Single Publication

Red Flag Warning over Fossil Complex as Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2 assumes command

SPRAY, Ore. – The Fossil Complex includes 5-widely dispersed fires east of Fossil, north of Spray and Monument, and south of Heppner which are burning in tall grass, brush, and timber across about 752 acres.

The Fossil Complex is comprised of the Two Cabin Fire, which began on September 3 along with the Canyon, Holmes, Kinzua Fires, which began on September 5. The Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2 (ODF IMT 2) responded to the Service Fire after assuming command of the Fossil Complex at 6:00 PM yesterday. The Service Fire, which expanded rapidly to 200 acres is now fully lined and incorporated into the complex.

The arrival of ODF IMT 2 brings additional capacity to manage and support the complex logistical needs of staffing and supporting firefighting needs across these widely dispersed fires. Additional firefighting crews began arriving yesterday and as more continue to arrive, they will join the full suppression effort and be available to respond in the event of any new starts within the complex.

Currently all fires are lined. With a high potential for fire spread, crews are working to improve the security of lines across the complex. Aviation resources, though limited, are available to support ground crews and slow the spread of any fire outside the fire lines.

Evacuations: a Level 1 evacuation is in effect for Parker Mill, Sunflower, and Anson Wright Park. 

Weather: A Red Flag Warning has been issued throughout the area for abundant thunderstorms and outflow winds which could promote fire growth across containment lines. Critical fire weather is expected over next several days, with a high potential for fire spread due to low RH's and high temps.

Road Closures:  County Road 697 is closed.

Fire Restrictions and Forest Closures

ODF: www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx

Umatilla NF: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5382878

BLM: www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

FIRE AT A GLANCE

Fossil Complex

Total Size:  752 acres          

Two Cabin: 251acres

Canyon-190 acres

Kinzua-96 acres

Holmes-15 acres

Service-200 acres

Containment:  0% 

Cause:  Lightning

All Resources 

Hand Crews: 10

Engines: 6

Water Tender:  1

Dozers:  3

Skidders: 2

Skidgen: 1

Total Resources: 273

Aviation

Type 2: 2

Type3: 2

ODF Incident Commander:

Matt Howard, Incident Management Team 2