Lonesome Complex Update 8-27-08
Incident: Lonesome Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/27/2008
Lonesome Complex Fire Update
Lonesome Complex - High Cascades Ranger District
PROSPECT, OR, August 27, 2008, (9:00 a.m.) - The High Cascades Ranger District would like to thank the Prospect and Union Creek communities for their help and understanding during this event. The 411 acre Lonesome and 69 acre Bessie Rock Fires are now 100% contained. The area, road and trail closures around the Lonesome Fire will be lifted effective Thursday, August 28. A small contingent of firefighters will continue to mop-up and rehabilitate fireline for the next several days. Forest visitors can expect to see firefighting vehicles in the vicinity of these fires and are asked to drive with caution.
The Middle Fork Fire continues to creep and smolder within the Sky Lakes Wilderness and is now estimated to be 45 acres. A handcrew is assigned to this fire to keep it from crossing the Middle Fork Trail. The Middle Fork Trail #978 remains closed due to safety concerns related to this fire. This fire will continue to be managed with a confine and contain strategy. The Middle Fork Fire is expected to continue to slowly grow until a season ending event, defined as ½ inch of rain over a three day period, occurs. A series of management action points, generally defined as natural fuel breaks or Forest Service trails, are being identified on the ground that will trigger planned management actions should the fire approach an action point. These action points and planned actions will be reviewed continually for the duration of the fire to ensure they address changing conditions or unforeseen events. Residents and visitors to the Prospect area may see smoke from this fire in the future depending on fire behavior and wind direction.
Yesterday's warming and drying weather conditions prompted a new sleeper fire to pop up within the Sky Lakes Wilderness near Jerry Mountain. This fire was reported to be less than one acre in size and has been staffed by rapellers. Aerial reconnaissance, fire lookouts, and patrol vehicles will continue to search for additional starts in the coming days.
Fire danger in southern Oregon remains High to Extreme. With the upcoming Labor Day weekend bringing many visitors to our forests, all are reminded to be extra cautious with fire.
