side of the fire have been completed. Equipment and personnel will be redeployed to areas along the northern fire perimeter. Fire suppression objectives on much of the fire are close to being met.
Most of the fire suppression work today will focus along the western fire edge in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Hand crews are hiking up to five miles into the Wilderness for fire line construction operations. Helicopter shuttles will be utilized to transport crews working deep in the Wilderness. Crews will begin mop up operations using hose lays and pressurized water once the fire line is complete.
Three helicopters are available to cool down hot spots and assist with initial attack missions. Yesterday, only minimal smoke in dispersed areas was observed as the cooler temperature mitigated the fire behavior. The high temperature yesterday was reported at only 49 degrees on the fire area. Today's temperature is expected to increase to a high of 57 degrees.
Smoke will continue to be produced from this fire and depending on the wind direction and speed, some communities and areas may be impacted with various amounts of smoke. 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.
An area around the fire remains closed to public access during fire suppression activities. Included in this area are Forest Road 16 (Three Creek Lake), Forest Road 15 (Pole Creek Road), and a portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCNST). A reroute is in place for that portion of the PCNST that is closed. Please refer to the website: www.inciweb.org/incidents/3244, for further fire and closure information which includes maps and photos.
Residents are reminded that we are still in fire season and this fire is not fully contained. Due to an increase in hunters in the woods and the continued dry conditions, new fire starts are a possibility and citizens should monitor available information sources and stay alert.
Check www.firewise.org for tips & techniques to help protect your home from future wildfires.
The size of the fire is 26,510 acres and is 85% contained. Full containment is expected by October 15. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported yesterday and no structures have been reported damaged or lost since the beginning of the fire on 09/09/2012. Resources: 361 people assigned to the fire. Type I crews: 2, Type II crews:6, Dozers: 1, Engines: 16, Water Tenders: 7, Camp Crews:1, Helicopters: 3 (1 heavy lift and 2 medium lift), Overhead: 68.
