Lionshead, Paisley evacuation levels reduced; fires roundup, slide threat
(Update: Paisley evacuation level reduced from Level 3 to Level 2; Holiday Farm Fire temporary suspension of activity)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Here are the Oregon Department of Forestry's daily wildfire roundup, updates on individual fires in the region and a report of a flash flood watch and slide potential in northwest Oregon as possibly heavy rainfall is due.
As of Thursday, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management reported eight confirmed deaths, nine people still missing and more than 3,000 people in congregate or non-congregate shelters.
FEMA reported nearly 1,400 people have registered for assistance.
Nearly 2,000 (1,988) homes have been destroyed by the fires, along with 1,377 other structures. The burned acreage remains about 1 million.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry Fire Report for Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020
Oregon Dept. of Forestry - 09/17/20 10:44 AM
SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Forestry is closely monitoring 12 major fires in Oregon, (see table below for details). Fires are removed from the list when they are 100% lined and fire managers are confident in their progress toward containment.
There are about 6,500 personnel assigned to these fires from across the nation and Canada. This doesn’t include the many government emergency response employees, landowners, forestland operators, and members of the community who are contributing to the fight in whatever way they can.
About 1 million acres have burned in Oregon since the start of this year, which is nearly double the 10-year average of approximately 557,811.
| Fire name | Acres burned (est.) | Containment | Location |
| Beachie Creek | 191,138 | 20% | 15 miles N of Detroit |
| Lionshead | 189,316 | 10% | 20 miles W of Warm Springs |
| Holiday Farm | 170,637 | 8% | 3 miles W of McKenzie Bridge |
| Riverside | 135,956 | 3% | 2 miles SE of Estacada |
| Archie Creek | 128,020 | 20% | 20 miles E of Glide |
| Brattain | 44,800 | 20% | 8 miles S of Paisley |
| Slater | 38,721 in Oregon | 10% | SE of Cave Junction (also in No. California) |
| S. Obenchain | 32,814 | 25% | 5 miles E of Eagle Point |
| Two Four Two | 14,473 | 29% | W/NW of Chiloquin |
| Thielsen | 8,645 | 1% | E of Diamond Lake |
| Echo Mtn. Complex | 2,552 | 45% | 4 miles NE of Lincoln City |
| North Cascade Complex | 2,315 | Multiple locations in ODF’s North Cascade District |
Please note: The acres burned estimates above are based very limited information available. These numbers will change over the next several days, in some cases significantly. We will be taking every opportunity to map these fires. Fire maps are an important tool for both ongoing response operations and keeping people informed.
More information
- ODF wildfire blog and Significant Fire Potential Map
- Northwest Coordination Center – Regional Update and National Situation Report
- Inciweb (information on individual incidents)
Announcement Thursday morning by the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department:
Good Morning Warm Springs!
We received good news for the residential areas or Sid Walter Flat/Miller Flat. The evacuation level for the area has decreased to a level 1. Remember the level 1 is a "Be Prepared" level. There is still active fire behavior in the area as crews work on containment lines of the Lionshead Fire.
Simansho and Schoolie have no evacuation warnings in place.
There is heavy smoke in the area of Hwy 26 with low visibility, drive with your headlights on so people can see you. This is for your safety as well as the other drivers on the road. There is a chance for rain in the area, so if traveling the roadways continue to use caution.
The Warm Springs Tribal Police Department would like to thank the Pacific Northwest Team 3 for the work they have done to help keep our community safe as they transition from out of our area. We would like to welcome Rocky Mountain Team 1, we look forward to working with you.
To our local Warm Springs Fire Management Team, Natural Resource Office, thank you for your commitment to our communities safety and care for the natural resources!
Thank you to the National Guard for coming to our community to assist in our public safety efforts.
