Waterman Complex fires 90 pct. contained

The 12,520-acre Waterman Complex of wildfires was 90 percent contained by late Wednesday, as crews quickly caught three new fire starts in the area from the latest round of lightning.

Also, the last, lowest (Level 1) evacuation notice was lifted Wednesday at 8 a.m. for the formerly evacuated area of Marks Creek. That came 24 hours after it dropped from Level 2 — be ready to leave at a moment’s notice – to Level 1, a less urgent pre-evacuation notice, and all evacuation notices in Wheeler County were lifted.

For more information on the Waterman Complex visit:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3961/

Start Date

Cause

Total

Acres

Percent Containment

Crews

Engines

Water

Tenders

Helos

Dozers

Total

Personnel

7/12/2014

Lightning

12,520

90%

20

34

24

3

4

780

Evacuation Notices

There are no evacuation orders now associated with this fire.

Current Situation

As a result of the lightning storms that moved through the area last night, three new starts were identified within the Complex’s area of initial attack responsibility. These fires were all less than one tenth acre and suppression action was taken using firefighters from a pre-identified initial attack task force. Resources in excess of operational needs are being made available to assist in other incidents.

Bailey Butte Fire – 10,276 acres, 90% contained. Mop up continues with the aid of hand held infrared cameras to more efficiently identify remaining heat sources. Rain associated with the thunderstorms also aided in the mop up. As equipment becomes surplus, it is being backhauled to the supply cache.

Toney Butte Fire – 2,229 acres, 100% contained. The fire will be monitored by the air. Smoke may be visible from interior burning.

Junction Springs Fire – 15 acres, 100% contained. This fire remains in patrol status and monitored by air.

Incident #376 – .25 acres, 100% contained.

Weather:

Unseasonably cool morning and daytime temperatures are predicted for Thursday with a warming trend beginning Friday.

Ochoco National Forest Closure Area :

A Forest Closure Order 06-07-01-14-001-01 is in effect on Ochoco National Forest System lands. The closure prohibits the public from entering the Closure Area except under special exemption. The closure is due to firefighting activities and the safety of the public within the Closure Area. The public is encouraged to check with the Forest before they travel. To view the entire Forest Closure Order please see the following link:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/centraloregon/alerts-notices/?aid=24081

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR remains in place over the Bailey Butte fire. Please check the NOTAM for current information.