InciWebSouth Obenchain Fire Update September 26 2020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
South Obenchain Fire Update
September 26, 2020
Quick Facts
Incident Start: September 8, 2020
Acres: 32, 671
Containment: 95%
Cause: Under Investigation
Fire Information
Wildfire Information Center: (458) 206-3043 https://southwestoregonwildfireinformation.blogspot.com/
Jackson County Emergency Management: (541) 776-7338
Email: SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185
Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Update: The South Obenchain Fire has transitioned from a Type 2 fire to a Type 3 fire. The Northeast Washington Team 2 with Incident Commander Dean Kiefer assumed management of the fire today at 7:00am. The number of resources assigned to the fire will adjust as fire behavior reduces and as needs shift.
Firefighters will continue working to reduce hazards within the interior of the fire, install water bars, clean up dozer lines, and mop up. Focus remains on Division U as firefighters patrol for remaining heat and smoke. Resource Advisors are working with crews to complete suppression repair efforts which will reduce the potential impact from future rain and snow events, erosion and landslides. Potential hazards include trees with heavy and wet limbs and burned root structures.
The incident objectives remain the same. The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies. To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness and COVID. This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp.
Fire Weather: Today will be another cool and high humidity day, with clouds and scattered showers in the morning becoming partly cloudy with isolated showers in the afternoon. Temperatures will be slightly warmer than yesterday, at 70-75 degrees in the valleys and 62-67 at elevations above 2500 feet. Winds are from the west to northwest at 4-6 mph and gusting to 11 mph in the afternoon. Clear weather after sunset.
Fire Activity: Expect mild fire behavior today. Fire may creep, smolder, and have light surface fire under unburned protected canopies. All fuels remain at critically dry levels. Brush and grasses expect to dry out quickly as temperatures increase early next week.
Resources: 462 total resources. 12 type-2 crews, one light helicopter, two medium helicopters, 27 engines, five dozers, nine water tenders, and three skidgens.
Evacuations: Evacuation levels have been eliminated except for a Level 1 in the eastern end of the fire area. Please view the following web pages for the most current evacuation maps. Jackson County Emergency Management: https://jcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3caa39804db54631a61007180d5ef415
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office: https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff
Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter remains located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: The footprint of the TFR has reduced in size and height. It remains in place for the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire. Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.
Closure: The Bureau of Land Management Medford District has rescinded public lands closure notices across much of the District. Public lands closures remain in effect near the Slater Fire and the South Obenchain Fire.
Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website: http://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
Public and Fire Fighter Safety is The Number One priority
Please drive carefully. Firefighters are present and working through the area and along Butte Falls Highway.
South Obenchain Fire Update September 25 2020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
South Obenchain Fire Update
Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson
September 25, 2020
This will be the last update from the Northwest Incident Management Team 8 (NWIMT8), Incident Commander Doug Johnson. NE Washington Team 2, Incident Commander Dean Kiefer, will assume management of the fire Saturday at 7:00 am. NWIMT8 would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to the communities, cooperators, agency staff, and firefighters for the unwavering support during our management of the South Obenchain Fire.
The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies. To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness. This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp.
The small amount of precipitation received has not significantly reduced the fire danger. All fuels remain at critically dry levels. Please stay diligent to keep new starts from occurring. Hunters are also reminded to be cautious and watch for falling fire weakened trees.
Fire Information:
Wildfire Information Center: (458) 206-3043
Jackson County Emergency Management: (541) 776-7338
E-mail: SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com
Wildfire Information Center: https://southwestoregonwildfireinformation.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185
Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Acreage: 32,671
Containment: 90%
Cause: Under investigation
Current situation: Visible flames and smoke will persist within the fire perimeter until a season-ending rain or snow event. Only call 911 if flames are actively spreading and life or property are threatened. Please provide a specific address or location for firefighters to respond.
There will still be firefighters present and working throughout the area and near roadways which should elicit caution from the public.
Resource Advisors are working with the repair group and continue to make good progress cleaning up dozer lines, repairing fencing, installing water bars, or ways to impede the flow of water down trails. and completing other suppression repairs. These measures will be important as the fall rains come.
