Withers Fire update: Paisley still on alert, fire 40 pct. contained

The Withers Fire north of Paisley grew to 3,422 acres on Thursday but is now 40 percent contained, the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership reported late in the day.

A Level 2 evacuation for seven homes along Mill Street has been lifted; however, the Level 1 pre-evacuation alert for Paisley and the Level 3 evacuation of campgrounds along the Chewaucan River and residences along River Road remain in place. River Road and the High Road are currently closed.

Here’s the Thursday night update:

Withers Fire: The fire is burning near the community of Paisley, approximately 1 mile north off Oregon State Highway 31. The fire was one of four started yesterday afternoon.

A local Type 3 incident management team has been working on the fire today. A Type 2 incident management team will be arriving tonight.

The fire is burning in fine flashy fuels and in a juniper fuel treatment project area. There is a fairly rapid rate of spread due to gusty winds, high temperatures and low relative humidity.

Crews are continuing to work on building fire line and reinforcing current containment lines.

The cause is under investigation.

Smoke from the fire remained visible today throughout the region and there continues to be a risk of smoke impacting communities including Paisley and Summer Lake. Individuals with smoke sensitivity, including the elderly and young children may want to stay indoors or leave the area if a smoke inversion settles into Paisley or Summer Lake overnight and into the early morning.

While there are no road closures, there is a significant increase in fire traffic. Minimizing travel in the area if possible will help both firefighter and public safety. There is also a likelihood of increased air traffic in the area as part of firefighting efforts. A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire area.

Fire danger remains high and the public should be aware of their surroundings and prepared for changing conditions.

Residents and area visitors are asked to be vigilant with anything with a flame or spark. Also, respect current Public Use and Fire Restrictions on federal and state lands in Lake and Klamath counties. It only takes one coal or ember to spark a wildfire!

Expected Fire Behavior: Conditions continue to be hot and dry with relatively low fuel moistures. Increased fire activity is likely as temperatures increase.

Weather: High temperatures will be in the 90s with low humidity.

Road Closures: Forest Road No. 33, also known as the River Road, from the junction with Forest Road No. 3315 to Jones Crossing, as well as Forest Road No. 4415 from the junction with Forest Road No. 33 to the intersection with Forest Road No. 3360 are closed.

Evacuation Information: There is a Level 3 Evacuation for campgrounds along the Chewaucan River and any residences along the River Road – anyone in this area needs to leave immediately. The Level 2 Evacuation for seven residences along Mill Street has been lifted. The town of Paisley remains under a Level 1 Evacuation – residents should be monitoring conditions and begin making preparations in case an evacuation becomes necessary.

Quick Facts

Incident Summary

Approximate Acreages

Withers Fire: 3,422 acres

Valley Falls Fire: 2.1 acres

JV Fire: 6.2 acres

Fire
Containment:

Withers Fire: 40%

Valley Falls Fire: 100%

JV Fire: 100%

Incident Commander:

Leland Hunter, South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership Incident Management Team, Type 3

Resources
on the
Fire:

Crews: 7

Squad: 0

Engines: 20

Water Tenders: 7

Bulldozers: 3

Helicopters: 5

SEATS: 2

Air Attack: 3

Total

Personnel:

350

Structures Lost: 0

0 Residence

0 other structures

Jurisdiction:

Bureau of Land Management & Oregon Department of Forestry

Evacuations

Level 3 “Go!” – Chewaucan River campgrounds and River Road

Level 1 “Ready” – Town of Paisley

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4967/

Twitter: @scofmpfireinfo

Facebook: http://facebook.com/scofmpfireinfo

For more information on SCOFMP, please visit www.scofmp.org, on Twitter @scofmpfireinfo or on Facebook at http://facebook.com/scofmpfireinfo.