Last, but definitely not least, a thank you to the fire fighters on all the fire lines, you all are amazing and we appreciate you! Stay safe out there.
| Lionshead Fire Update – Thursday, September 17, 2020 – 9:00 a.m. |
| Start Date: 8/16/2020 | Approx. Size: est. 189,316 ac. | Resources on the Fire: | Cooperating Agencies: |
| Cause: Lightning | Containment: 10% | 28 Crews | Marion Co. Sheriff |
| Incident Commander: | Total Personnel: 1015 | 30 Engines | Linn Co. Sheriff |
| Noel Livingston Pacific Northwest Team 3 | Approx. Distance: 14 miles west of Warm Springs | 8 Dozers 28 Water Tenders 11 Helicopters | Jefferson Co. Sheriff Deschutes Co. Sheriff |
Weather and Fire Behavior: Fire activity should continue to moderate with the weather. Temperatures will be cooler today and some rain is expected this afternoon and into Friday. Thunderstorms are possible and there is some concern about debris flow, which can occur when rain follows fire activity. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning in Marion and Linn Counties.
Yesterday: Yesterday on the Warm Springs Reservation, firefighters coordinated with Tribal representatives to scout potential contingency fire line along the northern perimeter of the fire. On the northeastern edge of the fire, firefighters took advantage of the moderated weather to work more directly adjacent to the fire’s edge. Crews performed structure protection activities, such as clearing brush and vegetation from around homes, in Sid Walter Flats. To the east and southeast, the fire perimeter was largely in patrol status and crews engaged in mop up and removal of fire-weakened trees for public safety. Crews continued with stabilization efforts in the Highway 22 corridor. There is still some active burning occurring around the Stahlman area. On the north side of the fire, firefighters worked along the 46 Road and contained spot fires south of Sisi Butte. Crews secured Hawk Cabin.
Today’s Activities: Most of yesterday’s work will continue today. Along the northern edge of the fire, crews will keep scouting for options to connect fire line west from the B-200 Road to Olallie Lakes, where they plan to tie control line in with the fire perimeter. Good progress has been made preparing roads and dozer lines for burnout operations but there is still a significant amount of work to do. Firefighters will continue structure protection around homes in Sid Walter Flats and keep watch to secure the spot fires there and near Sisi Butte in the northwest. Crews will work along the 46 Road toward Breitenbush to prepare it for eventual re-opening. Firefighters expect to complete much of the mop up work in the Olallie Lakes area today. Structure groups will remain working in Marion Forks and monitoring the Stahlman area.
This evening, Pacific Northwest Team 3 will transfer command of the Lionshead Fire to Rocky Mountain Team 1.
Evacuations: Evacuation levels remain in place for the Lionshead Fire and updates are provided by Oregon Emergency Management at https://www.oregon.gov/oem/emops/Pages/RAPTOR.aspx. To ensure public safety on the Reservation, the Warm Springs Police Department is maintaining the current Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation notice for the Sidwalter area and Level 1 “Be Ready” notice along Highway 26.
Closures: Forest closures are in place for Deschutes, Mt. Hood and Willamette National Forests: Deschutes NF Alerts Willamette NF Alerts Mt. Hood NF Alerts Roads and trails on the southwest portion of the Warm Springs Reservation near the fires remain closed for public safety.
FOR ADDITIONAL FIRE INFORMATION: Fire Information: 971-277-5075
TripCheck: https://www.tripcheck.com/
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7049/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LionsheadFire
Email: 2020.lionshead@firenet.gov
BRATTAIN FIRE UPDATE
Latest (Thursday afternoon) evacuation information for the Brattain Fire outside Paisley from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office:
Level 3
· Highway 31 from Summer Lake Store south to Red House Lane (north of Paisley).
· Clover Flat Road from Valley Falls east to Moon Ranch.
Level 2
· All of Paisley – from Red House Lane (north of Paisley), continuing south on Highway 31 to Valley Falls/the junction with U.S. Hwy 395.
· Clover Flat Road from the intersection with Hwy 31 (Beachler’s Corner) south to Murphy Ranch.
· From Summer Lake Store north along Highway 31 to the top of Picture Rock Pass.
Level 1
· Valley Falls approximately 5 miles south on Hwy 395 to Chandler State Park.
The Brattain Fire continues to be active on the north and southeast sides due to erratic winds. If you don’t need to be in the area, please leave now.
Highway 31 is open, but prepared for traffic congestions, delays and increased fire traffic. Please use caution driving in the area.
The Red Cross has an evacuation area at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeview (1900 North 4th St.). There is fire information there as well.
