Pole Creek Fire Update for Saturday, October 6, 2012 (08:00)
Incident: Pole Creek Wildfire
Released: 10/6/2012
Deschutes National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/centraloregon)
Contact: Tom Lavagnino (Fire Information) 541-549-6935
Pole Creek Fire Update
Saturday October 6, 2012 (08:00)
Sisters, OR - The north, east and south sides of the fire perimeter are looking very calm as fire suppression objectives have been met. Excess fire hose and equipment will continue to be backhauled and the area will be patrolled for hot spots. Two medium-lift capable helicopters will support fire fighters today. They may be tasked with dropping water, picking up sling loads of unneeded equipment, crew transport, or reconnaissance missions. One of the helicopters is planned to be demobilized at the end of shift today.
Yesterday, the smoke produced from the interior of the fire was categorized as light. Temperatures will remain about the same as yesterday, but the winds are predicted to be stronger and drier. East winds may occur with a relative humidity (RH) as low as 15%. Wind gusts on the ridge tops are expected to be up to 20 miles/hour. Longer range weather reports suggest a chance of rain showers next Friday.
Timber falling crews are continuing to drop hazardous snags (dead trees) where fire crews are working. As fire suppression and rehabilitation work is nearing completion, all possible safety precautions are being strictly enforced. No injuries have been reported yesterday and the safety record has been excellent, considering the hazardous conditions involved.
Area Closure: An area around the fire remains closed to public access during fire suppression activities. Included in this area is 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/incident/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 hunters in the forest and continued dry conditions, there is a concern for new fire starts. If you are traveling in the forest, be aware of current fire restrictions and stay alert.
Unless conditions change, the last daily fire update will be Monday, October 8. On Tuesday, (10/09), the current Incident Management Team will be transferring command to a smaller organization based from the Sisters Ranger District.The size of the fire is 26,510 acres and is 85% contained. Full containment is expected by 10/15. 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: 339 people assigned to the fire. Type I hand crews: 2, Type II hand crews: 6, Engines: 13, Water Tenders: 6, Camp Crews: 221, Helicopters: 2 (medium lift), Overhead: 59.
