FIRE UPDATE WHISKY COMPLEX The Whisky Complex is burning in the Umpqua National Forest in southern Douglas County near Tiller. A national incident command team has command of the complex with a base camp set up at Milo Adventist Academy. The four fires of the Whiskey Complex grew yesterday to a total of 3945 acres and is now 10 percent contained. Moderate fire behavior with occasional torching was observed yesterday. Red Flag Warnings continue today and Thursday as weather conditions are forecast to bring thunderstorms to the local area. A marine layer is expected to bring higher winds along with slightly higher humidity. The Whiskey Fire is active on the south and southeastern flanks, and the Big Brother Fire is active on all but the south side. The Big Brother Fire has crossed Coffin Creek to the west, and is expected to advance uphill toward the Whiskey Fire today. Efforts continue to construct and reinforce direct and indirect firelines in multiple drainages in the Jackson Creek and Beaver Creek areas in an attempt to contain the Whiskey and Big Brother Fires. Firefighters now have water available on the Smith Ridge Fire to help with mopping up, but they continue to face large, hollowed-out trees that have been falling as the wind increases. The trees are extremely difficult and dangerous to fell, and crews can’t work near them for safety reasons, yet much of the remaining heat is in their roots. Current evacuations remain in effect for the five residences in Ash Valley. The Buckeye Fire has backed downhill toward the homes overnight. Firefighters initiated planned burnout operations to take advantage of favorable conditions. A fireline has been established between the fire and the houses, and Interagency Hotshot Crews are on site. Safety is the number one priority for firefighters on the Whiskey Complex. To date there have been five injuries on the fire; four injuries were minor medical incidents. One injury was a cardiac emergency with the patient transported by local ambulance services. Forest Service Road 29 remains closed, as does FS Road 28 from Boulder Creek to the eastern boundary of the Tiller District. Resources assigned to the complex are; 26 20 person crews 24 engines 6 bulldozers 6 helicopters There is NO air tanker support tasked for this fire at this time due to higher priority fires elsewhere.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 17:50:14 +0000
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