Evening Update-August 23, 2018
For Immediate Release
Incident Commanders: Ian Yocum, Oregon State Fire Marshal; Eric Knerr, Northwest Team 7
Contact: Rich Tyler/Jeanne Klein 541-239-3619
OSFM/NW Team 7 Public Information Officers
Follow Fire Information on Facebook Pages:
Gilliam County Sheriff https://www.facebook.com/GilliamCountySheriff/
South Gilliam County Rural Fire Protection District https://www.facebook.com/South-Gilliam-County-Rural-Fire-Protection-District-783137915065669/?ref=br_rs
[Condon, Oregon] Reduced fire danger has allowed Gilliam County to lower evacuation levels from level 2 Be Set to a level 1 Be Ready for Richmond Road, Ferry Canyon Road, and Pattee Road. Cooler temperatures tonight into tomorrow will allow crews to continue making progress on all the fires. Fire suppression repair plans are currently being developed with hopes to implement them very soon on the Stubbblefield and Lonerock Fires.
Stubblefield Fire – With active fire, the western perimeter continues to be the operational focus for the day and night. Fire crews will work tonight holding it north of Ferry Canyon. Fire evacuations have been reduced from Level 2 Be Set to level 1 Be Ready across all areas of the Stubblefield Fire. Structure crews continue mopping up, reinforcing the defensible space around any structures near the fire.
Lonerock Fire – All lines continued to hold throughout the day. Smoke was more visible today due to interior burning well within the perimeter. Steep and difficult terrain has forced crews to go in by foot along the eastern perimeter checking for hot spots and mitigating them as they arise.
Jennie’s Peak – Crews continued with firing operations on the north end during the day to stay in front of the fire. With a successful day shift, crews tonight will monitor Rhodes Canyon Road and hold the fire from further growth to the north. Due to smoky conditions, air tankers were unable to support the men and women on the ground with retardant but two Type 1 helicopters, one on loan from Oregon Department of Forestry helped hold the lines along the north end.
Tonight’s community meeting in Condon was very successful, with 14 local community members in attendance. As fire activity continues to improve, OSFM structural task forces are being released from the fire. Night crews will continue firing operations on the Jennie’s Peak Fire to stay ahead of the fire and check it at Rhodes Canyon Road. Fire Behavior Specialists are expecting diminished fire behavior tomorrow and significant relative humidity recovery tonight. The men and women continue to work diligently both day and night, looking for opportunities to deepen containment lines on all the fires.