September 17, 2020 @ 9 AM
SIZE: 44,800 acres
CONTAINMENT: 20%
CAUSE: Human
PERSONNEL: 407
FIRE INFORMATION:
541-947-6243
INCIWEB:
inciweb.nwcg.gov
search “Brattain Fire”
Facebook:
www.facebook.com search:
Fremont-Winema National Forest @R6FWNF
South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership @SCOFMPFIREINFO
SAFETY:
Anticipate congestion on Hwy 31 due to fire traffic. Please use caution and avoid the area.
Temporary Flight Restrictions are in effect. Avoid drone use and report drones to law enforcement.
Yesterday:
Additional aircraft, more engines and hotshot crews arrived at the incident. In the northwest, containment lines were established using roads, dozer lines, natural breaks and old burn scars. Forest Road 3510 and Clover Flat Road were prepped as containment lines on the south and southwest perimeters where the fire was creeping downslope. Dozer lines were able to tie in on the northwest with good black line near the Ben Young fire scar. As the day progressed, direct fire attack tactics were implemented in the south to protect private property, critical infrastructure and timber resources.
Today:
Another critical day for firefighting resources today as another Red Flag Warning is in effect from 2 – 8 pm, with an eye to some much-needed reprieve in the weather going into Friday with cooler temperatures, lighter winds and a slight chance of precipitation. In the north and east along Hwy 31, containment lines are holding nicely as crews will continue to monitor and patrol looking for any hotspots. Fire officials have been moving resources from these secured areas over to the south and west side of the fire. Fire behavior and accessibility should allow crews to continue direct attack in the southern area of the fire with handcrews, engines and dozers. Along Forest Road 3360, dozer lines will connect for an extended containment line with possible firing operations in this area. Expect to see several aircraft working the fire today.
Evacuations:
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has issued the following evacuation notices:
Level 3 (Go) – Hwy 31 from Summer Lake Store south to include all of Paisley, south on Highway 31 to Valley Falls/the junction with Hwy 395. All of Clover Flat Road from the intersection with Hwy 31 (Beachler’s Corner) south to Valley Falls. West of Hwy 31 west of Forest Road 28
Level 2 (Set) – From Summer Lake Store north along Hwy 31 to the top of Picture Rock Pass
Level 1 (Ready) – Abert Lake area southeast on US 395, south on Hwy 31 to Chandler State Park approximately 5 miles south of Valley Falls.
The Red Cross has an evacuation area at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeview (1900 North 4th St.)
Forest Closure:
From Forest Road 29 southeast to Forest Road 3510 and the 28 Road east, all National Forest System lands and facilities are closed per Forest Closure Order 06-02-03-20-03. Forest Road 3315 is closed; the 28 Road is open.
Summary:
The Brattain fire started on September 7th, 2020 and is currently burning on the Paisley Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest. The Eastern Area Incident Management Team is currently managing the fire. Firefighting crews continue to operate on a 24-hour schedule and are battling winds, extremely dry conditions and shortages of firefighting resources.
Two Four Two Fire
September 17, 2020 11:00 a.m.
Oregon Department of Forestry IMT 2
Bill Hunt, Incident Commander
Email contact—twofourtwofire.information@gmail.com
Public Information Line: (541) 846-8174
Inciweb—https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7159/
Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/TwoFourTwoFire/
Size: 14,473 Acres
Containment: 29%
Start Date: Sept. 7, 2020
7:00 p.m.
Expected
Containment Date: Sept. 25, 2020
Location: Northwest of Chiloquin, Oregon
Cause: Unknown
Est. Cost: $4.5 million
Personnel: 434
Resources: 9 hand crews
27 Engines
12 Dozers
12 Water Tenders
Aircraft: 4 Helicopters
Evacuations: None
Structures
Threatened: 0
Structures
Damaged: 33
Structures
Destroyed: 48
Closures: None
Fire Summary:
There is another Red Flag warning from 2pm to 8pm over the fire
area today. Crews have used the past few days to continue to strengthen
the fire lines against any weather event. A slight chance of light rain is
forecast for the fire area tonight which will help firefighters in their containment efforts.
The two small fires the Team responded to yesterday are outside
the main fire area, are contained, and in mop up status. The Dam Fire is
located near Chiloquin Ridge and is two acres. The Cattle Fire is located
near the Rainbow Park area and is 20 acres. These are not spot fires from
the Two Four Two fire. The cause of these fires is under investigation.
