September 8 Gw Fire Update
Incident: Gw Fire Wildland Fire
Released: 9/8/2007
GW Fire
September 8
Information Center 541-595-6117
Incident Command Post Tours - Saturday, September 8
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Central Oregon Incident Management Team invites the public to guided tours of the incident command post (ICP) on Saturday, September 8. Guided tours will occur at 10 am and 2 pm at the Allingham Guard Station near Camp Sherman. Tours will begin promptly at the gated entrance into the ICP. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the tour.
Last night, the GW Fire was over flown by an unstaffed aerial vehicle system (UAS) as a test of the vehicle for use in applications of wildfire. The US Forest Service (USFS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have a common interest in evolving new sources of information and knowledge management tools to improve understanding, and wherever necessary, mitigate the effects of wildfires. The vehicle flew over 10 different fires last night initiating from Edward Air Force Base in California. Pictures of the GW Fire were transmitted and will be reviewed by specialists for use. For more information on this program see: http://geo.arc.nasa.gov/sge/WRAP/activities.html
FIRE SITUATION:
Yesterday, firefighters burned-out interior islands of unburned fuels in stands of timber to remove understory vegetation. Burning out the vegetation now while burning conditions are favorable will result in desirable outcomes and less loss of remaining forest stands. This will also lessen the amount of perpetual smoke that will be visible until the season ending event. Fire activity is expected to increase later today and be more visible than yesterday. An inversion layer will hold over the fire area today causing smoky conditions until late morning. West winds will prevail early in the day and shift from the East in the afternoon.
Today, crews will continue to focus on holding and securing constructed lines, mopping-up, and patrolling for spot fires. Other crews will begin implementing rehabilitation activities including water barring and pulling woody debris back onto lines to reduce possible erosion.
The Evacuation Notice for the Black Butte Ranch area was lowered to Level 1 by agreement of the Black Butte Ranch Police and Fire Departments in conjunction with the Central Oregon Incident Management Team. A Forest Closure Order of the fire area still remains. The public needs to refrain from entering the fire area as many dangers still exist such as fire vehicles, falling trees, and burning debris. Roads signed with "Road Closed" indicates no entry by any means to the public.
FIRE LOCATION:
The GW Fire is located in the vicinity of Dry Creek on the lower East slope of Mt. Washington on the Western edge of the Mt. Washington Wilderness. The Eastern edge remains approximately 1/2 mile West of Black Butte Ranch.
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TOTAL ACRES
FIRE CAUSECONTAINMENT
TOTAL PERSONNEL
7,500
Lightning
70%
785
FIRE CAMP/HELIBASE LOCATION:
The incident command post is located at the Allingham Guard Station near Camp Sherman. An increase in traffic remains around Camp Sherman, Black Butte Ranch, and Highway 20 near the Camp Sherman and Black Butte Ranch access road junctions.
ASSIGNED RESOURCES:
Hand Crews
Engines
Water Tenders
Dozers
Helicopters
Overhead
Camp
Crews
25
29
21
1
5
164
3
As the fire containment increases, surplus resources will be released.
CLOSURES:
The Deschutes National Forest Special Area Closure is still in effect. It includes the area within the following boundaries:
·· Beginning at Forest Rd 1012 at its junction with State Route 20, South along Forest Road 1012 to its intersection with State Route 242
·· West along 242, excluding the Cold Springs Campground, to its intersection with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
·· North along the PCT to its intersection with Forest Road 500
·· East along and including Forest Road 500 to its intersection with Forest Road 2067, and
·· North along and including Forest Road 2067 to its intersection with State Route 20,
·· East along State Route 20 to the beginning.
The temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the fire area remains at five miles.
WEATHER:
A thermal low pressure will strengthen northward along the Oregon coast today as high pressure continues to build east into the Northern Rockies. This will bring East winds to the area. Temperatures will range from 78 to 83 degrees below 4,500 ft, 66-67 degrees above 4,500 ft. in the Wilderness area; relative humidity will range from 10-15% below 4,500 ft and 15-20% above 4,500 in the Wilderness area; winds will be East 10 mph with 15 mph gusts in the morning, becoming East/ Northeast in the afternoon.
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