Fire Information Line: 458-206-6192

Email: 2020.meacham@firenet.gov

Incident Commander:  Mike Almas, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7038/ 

 

Mike Almas’ Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) began managing the Meacham Complex on Friday, August 21, 2020. The Meacham Complex of fires includes the Hager Ridge Fire, Horse Fire, 896 Fire, and several other smaller fires in the vicinity. In addition to those fires in the existing Meacham Complex southeast of Pendleton, Mike Almas’ IMT assumed command of the Rattlesnake Fire at 6:00 a.m. Monday, August 24 and will manage it as part of the Meacham Complex.

Multiple agencies are coordinating on Meacham Complex fire suppression, including United States Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Bureau of Indian Affairs, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, local volunteer fire departments, and various aerial resources.  The majority of the Meacham Complex fires are staffed, most are small, and many are contained or now in patrol status.  At present, the larger or more active fires in the Meacham Complex are the Horse Fire, the Hager Ridge Fire, the 896 Fire, and the Rattlesnake Fire. All of these fires are burning in rugged terrain, in a variety of fuels.

Sunday, firefighters continued to make great headway in reinforcing containment lines and beginning mop up on many of the fires in the Meacham Complex.  Crews continued to hold the Hager Fire to an estimated 50-60 acres, further improving containment lines around the fire’s perimeter, working to cool hot spots along the fire’s eastern flank, as well as mopping up along the perimeter. Despite heavy fuels around the fire’s southeastern perimeter, crews working on the Horse Fire secured anchor points, roughed in containment lines, and aided by air resources, continued to hold the fire at approximately 100 acres.  Firefighters working on the 896 Fire have constructed handline around much of the fire and worked to both improve the line constructed thus far and also to contain a small spot fire which they found Sunday across handline along the northeast corner of the fire. The 896 Fire is now estimated to be approximately 35 acres. Smokejumpers working on the Grey Rock Fire have completed suppression activities on that fire.  The Grey Rock Fire and several smaller fires already contained (Banjo, Huckleberry, Hellhole, 874) are now considered “out.”

Monday, hand crews will continue to aggressively work to contain the Hager Ridge, Horse, and 896 fires, further improving containment lines and beginning to mop up wherever they have been able to establish those containment lines. Firefighters working on the Meacham Complex fires will be supported by air resources as they are available. 

The Rattlesnake Fire is burning on the Pomeroy Ranger District in Washington, approximately twenty miles south of Pomeroy and thirteen miles southeast of Dayton.  Due to the distance of the Rattlesnake Fire from the other Meacham Complex fires, some IMT members will move closer to the fire- likely in or near Dayton. The Rattlesnake Fire is currently estimated at approximately 300-400 acres and is burning southward into the Tucannon Wilderness.  Fire managers are currently developing a suppression strategy. However, limited access (because of spring 2020 flooding) is hampering some efforts, and the local District is trying to complete temporary repairs to improve firefighter access to the fire.

 

Resources Threatened: One structure is currently threatened by the Horse Fire, and falling or rolling debris around the 896 Fire continues to be a concern along the Union Pacific Railroad line in that vicinity. Additionally, many of the fires pose potential threats to significant cultural and natural resources, and fire managers are actively working with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) to protect these resources.  

Evacuations and Closures: Currently there are no evacuations or area closures in place; however, a portion of FSR3128 is closed due to safety concerns. Please follow posts on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7038/ for the latest updates.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: There is a RED FLAG warning in effect today around the fire area, related to high temperatures, low humidity, and the potential for gusty winds associated with thunderstorms.

Fire Information Line: 458-206-6192

Email: 2020.meacham@firenet.gov

Incident Commander:  Mike Almas, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7038/ 

 

Mike Almas’ Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team began managing the Meacham Complex on Friday, August 21, 2020, at 6:00 a.m. The Meacham Complex of fires includes the Hager Ridge Fire, Horse Fire, 896 Fire, 943 (Grey Rock) Fire, and several other smaller fires in the vicinity.

Multiple agencies are coordinating on Meacham Complex fire suppression, including United States Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Bureau of Indian Affairs, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, local volunteer fire departments, and various aerial resources.  The majority of the Meacham Complex fires are staffed, most are small, and many are contained or now in patrol status.  At present, the larger or more active fires in the Meacham Complex are the Horse Fire, the Hager Ridge Fire, the 896 Fire, and the Grey Rock Fire. All of these fires are burning in rugged terrain, in a variety of fuels.