The Northwest Incident Management Team 8 will be transitioning to the Northeast Washington Team 2 Saturday September 26, 2020 at 7 am.
Evacuations: Please view the following web pages for the most current evacuation maps:
Jackson County Emergency Management:
https://jcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3caa39804db54631a61007180d5ef415
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office:
https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff
Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter remains located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers.
Weather: It was 98 days of dry weather before Thursday’s rain. Another chance of rain is forecasted for late afternoon into the night. Temperatures will be near the mid-70’s with relative humidity of 45%. Winds will be southwest to west at 7 mph with gusts to 15 mph.
Resources-783: 2-type 2 initial attack crews, 25-type 2 crews, 1- light helicopter, 2-medium helicopters, 36-engines, 10-dozers, 13-water tenders and 4-skidgens.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: The footprint of the TFR has reduced in size and height. It remains in place for the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire. Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.
Closure: Thanks to recent rains and an increase in availability of initial attack resources to respond to new starts, the Bureau of Land Management Medford District is rescinding public lands closure notices across much of the District. Public lands closures remain in effect near the Slater Fire and the South Obenchain Fire.
Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website: http://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
South Obenchain Update September 24 2020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
South Obenchain Fire Update
Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson
September 24, 2020
Fire updates will be provided once daily
The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies. To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness. This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp.
Rain was received throughout the Rogue Valley. This small amount of precipitation has not significantly reduced the fire danger. All fuels remain at critically dry levels. Patrols are still finding illegal abandoned campfires. All recreation visitors are reminded campfires are illegal at this time.
Fire Information:
Wildfire Information Center: (458) 206-3043
Jackson County Emergency Management: (541) 776-7338
E-mail: SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com
Wildfire Information Center: https://southwestoregonwildfireinformation.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185
Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Acreage: 32,671
Containment: 85%
Cause: Under investigation
Current situation: Visible flames and smoke will persist within the fire perimeter until a season-ending rain or snow event. Only call 911 if flames are actively spreading and life or property are threatened. Please provide a specific address or location for firefighters to respond.
Crews are continuing to work on mopping up along containment lines, patrolling for smokes in the interior and mitigating and rehabbing fire suppression actions. Many of these crews will be winding down their assignment here and demobilizing to leave for other incidents or headed home for well-earned rest.
There will still be firefighters present and working throughout the area and near roadways which should elicit caution from the public.
Resource Advisors are working with the repair group and continue to make good progress cleaning up dozer lines, repairing fencing, installing water bars, or ways to impede the flow of water down trails. and completing other suppression repairs. These measures will be important as the fall rains come.
The Northwest Incident Management Team 8 will be transitioning to the Northeast Washington Team 2 Saturday September 26, 2020 at 7 am.
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Evacuations: Portions of the evacuations levels have been reduced in some areas from a level 2 to a level 1. The Jackson County Sheriffs’ Office has removed the countywide level 1.
Please view the following web pages for the most current evacuation maps:
Jackson County Emergency Management:
https://jcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3caa39804db54631a61007180d5ef415
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office:
https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff
Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter remains located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers.
Weather: Cooler temperatures expected today and into Friday. Daytime high over the fire mid 60s to low 70s, partly cloudy, light west winds, 5-7 mph. Overnight temperatures in the 40s, winds increasing slightly to 10 mph by Friday. The chance of precipitation decreases on Friday.
Resources-783: 2-type 2 initial attack crews, 25-type 2 crews, 1- light helicopter, 2-medium helicopters, 36-engines, 10-dozers, 13-water tenders and 4-skidgens.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: The footprint of the TFR has reduced in size and height. It remains in place for the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire. Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.
Closure: The Bureau of Land Management Medford District has temporarily closed many areas of public lands to support fire suppression efforts and to prevent new starts.
Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website: http://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
###
South Obenchain Fire Update September 23 2020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
South Obenchain Fire Update
Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson
September 23, 2020
Fire updates will be provided once daily
The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies. To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness. This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp.
EXTREME fire danger still exists in the Rogue Valley. All fuels remain at critically dry levels. An innocent spark could escalate out of control. Please do your part to prevent wildfires. One less spark, one less wildfire.
