Crater Lake fire pre-evacuation alert; E. Oregon fire tops 5,500 acres

The Bybee Creek Fire west of Crater Lake has grown to 720 acres and is 12 percent contained, officials said, as a Level 1 (“Be Ready”) evacuation notice was issued for the Rim Village and National Park Headquarters.

The Level 1 notice informs residents and visitors to “be ready” for a potential evacuation of Rim Village and Park Headquarters in the event that the Bybee Creek Fire approaches these areas.

Current or projected threats from the approaching fire indicate that there may be a need to evacuate in the future, officials said. Mazama Village and other areas in the park are not affected by this Level 1 notice.

Residents and visitors should monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information regarding potential evacuations. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, and pets.

There are three evacuation notice levels: Level 1 “BE READY” for potential evacuation; Level 2 “BE SET” to evacuate; and Level 3 “GO” Evacuate now.

If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system. In the event that this occurs, the park will make every attempt to contact visitors and residents personally. If you are absent from your residence, campsite, or vehicle for more than a short time, please leave a note with your name and a contact telephone number in a door or window (where it can be easily seen).

Park visitors will be advised as conditions change and are encouraged to check the park website (www.nps.gov/crla), Facebook, or Twitter, as well as InciWeb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4899/ for current status and updates. Fire information is also available at park entrance stations and at both visitor centers.

Meanwhile, in Eastern Oregon, high winds Tuesday led to rapid growth of the now-5,576 Rail Fire, burning in lodgepole pine about 10 miles southwest of the town of Unity.

Nearly 300 firefighters are on the scene, along with two helicopters. Officials said calmer weather is expected the next couple of days, giving crews a chance to try to make progress on containment.

Elsewhere in Eastern Oregon, the Weigh Station Fire that burned 688 acres and closed I-84 over the weekend was at 35 percent containment Tuesday by the 329 personnel on the lines.

Here’s the Wednesday morning update on the Bybee Creek Fire:

The Bybee Creek Fire slowed its spread Tuesday and firefighters were able to fight the fire directly from the Rim Road. The West Rim Road is still closed from the Rim Village to the North Junction until further notice, however, it is possible to travel through the park on the East Rim Road.

Firefighters are using several methods to suppress the fire’s growth, including direct and indirect methods. Today , a fuel break (handline) was completed around the fire to stop the fire from spreading.

Crews have prepared for fire operations along an old fire line and continue to utilize helicopters for water drops. Aerial water scoopers are also dropping water on the leading edge of the fire. If weather conditions are favorable, firefighters will put fire to the ground to consume the fuel between the fire and the handline.

Firefighters are working to achieve the goals of keeping the fire east of the Pacific Crest Trail, south of the Lightning Springs Trail and west of the Crater Lake Rim Drive.

Fire danger remains high, the public should be aware of their surroundings and prepared for changing conditions. A Level I Evacuation Notice has been issued for the Rim Village and Park Headquarters area. The Level I Notice informs residents and visitors to “be ready” for a potential evacuation if the fire approaches these areas. Mazama Village and other areas in the park are not affected by this notice.

Gusty winds are expected to continue for the next several days.

Crater Lake National Park implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions at midnight July 31 , 2016.

The Park is open, the section of the West Rim road that is closed will not diminish your visit. It is still possible to drive the East Rim, enjoy the views from Rim Village and experience a boat ride around the Lake.

Closure Information : The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Dutton Creek Camp north to the PCT parking lot on North Entrance Road. Lightning Springs Trail and backcountry camp are closed.

The West Rim Drive from Rim Village to North Junction is temporarily closed.