Saturday, hand crews and aerial resources successfully checked significant fire spread and took advantage of favorable weather.  Despite battling heavy fuels, firefighters completed and began reinforcing suppression lines along the Hager Ridge Fire’s eastern flank and were able to hold the fire at approximately 50 acres.  Firefighters on the ground at the Horse Fire worked diligently to try to establish safe anchor points, from which effective control lines can be constructed.  Aided by air resources, including water drops from a helicopter and retardant drops from single engine air tankers (SEATs), crews were able to hold the eastern flank of the fire from spreading further, and fire managers estimate the Horse Fire to now be about 130 acres. Retardant drops by SEATs also enabled crews to keep the 896 Fire at approximately 15-20 acres and establish some hand line around much of the fire. Smokejumpers staffing the Grey Rock Fire have successfully completed suppression line around the fire (holding it at approximately ¼ acre) and have begun mop-up adjacent to that line construction.

Sunday, hand crews will continue to aggressively work to contain these fires, further improving and beginning to mop up wherever they have been able to establish suppression lines. Crews on the Horse Fire will continue constructing containment lines along the fire’s northeast and southwest flanks from secure anchor points. Firefighters working on the Meacham Complex fires will be supported by air resources as they are available. 

 

Announcements/Meetings: Please join us for a Meacham Complex public meeting, tonight, August 23rd, 6:30 p.m., as we share fire status updates.  Due to limited space and concerns regarding Covid-19, we ask that anyone with internet connectivity join the public meeting via a Live Facebook stream on the Umatilla National Forest Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF).   For those who have no internet connectivity and live in close proximity to the fires, there is limited space to join us for this public meeting in-person, as we live-stream the meeting from the “Pool Patio Lawn”, behind the Tower Hotel at the Wild Horse Resort in Mission.  For anyone joining us in-person, please adhere to all Center for Disease Control recommendations (including use of face masks and appropriate social distancing).

Resources Threatened: One structure is currently threatened by the Horse Fire, and falling or rolling debris around the 896 Fire continues to be a concern along the Union Pacific Railroad line in that vicinity. Additionally, many of the fires pose potential threats to significant cultural and natural resources, and fire managers are actively working with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) to protect these resources.  

Evacuations and Closures: Currently there are no evacuations, road closures, or area closures in place; however, this could change. Please follow incident updates on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7038/ for the latest updates.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Meteorologists expect continued sunny, hazy, and breezy conditions to continue through the weekend, including some canyon-effect winds where canyons align with prevailing winds. Sunday’s high temperature should be in the 80s, with relative humidity approximately 20-25%.

 Fire Information Line: 458-206-6192

Email: 2020.meacham@firenet.gov

Incident Commander:  Mike Almas, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7038/ 

 

Mike Almas’ Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team began managing the Meacham Complex on Friday, August 21, 2020, at 6:00 a.m. The Meacham Complex of fires includes the Hager Ridge Fire, Horse Fire, 896 Fire, 943 (Grey Rock) Fire, and several other smaller fires in the vicinity.

Numerous resources aided in initial attack efforts, including support from United States Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Bureau of Indian Affairs, local volunteer fire departments, and various aerial resources. The majority of the Meacham Complex fires are staffed, are generally small (less than one acre in size), and many are contained.  However, presently the larger or more active fires in the Meacham Complex are the Horse Fire, the Hager Ridge Fire, the 896 Fire, and the Grey Rock Fire. All of these fires are burning in rugged terrain, in a variety of fuels (grass, timber, and dead/down trees), and continue to be influenced significantly by gusty winds.

Yesterday, crews and engine resources on the Hager Ridge Fire made excellent progress, constructing containment line around much of the western flank of that fire.  However, the fire continues to burn in heavy fuels and timber along the fire’s eastern flank, and the fire is estimated to be about 50 acres. Crews on the Horse Fire, aided by air support from ODF single engine air tankers (SEATs) made good progress, but gusty, westerly winds pushed the fire to the east/southeast, resulting in significant fire growth. As a result, the Horse Fire is currently estimated at 100-200 acres.  The 896 Fire (currently estimated at 15-20 acres) was also influenced by westerly winds yesterday, resulting in some concerns related to rolling/falling debris adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad line.  The Grey Rock Fire was recently reported, and crews have been able to keep that fire to approximately ¼ of an acre.

