Fire near Detroit Lake 85 percent contained
Fire crews were performing mop-up operations Saturday on the 3-day-old, 12-acre Kinney Fire, located on the southern side of Detroit Lake.
The work includes ensuring no hotspots remain up to 200 feet from the perimeter of the fire. As of Saturday morning, the fire was 85 percent contained and was holding at 12 acres in size. The cause remains under investigation.
“Our first priority will continue to be the safety of all our firefighters and the public.” said Type 3 Incident Commander Randy Harbick. “Right now, we’re seeing only isolated pockets of heat in the burn area. Through the weekend, it will be important to diligently monitor this fire as it gets warmer.”
Temperatures are predicted to rise through the weekend with highs in the mid 90s accompanied by gusty east winds.
While the Kinney Fire was a relatively small fire, officials said it had the potential to grow quickly and required a rapid response from firefighters.
The Willamette National Forest has classified fire danger as “extreme”and is reminding the public to be vigilant and obey fire restrictions. No campfires are allowed and only stoves with liquefied fuel or propane are permitted.
The public is urged to use caution when driving on Highway 22 near Detroit as there is expected to be heavy fire traffic in the area through the weekend.
The Kinney Fire is on the uphill (southwest) side of Forest Service Road 2212 (Kinney Creek Road) across the Detroit Dam.
The dam itself remains open, but Kinney Creek Road (FS road 2212) from the south side of the dam up to the intersection with Slate Creek Road (FS road 2212- 610) is closed so firefighters can continue their suppression work.
“Fighting this fire has been a real partnership: local timber companies have provided water tenders, ODF provided a (bull)dozer to open up an access road and helicopters from other nearby fires were loaned to us. All of this has helped keep the Kinney Fire small,” said Detroit District Ranger Grady McMahan.
A log truck driver spotted the fire around 3 a.m. Thursday.
For additional information, follow the forest on Twitter at: twitter.com/willametteNF.
Willamette National Forest Fire information: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/willamette/fire
