Rattle Fire Update September 26, 2008
Incident: Rattle Wildland Fire
Released: 9/26/2008
Rattle Fire
Fire Information Update
www.inciweb.org/incident/1510 www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua
e-mail: rattlefire2008@gmail.com
Contact: Public Information Office (866) 534-9681
Friday, September 26, 2008 - 8 am PDT Update
Fire Acres % Contained Cost Total Personnel
Rattle
18,039
60%
$17,382,372
723
News & Events:
·· Effective today, public use restrictions on the Umpqua National Forest are lifted. Visit the forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua for additional information.
·· A map of Umpqua National Forest closures associated with the Rattle Fire is available on http://www.inciweb.org/
FIRE STATUS: Yesterday, helicopters provided water bucket support for small burnout operations on the east and west flanks. The north flank of the fire continues to consume the heavy fuels in Boulder Creek Wilderness. Due to lower temperatures than forecasted in the higher elevations, fire activity was less than expected. Firefighters are making good progress burning out and mopping up a large hot spot in the southwest corner.
Today, crews will continue to focus on mop up, patrol, rehabilitation efforts and backhauling of excess equipment. A heavy helicopter is on loan from the Lonesome Fire to provide water bucket support as needed for the next two days.
FIRE FACTS: Started: August 18, 2008 Cause: Lightning Location: Boulder Creek Wilderness Injuries: Firefighter was transported to the medical unit after suffering a cardiac event, was treated and returned to work. Resources: 13 crews, 3 helicopters, 28 engines, 2 dozers, 17 water tenders, and 723 personnel.
SAFETY CONCERNS: Cumulative fatigue, heavy snag component, rolling rocks and logs, potential closure violations.
RESOURCE CONCERNS & VALUES AT RISK: Wilderness values, commercial timber, anadramous fish habitat, and cultural resources.
WEATHER: Sunny and dry with highs near 75 degrees on the ridge tops and widely varying between 58-70 degrees in the canyons. Minimum humidity 20% on ridges with a south aspect and 25-40% elsewhere. Ridge top winds NE 10 mph; slope/valley winds 5-10 mph. A temperature inversion will persist throughout the day. Friday night will be clear and cooler. Lows 35-40 degrees except a thermal belt will raise the temperature to near 50 degrees along the ridge tops. RH recovery to near 70% with light winds. Outlook for Saturday: Sunny and dry. Clear and cool at night with highs 70-80 degrees and lows around 35 degrees. Minimum humidity 15 to 20% with poor nighttime recovery. NE wind 5-10 mph. Extended outlook for Sunday: Sunny and dry with highs around 92 degrees and minimum RH 8%. NE wind 5-10 mph.
FIRE BEHAVIOR: Surface fire may become more active on exposed ridges and higher slopes as moisture from last night's RH recovery evaporates. Short range spotting less than ¼ mile may occur on the lee side of ridges.
COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS: Dry Creek Community, Toketee Community, Oregon Department of Transportation, Douglas County, Douglas Forest Protective Association, PacifiCorp, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.
