After initial assessment, fire managers have developed a strategy to confine and monitor the Pacific Fire (previously identified as Incident 847) in the Mount Washington Wilderness.
The fire was first reported late in the day on Thursday, August 29, but was not located until Friday, August 30, due to precipitation in the area. The fire is approximately 1/10th of an acre. Aerial photos show that the fire is currently adjacent to the Lake George fire scar and surrounded by lava flows that would limit any fire spread to the east as well as by the Shadow Lake and Cache Mountain fire scars to the north and northeast.
Moisture from recent rains and the past fire history in the area, as well as the availability of resources provides an opportunity to manage this fire to meet wilderness character objectives and desired ecological conditions.
Fire staff have hiked in to the fire area for an on-site assessment. A Type 3 Incident Commander and a 10-person Wildland Fire Module (WFM) have been assigned to the incident. The WFM will provide on-site information and real time updates to fire managers. Management action points are being developed to identify key locations for fire managers to engage additional firefighters using Minimum Impact Suppression Techniques if necessary.
Smoke from the fire may be visible from Sisters, parts of Highway 20, and surrounding areas.
