Last Update From Type 3 Team, Incident Commander John Poet
Incident: Tumblebug Complex Wildfire
Released: 10/2/2009
This will be the last update from the Type 3 team Information Unit. Future updates will be issued as needed.
Fire information will be available on the Inciweb website 24/7 and provided at the USFS Middle Fork District Office in Oakridge, OR, at 541.782.2283. Hours are 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday.
Yesterday's cold front moved midday with a weak warm front bringing sunshine to most of the fire area. Snow remained in the elevations above 5000 feet. Another cold front is bringing additional precipitation this weekend.
Despite recent rain and snow, an infrared flight over the fire October 1, at 9 pm recorded heat around the entire perimeter, with pockets of more intense heat in the west and southeast. Over the next couple of days, the fire will continue to 'skunk' in the lower temperatures and higher humidity. However, the long range forecast indicates a warming and drying trend with potential for another east wind event. Because It is common in Western Oregon to have extended periods of warmer weather into the late fall, fire managers continue to remain focused on strengthening containment lines, especially on the north and west perimeters. It is currently estimated that the fire camp at Hill's Creek Dam will be maintained though the month of October.
Mop up will continue in the northern section of the fire. Cold trailing for hotspots to within 100 feet of the perimeter is a technique to eliminate burning stumps, logs, and roots. Before a crew can enter an area, hazard trees must be removed. Damaged green trees and snags are numerous and fall silently. The presence of hazard trees is a predominant danger in mop-up.
Crews are cleaning up concentrations of cut brush along the 21 and other perimeter roads resulting from earlier containment operations.
Large trees, rocks, and burning material continue to impact the 2143 and 2144 roads, as well as, other roads within the fire perimeter. Efforts continue to make these roads safe for public travel before the closure is lifted. Rehab, backhaul of equipment and hose lays is extensive.
At 6 am, Wednesday, September 30, 2009, the Willamette NF reduced the area closure. The closed area can be generally described as south of the 21 road, west of the 2153 road, north of the 2154 road, and east of and including the 2134 road, which follows Staley Creek. For a detailed map and description visit:
www.fs.fed.us/r6/Willamette/partnersites/eicc/index.html
The largest part of the closure area is around the portion of the fire that does not have established control lines. The threat of the fire making runs during warmer weather conditions is a concern. The closure will be enforced. Hunters and recreationists are asked to observe the closure area and understand that firefighter and public safety is the primary objective. Driving carefully along the perimeter roads is appreciated, as crew rigs and other large vehicles will be staged at various locations during the work shift.
Fire At A Glance
Size: 14,560 acres (IR flown Oct 1, 9 pm)
Containment: 40%
Estimated Date of Containment: n/a
Location: 24 Miles SE of Oakridge, OR
Cause: Lightning on 9/12
Personnel: 231Helicopters: 3Crews: 4Engines: 8Dozers: 1Watertenders: 2 Revised Closures/Restrictions:Closed 4-digit roads: 2134, 2136, 2137, 2143, and 2144. Closed trails: #3607 from Little Dome Rock to Dome Rock; a 12-mile segment of trail #3609 from the 2153 road to the east end to the 2133 road crossing on the west end. Closed Recreational Sites:Sacandaga CampgroundRigdon Meadows Fire Information:Contact:Middle Fork Ranger District 541.782.2283 M-F8 am to 4:30 pm Web Site: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1894/
