Rattle Fire Update - Sept. 28, 2008
Incident: Rattle Wildland Fire
Released: 9/28/2008
Public Information Office (541) 498-2216
Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, September 28, 2008 - 8 am PDT
Idlelyd Park, OR - An inversion held tight over much of the fire area Saturday resulting in decreased fire activity and heavy smoke in the valleys in and around the fire perimeter. The An inversion held tight over much of the fire area Saturday resulting in decreased fire activity and heavy smoke in the valleys in and around the fire perimeter. The inversion lifted for a short time around 3:00 pm and allowed firefighters to conduct a small burnout operation along the 3810 Road on the north flank of the fire. Another small burnout may be conducted today just to the east of yesterday's operation, if conditions permit.
The remainder of the fire perimeter is in a mop-up and patrol status. Efforts to mop-up within 300 feet of the perimeter are being hampered by steep terrain and numerous snags. Three helicopters are available to assist firefighters with bucket drops to cool down hot spots, as needed. Rehabilitation of some contingency lines is also occurring.
A Type 3 organization assumed management of the fire this morning. Firefighters will stay at the Sand Shed (off Highway 138) and a spike camp at Johnson Creek (up Steamboat Road) and be fed by local restaurants. The Incident Command Post will be set up at the Toketee Ranger Station.
The weather forecast calls for continued warm and dry weather with temperatures of 90-95 degrees on the ridgetops and 75-90 degrees in the canyons. The inversion is expected to lift around 1:00 PM today. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued from Monday morning through evening due to high temperature and low humidity and a Haines Index of 6.
Area, road, and trail closures remain in effect in and adjacent to the fire. More information can be found at: www.inciweb.org/incident/1510 or www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua.
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FIRE FACTS
At a Glance
Acres: 18,262
Containment: 65%
Personnel: 562
Including:
9 20-person crews
3 helicopters
22 engines
2 dozers
13 water tenders
Cost: $18.4 million
Started: Aug. 18, 2008
Cause: Lightning
Location: Boulder Creek Wilderness
Restriction and Closures
Public use restrictions: None
Industrial Fire Precaution Level: 2
