Pole Creek Fire Update - September 13, 2012 - 8:00 AM
Incident: Pole Creek Wildfire
Released: 9/13/2012
POLE CREEK FIRE UPDATE
Oregon Incident Management Team 4
Deschutes National Forest
The Pole Creek Fire increased yesterday to 5,043 acres growing along its north and south flanks. Smoke plumes were highly visible from surrounding areas in the afternoon as spot fires were discovered and corralled; unburned fuels, interior to the main containment lines, continued to burn.
652 personnel, including four (4) Hot Shot Crews continue to actively engage the fire to build, reinforce and hold containment lines.
Incident managers are paying close attention to weather forecasts as a thermal trough moves east of the Cascade crest resulting in an unstable atmosphere, higher temperatures and lower humidity. This increases the potential for increased fire behavior and visible smoke columns both today and on into the weekend. Overall fire growth could result.
For firefighter and public safety, an area closure remains in place. Fire updates, closure maps and area descriptions are available at Deschutes National Forest offices as well as http://inciweb.org
The Deschutes County Citizen Emergency Notification System (CENS) notifies the public with important information during an emergency. Cell phone users or VoIP lines can receive the same emergency message as those with land-line phones IF THEY REGISTER (opting-in for the service). The online registration service is available for residents living in Deschutes County, Crooked River Ranch, and Camp Sherman. Notices can ONLY be received if you register for the service. To register your wireless or VoIP phone to receive emergency notices, please visit www.deschutes.org/citizenalerts. Deschutes County emergency notices will be sent to you in the form of emails, phone calls or text messages.
Estimated Acreage: 5,043 Acres (as determined from an overnight infrared flight)
Containment: 5 %
Cause: Unknown - Under Investigation
Resources: Total = 652
Type 1 Crews - 4; Dozers - 4; Water Tenders - 12
Type 2 Crews - 12; Engines - 26; Camp Crews - 2
Helicopters - 6; Overhead - 173
Plans: Hold containment lines using direct and indirect actions on the south, east and north flanks. Recon and if deemed safe for firefighters, implement line construction along the northwest flank using natural barriers to contain the fire south of the Millican Crater trail and west of Forest Road 1018-700.
Forecasted Fire Weather: Temps in the low 80s. Wind at 4-7mph (gusts to 14mph) and relative humidity at 11%. Poor overnight humidity recovery is expected, resulting in longer burning periods of active fire behavior.
Cooperators: Deschutes County Sheriff, Deschutes County SAR, City of Sisters, Sisters/Camp Sherman Fire District, Black Butte Ranch RFPD, Cloverdale FD, Oregon Department of Forestry, American Red Cross, Oregon Department of Transportation