Today, hand crews will continue to aggressively work on suppression lines around these fires, capitalizing as much as much as possible by improved weather conditions.  They will be supported by air resources as they are available (including a large, Type 1 helicopter, as well as an ODF Type 2 helicopter and ODF SEATs- for those fires near private lands).  Firefighters will continue to secure anchor points, as well as building and improving containment lines.

 

Announcements/Meetings:  Fire managers are currently planning a public meeting for tomorrow, Sunday, August 23rd, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss fire status.  Details will follow tomorrow, but the meeting will be a combination of virtual meeting (via Facebook) and in-person (respecting physical distancing standards). Anyone with internet connectivity is asked to join the meeting via a live Facebook feed on the Umatilla National Forest Facebook page.  Those without internet connectivity and in the immediate areas of the fires may join us at the Wild Horse Resort’s “Pool Patio”. Mitigations will continue to be in place to reduce potential exposure to Covid-19 for the public and wildland firefighters associated with this incident.

Resources Threatened: One structure is currently threatened by the Horse Fire, and many of the fires pose potential threats to significant cultural and natural resources of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). Fire managers are actively working with the CTUIR to protect these resources.  

Evacuations and Closures: Currently there are no closures in place; however, this could change. Please follow incident updates on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7038/ for the latest closures and restrictions.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Sunny and hazy with breezy conditions are expected today and throughout the weekend; however, temperatures have cooled and humidity recovery has increased, which should help moderate fire behavior and growth potential.  

 Fire Summary: Today dry, warm, stable weather conditions are expected across the fires.   Fire crews will continue to extinguish hot spots, mop up, patrol, and strengthen lines within 300 feet of the fire lines.

The Steet Mountain Fires remain at 699 acres and 90% contained.  The Laurel Fire remains at 1,257 acres and 60% contained.  We do not anticipate the fires to grow. The fires, currently managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2 (IC Cline), will be turned back over to the local Oregon Department of Forestry, Central Oregon District, John Day Unit, at 6:00 a.m. on August 28, 2020. We wish to thank local communities for their continued support in our  suppression efforts.  Firefighter and public safety are our highest priority during this incident, including COVID mitigation.  

Fire Summary: 

Today, fire crews continue to work extinguishing hot spots and mopping up.  Air resources will continue to provide support to ground crews with water drops.  Crews will strengthen the fire lines and locate and deal with hazard trees and hot spots within 150 feet of the fire line. With fire lines holding for the past three days, we do not anticipate the fires to grow.  Final acreage for the fires are: · Steet Mountain Fire - 477 acres · Cochran Fire - 88 acres · Two Cabin Fire - 97 acres · Conger Fire - 15 acres · Troff Canyon Fire - 0.2 acres · Jones Canyon Fire - 0.25 acres · Three Mile Creek Fire - 22 acres · Laurel Fire - 1,257 acre   Continued support provided by the local communities has helped with suppression efforts.  Firefighter and public safety are our highest priority during this incident, including COVID mitigation. 

Fire Summary: 

Lower temperatures and higher relative humidities yesterday allowed for continued good progress across all fires.  Fire crews will continue to strengthen control lines, extinguish hot spots, and mop up. More accurate mapping has updated the Laurel Fire to 1,257 acres, and the Steet Mountain Fires held at 701 acres. Air resources will continue to provide support to ground crews with water drops as conditions allow.  Smoke and adverse weather conditions can hinder air operations. A fire weather watch is in effect for Central and Northeast Oregon through this evening. Abundant lightning and gusty outflow winds could impact fire suppression efforts, challenging fire crews as they work to strengthen fire lines. Smoke from California and local fires remain in the region. People who are sensitive and may experience respiratory symptoms may need to take precautionary measures.  Smoke sensitive individuals are advised to stay inside whenever possible.  For updated smoke information go to:  oregonsmoke.blogspot.com Suppression efforts are helped with continued support provided by the local communities.  Firefighter and public safety are our highest priority during this incident, including COVID mitigation.  The incident command post and fire camp are closed to the public to ensure safety of the public and the Firefighters.

