Progress reported on 86,000-acre fire NW of Lakeview that has destroyed several structures
LAKEVIEW, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Nearly 800 firefighters reported a 6% containment figure Sunday night on the nearly week-old Cougar Peak Fire about 15 miles northwest of Lakeview that has burned more than 86,000 acres and destroyed a home, three cabins and six outbuildings.
The fire had been reported as 0% contained since breaking out on Tuesday.
Here's Sunday evening's Cougar Peak Fire update:
Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander Kevin Stock
Oregon State Fire Marshal Incident Management Blue Team, Incident Commander Scott Magers
September 12, 2021 – Evening
Community Meeting
Monday September 13, 2021 – 6:30 PM
In Person at Paisley School and available via Facebook Live
Broadcasted on KPAI 103.1, KORV 93.5
Lakeview Ore. - Firefighters continue to make progress on lining the 230 miles of fire perimeter of the Cougar Peak Fire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office had four task forces of 16 engines and 4 water tenders continuing efforts of securing and prepping structures. The task forces also worked the fire line on the northeast side by putting in hose lays, mopping up and cold trailing. Fire activity in the area of Willow Springs ranch became active again today and the crews were able to stop forward spread at one acre, saving the last 150 acres of unburned pasture. Protection of the communication sites, tracking cattle, and haystacks remain a priority.
Along the southern edge of the fire, wildland fire resources continue to make great progress putting in hand and dozer line around the fire. Crews are building line as close to the fire’s edge as possible. Indirect line will be built in areas along the southern and western sides of the fire, due to difficult terrain and dangerous hazard trees. Burnout operations are planned in the future to secure those lines. A small fire camp will be going up in Paisley to support the western side of the fire.
Dozer and hand lines have been completed along most of the eastern side, however, winds over the next couple days are expected to test the eastern edge of the fire. Crews have been working to mop-up hotspots closest to the line in preparation for the expected winds. Great progress has been made on the southeast corner of the fire, it is now mopped in 25 feet. With the clearer air this afternoon helicopters were able to fly and help support the firefighters in containment efforts.
Behavior: With the clear skies and warm temperatures, fuels in the fire area are drying and patches of unburned fuels within the fire perimeter are now burning. Smoke from these areas will be visible. Fire resources will be on the lookout for possible torching and spotting of unburned fuels due to wind changes.
Acreage: 86,170
Containment: 6%
Cause: Undetermined
Fire Information: (541) 900-5788 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)
E-mail: 2021.cougarpeak@firenet.gov
Information Websites:
Facebook: “Cougar Peak Fire 2021”
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7835/
Air Quality: oregonsmoke.blogspot.com
Weather: Smoke stayed in the area today keeping air quality poor. Continuing to use caution while outside in the coming days, especially those with health concerns, is recommended. Tonight, temperatures will be 39-43 degrees with relative humidity varying from 60-70% in the valleys and 55-60% on the ridgetops. Winds will start out this evening northeast 3-6 mph, transitioning to the north around midnight with a light southwest wind developing close to sunrise. Monday and Tuesday light winds are expected with temperatures warming up close to 80 in the valleys, bringing with it lower relative humidity, continuing to dry the fuel bed of last week’s precipitation. Chances of rain increase Friday and into next weekend.
Resources-787: 1 - type 1 hand crew, 2 - type 2 IA hand crews, 14 - type 2 hand crews, 3 - camp crews, 3 - heavy lift helicopters, 2 - medium lift helicopters, 3 - light lift helicopter, 55 - engines, 16 - dozers, 24 - water tenders, and 1 - masticator.
Evacuations: The Lake County Sheriff’s Office evacuation levels remain at Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations in and around the Cougar Peak Fire. For further information please see:
Lake County website https://www.lakecountyor.org/index.php
Lake County Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Lake-County-Oregon-104435824529906
and an interactive map: https://tinyurl.com/InteractiveEvacMap
Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cougar Peak Fire. Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.
Red Cross Evacuation Shelter: The Lakeview shelter and planned emergency shelter in LaPine are both on standby. If the need arises, staff are available to reopen either shelter.
Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire, all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.
For the latest restrictions and regulations, including Oregon Department of Forestry and federal agencies, visit https://scofmp.org/restrictions.shtml. Make sure to Know Before You Go.
#OnlyYouCanPreventWildfires
Vehicles start wildfires in many ways.
🔥Chains dragging on pavement create sparks.
🔥The exhaust system and catalytic converter under your vehicle are hot enough to ignite dry grass.
🔥Dry grass along roadways and in the center of “two-track” roadways are easily ignited by a vehicle.
Secure your chains properly, avoid parking over dry grass, and check local restrictions for vehicle access on off-road trails.