Crews will continue to work on strengthening containment lines
around the fire. The west side of the fire, west of Hwy 62 near the Agency
Creek area, has the most heat. Eliminating hot spots will continue to be a
goal until the fire is 100% contained.
Safety remains our top priority. This includes trying to prevent
COVID-19 infections. Personnel are following the Center for Disease Control guidelines. We continue to limit personal contact within fire camp and
the community. The fire camp continues to be closed to the public and
media.
Beachie Creek Fire under command of Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team No. 2
Acres: 191,661 acres Percent Containment: 20%
Start Date: August 16, 2020 Cause: Under Investigation
Origin Location: Opal Creek Wilderness: Fuels: Timber and logging slash
two miles south of Jawbone Flats, six miles north of Detroit, Oregon.
Resources: 571
Team Supports Local Agencies in Assessing Infrastructure
Salem, Ore. – The Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 2 assumed command at 7:00 PM on September 16, 2020 of the Beachie Creak Fire from Northwest Team 13 Incident Commander, Brian Gales and Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Green Team Incident Commander, Les Hallman.
Firefighters and heavy equipment are working in seven divisions that make up the perimeter around the Beachie Creek Fire. The emphasis for Thursday is to protect communities to the south and west of the fire. Firefighters will continue to directly attack the fire around Scotts Mills, Stayton, Lyons, Mill City, and Detroit. Other crews are working to protect timber investments on the north side of the fire near Scotts Mills.
While firefighters continue to build containment and contingency lines, the Incident Command Team is also working to address infrastructure and community needs by assisting power companies, insurance companies, and communication firms. The Team is providing these organizations with information, logistics, and transportation support. This work will lead to allowing residents and community members back into the area.
Fire officials also continue to work closely with the Marion County and Linn County Sheriff’s Offices, ODOT and the Oregon State Police to coordinate recovery efforts along the Santiam Canyon. Currently 4,034 structures are at Level 3 evacuations and another 3,801 are in level 2 evacuations. To protect first responders and communities near the fire, it is imperative that everyone heeds road closures and evacuations. Anyone who enters the fire perimeter jeopardizes firefighting and rescue operations, puts lives at risk, and potentially increases the time it will take to return residents to their homes.
The weather will change on Thursday as an unstable weather pattern approaches bringing late afternoon thunderstorms. Before the rain starts, winds will increase, slightly dissipating smoke. As smoke clears, aircraft will be able to fly over the fire. Thursday night, heavier rain is probable over the east half of the fire. Crews will be monitoring the weather and conditions on the fire as increased wind and rainfall can potentially result in falling trees, landslides, and flashfloods.
The Willamette National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and State lands around the fire remain closed to the public. Go to InciWeb (link below) for more information about closures in the area.
| Public information: Facebook: facebook.com/BeachieCreek E-mail: BeachieCreek@gmail.com Phone: 541-583-0526, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Inciweb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7001/ Oregon Smoke Blog http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/p/air-quality-now.html |
Holiday Farm Fire Information
September 17, 2020
Oregon Department of Forestry IMT 3
Link Smith, Incident Commander
Oregon State Fire Marshal's Red Team
Ian Yocum, Incident Commander
Holiday Farm Fire Information: (541) 357-9729 (7am—10pm)
Lane County Non-Emergency Call Center: 541-682-3977 (7am-10pm)
Linn County Non-Emergency Call Center: 541-812-2260
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7170/ email: holidayfarmfireinfo@gmail.com
Estimated Size: 170,637 acres
Containment: 10%
Start Date/Time: 9/7/2020 8:20 p.m.
Expected
Containment Date: 10/29/2020
Location: Lane County
Cause: Unknown
Personnel: 812
Assigned Resources:
Hand Crews: 22
Engines: 51
Dozers: 34
Water Tenders: 25
Other Heavy
Equipment: 2
Assigned Aircraft: 7
Structure Task Forces: 5
Injuries: 0
Structures
Threatened: 9,138
Structures--
Destroyed: 714
Failed: 9
Damaged: 33
No Damage: 407
Evacuations:
Level 1 (READY), Level
2 (SET) and Level 3
(GO!) are in effect.
Facebook Live Community Meeting Tonight at 7PM
Meeting Link-https://tinyurl.com/yyttkpwx
Springfield, Ore. –There was no infrared flight mapping flight last night, the
Holiday Farm Fire’s footprint is still estimated at 170,637 acres. The fire’s
perimeter measures more than 260 miles or roughly Portland to Medford.
