News Update Wednesday August 20, 2008
Incident: Bridge Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 8/21/2008
Bridge Creek Fire Update
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 8:00 am
Fire Information (866) 534 9655 Hours: 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
mailto:bridgecreek@gmail.com www.inciweb.org
FIRE ACTIVITY SUMMARY: Fire crews made significant progress on the fire yesterday due to lower temperatures and increasing relative humidity. Dozers and handcrews continued to construct and improve firelines on the north, west and east side of the fire in the private lands. Engine crews patrolled throughout the night mopping up any hot spots along the fireline. Mop up efforts will continue throughout the day on all sides of the fire. Air resources will be available to assist with supplying water to hotspots if the weather is favorable. Heavy fuels are expected to continue burning within the fire perimeter under closed canopies.
Crews will be working on securing and mopping up the fire perimeter within the Bridge Creek Wilderness to prevent spread into the Mitchell watershed. This watershed provides water to the town of Mitchell, Oregon therefore it is one of our objectives to protect this area. Precautions are also being taken to prevent the spread of Yellow Star Thistle, a known noxious weed in the area, into the wilderness.
Acreage is estimated at 4902 acres with 40% containment. A total of 519 fire personnel are assigned to the fire.
EXPECTED DATE OF CONTAINMENT: August 25, 2008.
WEATHER: Another weather disturbance will move through the fire area today. This will result in a fairly wet day with morning rain turning to afternoon showers. Continued very cool and breezy today and Thursday. Temperatures are forecasted at 64- 68 degrees with wind speeds between 15-20 miles per hour with gusts up to 25 to 30.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS: An area closure is expected to remain in effect in the vicinity of the Bridge Creek Fire. It is defined by the 22 road, the 2210, and the northern Forest boundary. Walton Lake campground remains open. A temporary flight restriction is in place for a six mile radius around the fire (lat. 44 29' 00", long 120 14' 00")
COOPERATING AGENCIES: Oregon Department of Forestry
QUICK FACTS: Acres: 4,902
Containment: 40%
Location: Bridge Creek Wilderness, 5 miles S/SW of Mitchell
Cause: Lightning
Start Date/Time: August 7, 2008 / 7:16 pm
Expected Containment Date: August 25, 2008
Total personnel: 519 Crews: 13, 3 Type 1 Hot Shots, 10 Type 2, Dozers: 5, Engines: 26, Helicopters: 2-lights 2-heavy's, Water tenders: 16