Fire Information:
Wildfire Information Center: (458) 206-3043
Jackson County Emergency Management: (541) 776-7338
E-mail: SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com
Wildfire Information Center: https://southwestoregonwildfireinformation.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185
Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Acreage: 32,671
Containment: 80%
Cause: Under investigation
Current situation: Visible flames and smoke will persist within the fire perimeter until a season-ending rain or snow event. Only call 911 if flames are actively spreading and life or property are threatened. Please provide a specific address or location for firefighters to respond.
Data received yesterday from the infrared mapping resources show the fire is still holding heat signatures such as stump holes and scattered concentrations of fuels. These interior islands will continue to consolidate. There is little to no open flames, however the continued dry fuels and approaching cold front with gusty winds from the west could challenge the eastern containment lines. Crews will remain vigilant and respond to any increased activity. Hazards for crews include fire weakened trees, snags, rolling debris, and additional local traffic.
As the fire continues, it is natural to get relaxed as evacuation levels persist. Evacuation levels are evaluated daily. Please remember this is an active fire and citizens need to remain aware that conditions could change.
Resource Advisors are working with the repair group and continue to make good progress cleaning up dozer lines, repairing fencing, installing water bars, and completing other suppression repairs.
The Northwest Incident Management Team #8 will be transitioning to the Northeast Washington Team #2 this Friday.
~ ~ ~ more ~ ~ ~
Evacuations: Portions of the evacuations levels have been reduced in some areas from a level 2 to a level 1. The Jackson County Sheriffs’ Office has removed the countywide level 1.
Please view the following web pages for the most current evacuation maps:
Jackson County Emergency Management:
https://jcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3caa39804db54631a61007180d5ef415
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office:
https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff
Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter remains located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers.
Weather:. Today will be breezy ahead of a cold front. Wednesday night into early Thursday there’s a good chance for rain with a chance of showers on Friday, possibly measuring 1/10th inch.
Resources-856: 1-type 1 hand crew, 1-type 2 initial attack crew, 26-type 2 crews, 1- light helicopter, 2-medium helicopters, 37-engines, 10-dozers, 21-water tenders and 4-skidgens.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: The footprint of the TFR has reduced in size and height. It remains in place for the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire. Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.
Closure: The Bureau of Land Management Medford District has temporarily closed many areas of public lands to support fire suppression efforts and to prevent new starts.
Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website: http://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
###
South Obenchain Fire Update September 22 2020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
South Obenchain Fire Update
Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson
September 22, 2020
Fire updates will be provided once daily
The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies. To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness. This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp.
EXTREME fire danger still exists in the Rogue Valley. All fuels remain at critically dry levels. An innocent spark could escalate out of control. Please do your part to prevent wildfires. One less spark, one less wildfire.
Fire Information:
Wildfire Information Center: (458) 206-3043
Jackson County Emergency Management: (541) 776-7338
E-mail: SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com
Wildfire Information Center: https://southwestoregonwildfireinformation.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185
Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Acreage: 32,671
Containment: 70%
Cause: Under investigation
Current situation: Visible flames and smoke will persist within the fire perimeter until a season-ending rain or snow event. Only call 911 if flames are actively spreading and life or property are threatened. Please provide a specific address or location for firefighters to respond.
All perimeters around the South Obenchain Fire are in mop-up and/or patrol status. Resources are still making good progress mopping up into the interior up to 300 ft. to secure all containment lines. The entire west, northeast and north perimeter are now in patrol status. Hose lays will remain in these locations in case smokes pop up and need to be cooled. Multiple types of infrared tools are being used to detect heat on the fire. Last night, an infrared flight recorded the areas of heat over the entire fire; the drone recorded heat on the east perimeter, and two handheld devices located areas on the south end. Firefighters will be using this information to locate the heat and secure the perimeter.
Resource Advisors are working with the repair group and continue to make good progress cleaning up dozer lines, repairing fencing, installing water bars, and completing other suppression repairs.
Reconnaissance flights occur twice a day scouting for visible smokes from above. Excess resources continue to be demobilized to return home for a well-deserved rest or reassigned to assist with other incidents.
The Northwest Incident Management Team #8 will be transitioning to a Type 3 Incident Management Team this Friday.
