Here is the latest information on the Oregon Gulch Fire. August 11, 2014 10:00 a.m. Special Message: Lightning predicted for yesterday did not materialize in the area directly around the Oregon Gulch Fire, but impacted other areas of the state. 1,700 lightning strikes hit in the state of Oregon yesterday, largely impacting Lane and Klamath counties. Thunderstorms are predicted again today creating the potential for hazardous conditions. Current Situation: Yesterday’s weather gave crews the ability to make continued progress on mop up operations. Today, crews will continue to extinguish any hot spots that are detected within the 500 foot boundary on the interior of the fire. Due to predicted lightning in the area, crews will also remain available for initial attack on any new fires that may start. The fire is nearing full containment and resources will start to be released later today if conditions hold. Fire managers are developing a transition plan in anticipation of returning responsibility for the fire to the local districts in the next few days. Weather and Fire Behavior: Thunderstorms with gusty winds will be in the area again today creating the potential for erratic winds, lightning and potentially new fire starts. The red flag warning continues through 11:00 pm on Tuesday. Yesterday’s thunderstorms came within 15 miles of the fire and brought wind gusts around 20 mph in the afternoon, however, lightning did not develop. Fire behavior within the burned area is expected to be limited to smoldering stumps and larger fuels. Temperatures today should be between 85 and 90 degrees with relative humidity between 15 and 20%. Fire Statistics for Oregon Gulch Location: 15 miles east of Ashland, OR Percent Contained: 74% Size: 35,129 acres (9,464 acres in California) Cause: Lightning Start Date: 7/30/14 Oregon wildland resources assigned to the complex include: 48 Type 2 hand crews, 4 camp crews, 44 engines, 12 dozers, 29 water tenders, and overhead personnel. Air resources: 7 helicopters Total personnel: 1435 Evacuation orders by county: Jackson County The evacuation level for residents from the 6,000 block south to the Oregon Border on Copco Road remains at a Level 1 Evacuation. Access to Copco Road is limited to residents and emergency services only. Residents living along Highway 66 in Jackson County between the 11,000 and 22,000 block are still under a Level 1 Evacuation. This does not impact people living in Keno. Level 1 Evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. Klamath County Current roadblocks remain at Road 106 (Camp 4) south from Highway 66. For the complex, 270 homes and 50 outbuildings are threatened; 6 homes were destroyed.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 17:21:37 +0000
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