The weather forecast predicts thunder storms with gusty winds, heavy rain and hail this afternoon and evening.
Winds are likely to increase as storms push into the area and a transition to (possibly heavy) rain. This weather could bring isolated washouts and slides on slopes and along roads. Fire managers ask that the public complete any necessary tasks and then avoid roads within and around the fire area after 3 p.m. This will help to keep the public safe and will maintain safe routes for firefighters and utility crews should they need to seek refuge from the storm.
Wildland fire crews will continue working to improve and increase fire
containment using hand crews, fire engines and heavy machinery. Crews will be working all around the fire with a focus on any areas of increased fire activity.
Structural firefighters continue to aggressively extinguish hot spots in and around homes. They will also be supporting the Urban Search and Rescue teams as they push west through Vida and into the Goodpasture Road area.
The Urban Search and Rescue Team has completed 1,163 structural evaluations in the fire area. Structures include commercial buildings, residences and outbuildings.
We have received a lot of questions about how fires are named. Fire names are created to provide useful landmarks for incoming fire crews. This fire was named after a popular local landmark business. The business had nothing to do with the cause of this fire.
A virtual public meeting on the Holiday Farm Fire will be held at 7 p.m. on https://www.facebook.com/HolidayFarmFire/. People do not need to have a Facebook account to participate.
This will be the last shift for many of the firefighting resources from within Lane County, as out of state resources arrive to take their place. This will allow these crews to return to their home communities, local agencies will
remain heavily involved in this effort until it is complete. These local crews were critical to getting this situation under control and they continue to provide valuable guidance to responders from other regions. They stand ready to return should the need arise.
The Lane and Linn County Sheriff Offices continue to work with fire operations personnel to modify evacuation zones where appropriate. For the latest information on evacuation areas, please visit:
Lane County: www.lanecounty.org/mckenziefire
Linn County: www.linnsheriff.org/fire_live_updates_sept_2020/
Please continue to monitor cell phones, landlines, local media and official information sources for evacuation updates. Fire managers request that the public please avoid the area.
Roads are closed in the fire area and much of the Willamette National Forest (WNF) and Northwest Oregon District BLM. Road hazards include falling trees and rocks and debris. For more information on closures on the WNF visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574
For more information on closures on the Northwest Oregon BLM visit:
https://www.blm.gov/press-release/extreme-fire-activity-prompts-closure-bureau-land-management-landsnorthwestern-oregon
Fire personnel are warmed by the community’s support but are unable to accept donations or use volunteers. The fire must use individuals with the appropriate qualifications.
HOLIDAY FARM FIRE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ACTIVITY
News release from Oregon Department of Forestry
Due to forecasted hazardous weather conditions including rain, wind, potential lightning and hail, we will be suspending operations for all utility companies and non-essential people from entering the level 3 evacuation area and all areas within the fire footprint starting at 1800 tonight 9/17 through 9/18 at 1800. Depending on weather conditions, the suspension of activity may be extended in 24-hour increments.
Incident Commanders are concerned about fire-weakened trees and rocks falling into the roadway or areas personnel are working. Homeowners who have chosen not to evacuate are directed to remain at home or evacuate during this weather event and not travel the road system within the fire perimeter. Previously issued road access permits may be temporarily suspended and access denied during these periods.
No utility crews except those directly related to the Highway 126 snagging operation or Leaburg dam operations will be allowed in the fire areas during this time.
We will continue to reevaluate to determine access for the following 24 hours by 1800 each evening thereafter.
The weather may also dictate the number of fire resources assigned to the fire during this weather event.
Be alert for landslides in the Cascade foothills of Oregon
Oregon Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries - 09/17/20 10:51 AM
Portland, OR—The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for a portions of the Cascade foothills, including portions of the following counties, Hood River, Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion, Linn, Lane, Douglas, Coos, Jackson, and Klamath for Thursday, September 17, 5 pm, through September 18, early morning.
Heavy rain can trigger landslides, rock fall, and debris flows in steep terrain, and the risk is higher in burn areas.
Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.
If your home, work, or route is in a watch area:
- Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
- Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
- Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.
For more landslide and debris flow information: https://www.oregongeology.org/Landslide/debrisflow.htm
