[THE DALLES, Ore.]
Oregon Department of Forestry’s The Dalles Unit in-briefed a Type 3 Team
from Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) Sunday evening, providing
current situation and suppression objectives for the Fir Mountain Fire. Overnight the COFMS Team worked with fire
personnel, transitioning this morning to assume command. The fire is estimated to be 250 acres,
burning in logging slash (from an old logging operation), timber and younger
reproduction.
Sunday was a challenging day on the fire as wind
pushed the smoke column over the fire, obscuring what was happening on the
ground from air resources which are used to provide critical information back
to fireline leadership. Reduced winds
Sunday evening and night allowed firefighters to gain a clear view of fire
behavior and fire location across the fire area. Fire leadership determined that besides the
main body of the fire there were numerous spotfires to the east of the original
fire. Some of these spotfires are
estimated to be up to ten acres in size.
The furthest “spot” is near Godberson Road in Wasco County nearly a mile
east of the main fire, as of this morning this fire has a dozer line around the
perimeter. This morning the Team is
working to map spotfires based on information reported back from fire
resources.
Last night fire personnel were able to complete dozer
line around the main body of the fire and will work today to secure the
fireline. Firefighters will work inward
from the perimeter to cool any hotspots with water and dirt to reduce the risk
of fire spreading outside the fireline. Several
of the other spot fires also have dozer line or handline around the perimeter
or portions of the perimeter.
There are approximately 200 fire personnel assigned to
the Fir Mountain Fire. Aircraft will
continue to be critical in slowing the spread of fire today to allow ground
personnel to engage directly with the fire.
Today winds are expected to be similar to what firefighters experienced
on Sunday.
The fire was reported late Saturday night and is
currently under investigation.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve
landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff
or schedule an appointment. For
additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact
information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
