Kitson Fire Update 9_29_08
Incident: Kitson Wildland Fire
Released: 9/29/2008
Kitson Fire Update
Monday, September 29, 2008 8:00am
Fire Information 541-782-1974
Hours 7 am - 9 pm
FIRE ACTIVITY SUMMARY: Firefighters prepare for extreme fire weather on the Kitson Fire. Today's weather is calling for easterly winds and temperatures into the high 80's to 90 degrees. Relative humidities will become lower as the day progresses. Crews will continue to improve handlines along the fire perimeter. Mop-up and snag removal continued on portions of the fire yesterday.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the fire area today due to hotter temperatures, low relative humidites and east winds.
Helicopters will be assisting the crews throughout the day supplying water drops to areas of concentrated, intense heat near the fireline. Additional hand crews will be arriving today to reinforce the firefighting operation in preparation for the weather event starting today and continuing through tomorrow. The Central Oregon Team will be assisting the Middle District Fork Ranger District with initial attack resources.
The Willamette National Forest has issued an Emergency Road Closure for Public Health and Safety in the Kitson Fire area. Road blocks have been established and visitors are being asked to avoid forest roads in the fire area. Travel on roads within the fire area is hazardous due to falling trees weakened by the fire.
EXPECTED DATE OF CONTAINMENT: Friday, October 3, 2008.
WEATHER: Wind speed is predicted to be 15 miles per hour with gusts up to 25 out of the east. Temperature will reach a high of 90 degrees with a relative humidity of 10.
ROAD CLOSURE: Forest Road 5875 in its entirety and all adjoining spurs. Forest Road 2316 in its entirety and all adjoining spurs. Forest Road 5870 in its entirety arid all adjoining spurs. Forest Road 5854 in its entirety and all adjoining spurs. Forest Road 2300-565 in its entirety and all adjoining spurs. Forest Road 2300-539 in its entirety and all adjoining spurs.
QUICK FACTS:
Acres: approximately 1,000
Containment: 40 %
Location: Six miles east/southeast of Oakridge.
Cause: Under Investigation
Start Date/Time: September 24, 2008 / 2:45 pm
Expected Containment Date: October 3, 2008
Resources: Crews: 4-Type 1, 15-Type 2; Engines: 21; Helicopters: 4-Type 1, 1-Type 2 & 1-Type 3; Dozers: 4; Water tenders: 18; Total personnel: 713