Evacuations: Portions of the evacuations levels have been reduced in some areas from a level 2 to a level 1. Please view the following web pages for the most current evacuation maps:
Jackson County Emergency Management:
https://jcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3caa39804db54631a61007180d5ef415
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office:
https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff
Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter remains located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers.
Weather: Today will be dry with near seasonal temperatures and relative humidity. Expect a mix of clouds and smoke especially in the afternoon. Light winds in the morning will turn westerly in the afternoon at 7-10mph, and bring in additional smoke from the Slater fire through Grants Pass. Temperatures will be 76-81 degrees with a relative humidity of 24-30%.
Resources-856: 1-type 1 hand crew, 1-type 2 initial attack crew, 26-type 2 crews, 1- light helicopter, 2-medium helicopters, 37-engines, 10-dozers, 21-water tenders and 4-skidgens.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: The footprint of the TFR has reduced in size and height. It remains in place for the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire. Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.
Closure: The Bureau of Land Management Medford District has temporarily closed many areas of public lands to support fire suppression efforts and to prevent new starts.
Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website: http://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
###
South Obenchain Fire Update September 21 2020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
South Obenchain Fire Update
Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson
September 21, 2020
Fire updates will be provided once daily
The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies. To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness. This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp.
EXTREME fire danger still exists in the Rogue Valley. All fuels remain at critically dry levels. An innocent spark could escalate out of control. Please do your part to prevent wildfires. One less spark, one less wildfire.
Fire Information:
Wildfire Information Center: (458) 206-3043
Jackson County Emergency Management: (541) 776-7338
E-mail: SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com
Wildfire Information Center: https://southwestoregonwildfireinformation.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185
Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Acreage: 32,671
Containment: 65%
Cause: Under investigation
Current situation:
Visible flames and smoke will persist within the fire perimeter until a season-ending rain or snow event. Only call 911 if flames are actively spreading and life or property are threatened. Please provide a specific address or location for firefighters to respond.
All perimeters around the South Obenchain Fire are in mop-up and/or patrol status. Resources are steadily making progress mopping up into the interior up to 300 ft. to secure all containment lines. The entire west perimeter is now in patrol status. The repair group is making good progress cleaning up dozer lines, repairing fencing, waterbarring and completing other suppression repairs. Reconnaissance flights are occurring twice a day scouting for visible smokes from above. Resources determined as excess to operational needs are demobilized to return home for a well-deserved rest or reassigned to assist with other incidents.
Evacuations: Areas inside the immediate burn area remain at Level 3 with restricted entry and areas outside the immediate burn area have been reduced to Level 2. Please view the following web pages for the most current evacuation maps:
Jackson County Emergency Management-
Jackson County Sheriff’s Officehttps://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff
Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter remains located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers.
Weather: Today will bring a few more clouds by afternoon which will cool temperatures and raise the relative humidity. Temperatures will be 75-80 degrees with a relative humidity of 23-30%. Winds will be southwest 5 mph turning west to 7 mph with gusts of 12 mph.
Resources-897: 1-type 1 hand crew, 1-type 2 initial attack crew, 27-type 2 crews, 1- light helicopter, 2-medium helicopters, 43-engines, 15-dozers, 24-water tenders and 6-skidgens.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire, a temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire area. Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.
Closure: The Bureau of Land Management Medford District has temporarily closed many areas of public lands to support fire suppression efforts and to prevent new starts. Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website: http://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
South Obenchain Fire September 20 2020 PM Update
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
South Obenchain Fire Update
Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson
September 20, 2020 – 8:00 PM
The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies. To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness. This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp. Please see the websites below or contact the Jackson County Emergency Management Office at (541) 776-7338 for further fire information.
EXTREME fire danger still exists in the Rogue Valley. All fuels remain at critically dry levels. An innocent spark could escalate out of control. One less spark, one less wildfire.
