County Line 2 Fire tops 67,000 acres; 84 percent contained
About 500 firefighters were still on the lines Monday of the 67,083-acre County Line 2 Fire on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, now 84 percent contained, with full containment expected by Thursday.
Winds actually helped more than hampered firefighting efforts Saturday on the blaze, but the expected full containment was pushed back several more days.
The prevailing southwest winds Saturday made for more moderate fire behavior as they pushed the fire back on itself, officials said.
Crews worked Sunday to continue structure protection and look for areas to contain the fire in and around Shitike Canyon. Officials said they will use roads to burn off from and build direct fire lines where possible. They also said the cooler weather should reduce the risk of spot fires, allowing for more direct attacks.
Details at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4533/
Here’s Sunday morning’s update:
The Oregon Incident Management Team #1 (Shawn Sheldon, Incident Commander) continues to manage the County Line 2 Fire.
Sheldon reminded crews to “take care of each other.” He asked that crews take a moment of silence at 1:00pm today to honor and celebrate the lives of our fallen firefighter brothers killed near Twisp, WA August 19
Tom Zbszewski – Andrew Zajac – Richard Wheeler
Purple Memorial ribbons were available for all personnel.
Saturday was the day fire personnel had been waiting for; lower temperatures, higher humidity, clouds and moderate fire behavior. With this weather and a can-do attitude, the crews and fire personnel had a chance to complete many of the lines they had pre-planned.
There was a sprinkling of rain in fire camp on Saturday morning, but none on the active fire. Westerly winds blew the fire back onto itself and it was backing slowly with no spotting. Hand line was extended in the Peters Pasture area and dozer line was completed at the top of Shitike Butte to the lookout.
Patrols will continue on the north, south, and east side of fire. Crews will continue to work any spots found; and will work to keep lines in check.
There was no use of aircraft on Saturday because of high winds, with gusts up to 35-40 mph.
Sunday’s temperatures are expected in the lower 70s with relative humidity between 33-70 percent; winds will be from the west to southwest at 10-15mph. There is a 20% chance of wetting rain Sunday; cloudy but less windy.
Fire Information
Phone: 541-553-8190
Fire at a Glance
Size: 67,083
Containment: 80%
Assigned personnel: 513
Aircraft:
1 Type I (2,000 gal)
1 Type III (70 gal)
1 Type II – on loan
2 SEATS – on loan
Location: Warm Springs, OR
Closures: None at this time.
Evacuation Notifications:
Level and Area
1
All areas of the Warm Springs Reservation.
Tenino Road-Mile Post 1 through Mile Post 7
Road closed for local and fire fighter traffic only.
2
None
3
None
