7/25/05 0600Hrs
New Suppression on 07/24/05: Light initial attack on 7/24. Ten new starts were
reported, none of which was larger than Class AB. The main focus of activity on 7/24
was the Mt. Hood NF, which had four new starts. These starts were all lightning holdover
fires, and two required staffing beyond base level IA forces. The Wooley Ridge Fire in
the Mark Hatfield Wilderness is 1.5 acres and is staffed by Smokejumpers and the Zig
Zag IHC. This fire is in good shape at this time but will require extensive mop-up and
helicopter bucket support. Another small fire NW of Mt. Hood is currently about a quarter
of an acre and has 15 personnel assigned to expedite the heavy mop-up.
New Large Fires for 7/24/05 None
Ongoing Suppression :
WA-WFS-501 Wood Gulch Fire
3500 acres 50% containment
This fire is burning in grass and scattered brush on private land south/southeast of
Bickleton, WA, and approximately 3 miles north of the Columbia River and the towns of
North and West Roosevelt WA, in Wood Gulch. The Fire Mobilization Act has been
authorized and numerous cooperating agencies have responded.
A Washington Incident Management Team (Johnson) has been ordered.
On 7/24 predicted west winds did cause the fire to make some rapid runs at the dozer
lines and roads being used to contain the fire. There were some small slopovers which
were contained but in general the lines held. The terrain is difficult and access is a
control problem. 225 personnel assigned to this fire.
Weather near this fire:
Today: Partly cloudy. North wind 9 mph. High 89.
Tonight: Clear. North wind 9 mph. Low 61.
Tuesday: Sunny. Northeast wind 6 mph. High 93
OR-WSA-O55- Schoolie Rim Fire 1,271 acres 25% containment
This fire is located on the Warm Springs Agency, five miles northwest of Warm Springs.
Fire is burning primarily in grass and sagebrush with very scattered timber along water
courses. The fire had a third day of gusty N/NW winds in the late afternoon but all
containment lines held. Line reinforcement and mop-up continued. 50 personnel
assigned to this fire.
OR-WSA-057- Rattlesnake Springs Fire
1,238 acres
25% containment
This fire is located approximately 10 miles northeast of Warm Springs at the east end
of SR 200 on the Warm Springs Agency. Fire is on lower elevation ground burning in
grass, sage, and scattered juniper. On 7/24, the fire remained quiet and mop-up and
securing of the fire perimeter continued. Fire has 75 personnel assigned.
OR-WSA- 056 Shitike Creek Fire
413 acres 30% containment
This fire is located approximately 2-3 miles west/northwest of Warm Springs in the
Shitike Creek Canyon. Fire is burning in grass, brush, and scattered timber. The fire was
calm on 7/24 but mop-up and hazard reduction in the creek bottom has been difficult and
slow. All lines at the top of the creek canyon rim, which is the most vulnerable part of
the perimeter and biggest threat to the town of Warm Springs and several subdivisions,
are secure.
Weather near these fires:
Today: Sunny. Northeast wind 12 mph. High 80.
Tonight: Clear. Northeast wind 12 mph. Low 50.
Tuesday: Sunny. East wind 8 mph. High 85.
OR-SIF-011 Blossom Complex: Three fires totaling about 40 acres are burning in the
Wild Rogue Wilderness approximately 30 miles SE of Port Orford, OR, and 25 miles
Northeast of Gold Beach, OR. The largest fire is estimated at 15+ acres. Rappellers are
assigned to all three fires presently, two of which are in extremely steep and rugged
terrain with 80% slopes. Rolling burning material is a constant threat and hindrance to
full containment. The ORCA Team (Paul) was assigned and will take over control of the
fire today.
The fire continues to back and burn through retardant lines and areas that have been
heavily watered with numerous bucket drops. A decision has been made that resources
on the ground are inadequate to utilize the air support efficiently. Three IHC Crews
arrived in Medford on 7/24 and will travel to the fire today. At present 4 helicopters and
approximately 100 personnel are assigned.
Weather near this fire:
Today: Sunny. North wind 15 mph. High 84.
Tonight: Clear. North wind 17 mph. Low 54.
Tuesday: Sunny. North wind 12 mph. High 86
Weather Synopsis: A ridge of high pressure will build along the coast this week with
warm and fairly dry airmass. Another weak low pressure area is expected to form off the
northern Calif coast around mid week. As is the case with this type of event, S-SW flow
will likely develop across eastern Oregon increasing the chances for thunderstorm
activity. Right now any lightning threat for Wednesday or Thursday looks fairly minimal
with best chance being for isolated to widely scattered activity across eastern Oregon.
Large Fire Potential: New Large Fire Potential appears to be fairly low for now. Fuels
are drying to a level to support large fire activity in most of the PSAs so that critical
"triggers" will be the deciding factor for establishing large fires. Right now no serious
trigger events are expected but we will need to keep an eye on what now appears to be
a minimal lightning threat for mid week in eastern Oregon