Fire Information:
Wildfire Information Center: (458)-206-3043
Jackson County Emergency Management: (541) 776-7338
E-mail: SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com
Wildfire Information Center: https://southwestoregonwildfireinformation.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185
Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Acreage: 32,671
Containment: 65%
Cause: Under investigation
Current situation: Areas inside the immediate burn area remain at a Level 3 evacuation with restricted entry. Areas outside of the immediate burn area previously at a Level 3, are reduced to a Level 2. See the Jackson County Emergency Management and Sheriff’s office websites for the most up to date information.
Visible flames and smoke will persist within the fire perimeter until a season-ending rain or snow event. Only call 911 if flames are actively spreading and life or property are threatened. Please provide a specific address or location for firefighters to respond.
All perimeters around the South Obenchain Fire are in mop-up and patrol status. The repair group is making good progress cleaning up dozer lines, repairing fencing and completing other suppression repairs. Reconnaissance flights are occurring twice a day scouting for visuals of smokes from above. With the higher temperatures today, more smokes were visible with the majority well into the interior of the fire. Resources determined as excess to operational needs are demobilized to return home for a well-deserved rest or reassigned to assist with other incidents.
Evacuations: Areas inside the immediate burn area remain at Level 3 with restricted entry, and areas outside the immediate burn area have been reduced to Level 2. Please view the following web pages for the most current evacuation maps:
Jackson County Emergency Management-
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff
Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter remains located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers.
Weather: Tonight, the weather will remain mostly clear with patches of smoke. Temperatures 48-55 degrees with a relative humidity of 60-70%. Winds will northwest to 7 mph then becoming northeast to 5 mph after midnight.
Resources-897: 1-type 1 hand crew, 1-type 2 initial attack crew, 27-type 2 crews, 1- light helicopter, 2-medium helicopters, 43-engines, 15-dozers, 24-water tenders and 6-skidgens.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire, a temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire area. Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.
Donations: People wishing to donate to help individuals and families that have been displaced by fires can visit the local Access website for additional information. https://www.accesshelps.org/
Closure: The Bureau of Land Management Medford District has temporarily closed many areas of public lands to support fire suppression efforts and to prevent new starts. Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website: http://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
###
South Obenchain Fire AM Update September 20 2020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
South Obenchain Fire Update
Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson
September 20, 2020 – 9:00 AM
The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies. To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness. This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp. Please see the websites below or contact the Jackson County Emergency Management Office at (541) 776-7338 for further fire information.
EXTREME fire danger still exists in the Rogue Valley. All fuels are at critically dry levels. An innocent spark could escalate out of control. One less spark, one less wildfire. There is no season-ending precipitation event in the forecast.
Fire Information:
Wildfire Information Center: (458)-206-3043
Jackson County Emergency Management: (541) 776-7338
E-mail: SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com
Wildfire Information Center: https://southwestoregonwildfireinformation.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185
Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Acreage: 32,671
Containment: 55%
Cause: Under investigation
Current situation: Areas inside the immediate burn area remain at a Level 3 evacuation with restricted entry. Areas outside of the immediate burn area previously at a Level 3, are reduced to a Level 2. See the Jackson County Emergency Management and Sheriff’s office website. The town of Butte Falls is open for residents to return, however drivers using Butte Falls Highway will need to show proof of residence at the Oregon National Guard check point. Please drive with caution as personnel and equipment will still be working on the Butte Falls Highway and adjacent areas. Residents may return to their homes in the areas east of Salt Creek Road and north of Hwy 140, including the Salt Creek and Wasson Canyon drainage areas.
Visible flames and smoke will persist within the fire perimeter until a season-ending rain or snow event. Only call 911 if flames are actively spreading and life or property are threatened. Please provide a specific address or location for firefighters to respond.
Moderate fire behavior today will allow resources to continue mop up inside the perimeter up to 300 feet in some locations. Fire suppression repair work continues. Crews on contained portions of the fire are removing hose lays, cleaning up dozer lines, repairing fencing and completing other suppression repair. With increased containment and consistent work on the fire, resources assigned to the fire will decrease. Resources will return home for a much needed rest or be reassigned to other incidents. As resources are released, an important step in that process is to have fire vehicles’ undercarriage washed to reduce the possible spread of noxious weeds.
