Incident Media Photographs

Public Information Officers show students (grades 6-8) at the Dorena School fireline equipment. Credit: Nancy Jones, NW Team 6

Community members have posted wonderful "Thank You Firefighter" signs throughout the area; Collage made by Andrew Sandri

Public Information Officer visits Dorena School on September 15. Credit: Nancy Jones, NW Team 6

Credit: Jodie Barram, NW Team 6

Public Information Officer orients Dorena School students to the various fires burning near their community. Credit: Nancy Jones, NW Team 6

Photo: Fire crews reducing flammable debris by utilizing a chipper near the Brice Creek Fire; Credit: Zack Underwood, Salamander Incident Services

Mining is an important part of the cultural history of the U.S. Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest. Historical mine sites provide a window into the past. Preserving these sites is of the upmost importance to the Umpqua. When a wildfire threatens these sites, measures are taken to protect these landmarks.

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) work with local Resource Advisors (READS) to identify historical mining sites. Once identified, the management team takes measures to protect these sites from the fire when possible. The sensitivity of the particular site can influence the protective measures taken. For example, fire resistant wrap is a great way to protect wooden structures and has little impact on the landscape. Vegetation around the site can also be removed and/or reduced. Another option is to dig handline around the perimeter of the site. Or, if a water source is nearby, a sprinkler system can be setup. What’s nice about the sprinkler setup is that it can be left running unattended; the pumps can run for 5-8 hours on just one tank of fuel.

Once the fire threat has passed, efforts are taken to rehabilitate these sites. These efforts can include covering the handlines with debris to limit erosion, removing any protective wrapping used, and/or taking down sprinkler systems. READS document this process and monitor the site to ensure that the sites are appropriately restored and preserved.

There are numerous mining sites near the Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires. Over the last few weeks, the IMTs, working with READS, have been diligently working to identify these sites and are taking corresponding protective measures in order to preserve them. Wildland firefighters are dedicated to protecting our nation’s cultural heritage.

Photo Credit: Mathias Cusion, Santiam Handcrew

Firefighters conduct burnout operations on the Brice Creek Fire; a water tender waits on standby. Photo Credit: MS Murphy

REM (rapid extraction module) team practicing high-low rope extraction

Brice Creek, Dinner and Grizzly morning briefing

Brice Creek Fire panorama 

Brice Creek night operations