Fire Update 8/25/08
Incident: Snow Creek Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/25/2008
This is the final update from this fire. We would like to thank everyone for their help and understanding while dealing with these wildfires. It has been greatly appreciated.
The fires within the Snow Creek Complex are 100% contained. Containment is the confidence level of fire managers that the fire can be kept within the control lines. Crews will continue to mop up and patrol these fires for a few more days. Demobilization of crews has started and will continue through Wednesday when it is anticipated all resources will be sent home or to other fires. After Wednesday, local Forest Service personnel will continue to patrol the fires.
All burnout operations are complete. The long and tedious job of mop up continues. Mop up is turning soil and adding water to extinguish all embers. Crews will feel the soil with their hands in order to find hot areas and mop them up. A heat seeking hand held infrared device called a "Thermovision" is being used to find hot spots so they can be extinguished. The goal is to mop up within 300 feet of the fire perimeter and eventually work in further. They will also continue to patrol outside the fire perimeter looking for new spot fires that might develop from "sleeper fires" from the lightning storm that passed over the area last weekend. All operations are going very well.
See Restrictions and Closures below for restrictions near Crane Prairie. Firefighting vehicles will continue to be on area roads, particularly on highway 97 in the La Pine area. The public is strongly advised to use caution while driving in the fire areas. Fire personnel appreciate the patience and support from the public and local businesses as they deal with these fires. Base camp is at the Ogden Group Camp near La Pine. Click on www.inciweb.org/incident/1486 for photos of the fires.
Weather: Cooler and breezy with chance of showers. Max temp 67, minimum humidity 54%.
Prevention Message:
Fire danger continues to exist and everyone should be alert and aware.
Restrictions and Closures:
USFS: The Cascade Lakes Highway is open. The following roads and campground closures will remain in effect into the week while emergency vehicles are still working. Go to http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1486 through Tuesday for any changes, or contact the Fort Rock Ranger District for closure status at (541) 383-4000. Forest Service Road 4270 is closed from it's junction with FS road 40 north to the Cascade Lakes Highway. Rd 4270 from that junction south to Crane Prairie Resort and beyond is open. That portion of FS road 40 at its junction with the 4270 road west to the Cascade Lakes Highway is closed. Cow Meadow campground is closed.
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2
No campfire restrictions. Campfires are allowed in campgrounds and dispersed recreation areas in rock fire rings. Fire danger remains high. Make sure your fire is dead out before you leave it. Drown it with water, and then drown it again.