~ ~ ~ more ~ ~ ~
Evacuations: Areas inside the immediate burn area remain at Level 3 with restricted entry, and areas outside the immediate burn area have been reduced to Level 2. Please view the following web pages for the most current evacuation maps:
Jackson County Emergency Management-
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff
Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter is located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers.
Weather: Temperatures today continue to be warmer and drier during the day, with no precipitation over the fire. Temperatures 80-84 degrees with a relative humidity of 20-25%. Light winds today, E to NE to 7 mph.
Resources-924: 1-type 1 hand crew, 1-type 2 initial attack crew, 27-type 2 crews, 2- light helicopters, 3-medium helicopters, 3- heavy helicopters, 44-engines, 18-dozers, 26-water tenders and 5-skidgens.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire, a temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire area. Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics. If you fly, we can’t. The entire air operation must be shut down until the air space is reported clear.
Donations: People wishing to donate to help individuals and families that have been displaced by fires can visit the local Access website for additional information. https://www.accesshelps.org/
Closure: The Bureau of Land Management Medford District has temporarily closed many areas of public lands to support fire suppression efforts and to prevent new starts. Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website: http://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
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South Obenchain Fire September 19 2020 PM Update
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
South Obenchain Fire Update
Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson
September 19, 2020 – 9:00 PM
The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies. To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness. This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp. Please see the websites below or contact the Jackson County Emergency Management Office at (541) 776-7338 for further fire information.
EXTREME fire danger still exists in the Rogue Valley. All fuels are at critically dry levels. An innocent spark could escalate out of control. There is no season-ending precipitation event in the forecast.
Fire Information:
Wildlfire Information Center: 458-206-3043
Jackson County Emergency Management: (541) 776-7338
E-mail: SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com
Wildfire Information Center: https://southwestoregonwildfireinformation.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185
Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Acreage: 32,671
Containment: 55%
Cause: Under investigation
Current situation: Areas inside the immediate burn area remain at a Level 3 evacuation with restricted entry. Areas outside of the immediate burn area previously at a Level 3 are reduced to a Level 2. See the Jackson County Emergency Management and Sheriff’s website. The town of Butte Falls is open for residents to return, however drivers using Butte Falls Highway will need to show proof of residence at the Oregon National Guard check point. Please drive with caution as personnel and equipment will still be working on the Butte Falls Highway and adjacent areas. Residents may return to their homes in the areas east of Salt Creek Rd. and north of Hwy 140, including the Salt Creek and Wasson Canyon drainage areas.
Visible flames and smoke will persist within the fire perimeter until a season-ending rain or snow event. Only call 911 if flames are actively spreading and life or property are threatened. Please provide a specific address or location for firefighters to respond.
With increased containment and consistent work on the fire, resources assigned to the fire will decrease. Resources can be available for other assignments. Remaining resources continue to mop up and complete fire suppression work. Crews on contained portions of the fire are removing hose lays, cleaning up dozer lines and completing other suppression repair work.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response team has trauma-trained chaplains to provide emotional and spiritual care for the community and first responders. For assistance call 423-470-2200 or email www.billygraham.org/rrt. The team is located at the New Life Church Nazarene in Central Point, Oregon.
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Evacuations: Areas inside the immediate burn area remain at Level 3 with restricted entry, and areas outside the immediate burn area have been reduced to Level 2. Please view the following web pages for the most current evacuation maps:
Jackson County Emergency Management-
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff
Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter is located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers.
Weather: Temperatures were warmer and drier during the day, with no precipitation over the fire. Saturday night weather mostly clear. Areas of smoke with temperatures 45-52 degrees with a relative humidity of 75-85%. Winds will be SW to W to 8 mph. Gusts to 15 mph in the evening.
Resources-924: 1-type 1 hand crew, 1-type 2 initial attack crew, 27-type 2 crews, 3- light helicopters, 3-medium helicopters, 3- heavy helicopters, 46-engines, 18-dozers, 26-water tenders and 5-skidgens.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire, a temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire area. Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics. If you fly, we can’t. The entire air operation must be shut down until the air space is reported clear.
Donations: People wishing to donate to help individuals and families that have been displaced by fires can visit the local Access website for additional information. https://www.accesshelps.org/
Closure: The Bureau of Land Management Medford District has temporarily closed many areas of public lands to support fire suppression efforts and to prevent new starts. Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website:
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South Obenchain Fire September 19 2020 AM Update
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
South Obenchain Fire Update
Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson
September 19, 2020 – 9:00 AM
The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies. To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness. This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp. Please see the websites below or contact the Jackson County Emergency Management Office at (541) 776-7338 for further fire information.
EXTREME fire danger still exists in the Rogue Valley. All fuels are at critically dry levels. An innocent spark could escalate out of control. There is no season ending precipitation event in the forecast.
Current situation: Most areas involved in the South Obenchain Fire are open for residents to return. This includes the City of Butte Falls and Butte Falls Highway. However, those drivers using Butte Falls Highway will need to show proof of residents at the Oregon National Guard check point. The following areas remain at Level 3 “Go”. (See attached map). Those area include:
· Those areas around the immediate fire perimeter, and;
· Those areas north of Oregon 140 between Salt Creek Road east to BLM Road 36-2E-26.”
Residents need to be aware that firefighting personnel and equipment will still be working on the Butte Falls Highway and adjacent areas. Please drive with caution.
Please be aware visible flames and smoke will persist within the fire permitter until a season ending rain or snow event. Only call 911 if flames are actively spreading and life or property are threatened. Please provide a specific address or location for firefighters to respond.
The cold front produced only a trace of sprinkles of rain over the fire. This amount of rain is not much to impact the fire weather, but the front did push smoke out of the area. With the increased visibility, air resources were up and flying over the area providing air support as needed. Firefighters will continue mopping up into the fire permitter up to 300 feet in areas where it is conducive. Fire suppression repair work continues today within the fire area, cleaning up dozer lines, pulling water bars and other work to prevent erosion damage during rainfall and winter events. The cooler weather is favorable, creating moderate fire conditions in all divisions of the fire helping firefighters in mop up and repair efforts.
Friday night, the Oregon Department of Forestry provided an unmanned aircraft (drone) with infrared capabilities that flew over the southwest portion of the fire collecting data on the location of heat. A map with those locations will be provided to firefighters daily to assist them in mopping up the hotspots.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response team has trauma trained chaplains who are trained to provide emotional and spiritual care for the community and first responders. For assistance call 423-470-2200 or email www.billygraham.org/rrt. The team is located at the New Life Church Nazarene in Central Point, Oregon.
Acreage: 32,833
Containment: 45%
Cause: Under investigation
Fire Information: (541) 776-7338
E-mail: SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com
Wildfire Information Center: https://southwestoregonwildfireinformation.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185
Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Evacuations: Evacuation orders are in place to protect the public and the firefighters that are working to control the fire. Please adhere to the evacuation level issued for your area. Please view the Jackson County Emergency Management web page for the most current map.
South Obenchain Fire
Jackson County Sheriff Department
https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff
Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter is located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers.
Weather: Partly cloudy with clearing in the afternoon with expected patchy smoke. Temperatures 75-80 degrees in the valleys and 68-73 in higher elevations. Relative humidity of 30-40% with light and variable winds in the morning turning up slope at 5mph in the afternoon. West to northwest winds 6 mph with gusts to 15 mph on west to east oriented drainages. On ridges expect gusty to 15 mph in the afternoon.
Resources-934: 1-type 1 hand crew, 1-type 2 initial attack crew, 28-type 2 crews, 3- light helicopters, 3-medium helicopters, 3- heavy helicopters, 45-engines, 19-dozers, 28-water tenders and 6-skidgens.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire, a temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire area. Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics. If you fly, we can’t. The entire air operation must be shut down until the air space is reported clear.
Donations: People wishing to donate to help individuals and families that have been displaced by fires can visit the local Access website for additional information. https://www.accesshelps.org/
Closure: The Bureau of Land Management has closed public lands in and near the South Obenchain Fire to all forms of public access. In addition, the Medford District has temporarily closed all Bureau of Land Management-administered public lands in and near Cascade Siskiyou National Monument, as well as south of Grants Pass, Interstate 5, and U.S. Route 199 to the border of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
To View Closure Order and map: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions or call 541-618-2340 for more information about the closure.
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