Fire Summary:  Fire crews will continue to strengthen control lines, extinguish hot spots, and mop up.  The Steet Mountain and Laurel Fires held at 701 acres and 1,280 acres, respectively.  The Laurel Fire is burning on lands managed by Prineville BLM, the Wheeler County Rangeland Fire Protection Association, and ODF protected private lands six miles south of Spray in Wheeler County. Narrow roads with dusty conditions continue to make access to water difficult for firefighters on the ground.  Air resources will provide support to ground crews with water drops. A fire weather watch is in effect for Central and Northeast Oregon this afternoon through Tuesday evening due to gusty winds and low humidity.   Abundant lightning and gusty outflow winds could impact fire suppression efforts.  These conditions will challenge fire crews as they work to hold and strengthen fire lines. Heavy regional smoke from California will remain in the area. People who are sensitive and may experience respiratory symptoms may need to take precautionary measures.  Smoke sensitive individuals are advised to stay inside whenever possible.  For updated smoke information go to:  oregonsmoke.blogspot.com Continued support provided by the local communities has helped our suppression efforts.  Firefighter and public safety are our highest priority during this incident, including COVID mitigation.  The incident command post and fire camp are closed to the public to ensure safety of the public and the Firefighters.  

Fire Summary:  Yesterday, excellent progress was made across all fires.  Lighter winds, cooler temperatures, and lower relative humidity allowed firefighters to stop the spread of fire and hold fire lines.  Today, fire crews will continue to strengthen control lines, extinguish hot spots, and mop up. More accurate mapping has updated the Steet Mountain Fire to 701 acres, and the Laurel Fire held at 1,280 acres.  The Laurel Fire is burning on lands managed by Prineville BLM, the Wheeler County Rangeland Fire Protection Association, and ODF protected private lands six miles south of Spray in Wheeler County. Air resources will continue to support ground crews with water today. Narrow roads with dusty conditions has made access to water difficult for firefighters on the ground. Warmer temperatures, and increased afternoon winds are expected today. These conditions will challenge fire crews as they continue to make progress in holding and strengthening fire lines.  There is a slight chance of thunderstorms on Monday and Tuesday which could bring gusty winds and lightning on Monday and Tuesday afternoon. Continued support provided by the local communities has helped our suppression efforts.  Firefighter and public safety are our highest priority during this incident, including COVID mitigation.  The incident command post and fire camp are closed to the public to ensure safety of the public and the Firefighters.  

Fire Summary:  Good progress was made across all the fires yesterday.  The addition of resources, including local RFPA resources, helped in the suppression effort and kept the fires from significant growth during extreme conditions in the afternoon. ODF discovered a new fire near the Steet Mountain Fire.  The Threemile Fire is approximately 25 acres and is being managed in this group of fires.  Strong initial attack under extreme fire conditions helped keep the Threemile Fire at 25 acres. More accurate mapping has updated the Laurel Fire at 1,280 acres.  This fire is burning on lands managed by Prineville BLM, rangeland and ODF protected private lands six miles south of Spray in Wheeler County. Limited access to the fires, combined with dusty road conditions, have made it difficult to get water, crews, and other resources directly to the fire lines.  These factors slowed the overall progress in suppression efforts. Cooler temperatures are expected across the fires today.  Winds are expected to be lighter than yesterday’s afternoon winds.  These conditions should help the fire crews make progress. The local communities have been very supportive during our suppression efforts.  We continue to make Firefighter and public safety our highest priority during this incident, including COVID mitigation.  Personnel will be following Center for Disease Control guidelines to limit personal interactions both within camp and with the local community.  The incident command post and fire camp are closed to the public to ensure safety of the public and the Firefighters.

Fire Summary:Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2 (Incident Commander Chris Cline) assumed command of the Steet Mountain Fire and Laurel Fire last night at 1800. Fire camp will be located at the Long Creek School.
 
 Six of the fires, burning on ODF protected lands, will be managed as a complex in the area around Monument, Oregon. The Steet Mountain Fire includes: Steet Mountain Fire - 860 acres Cochran Fire - 86 acres Two Cabins Fire - 99 acres Conger Fire - 15 acres Troff Canyon Fire - .25 acre Jones Canyon Fire - .25 acre
 
 The Team will also be managing the Laurel Fire which is currently ap-proximately 1,300 acres. This fire is burning on lands managed by Prineville BLM, RFPA and other rangeland, and ODF protected private lands six miles south of Spray in Wheeler County.
 
 Moderate temperatures and winds will allow incoming resources to make progress on the fires today. Additional updates throughout the day will be published on Facebook and Twitter.

Firefighter and public safety is the priority during this incident, including COVID mitigation. Personnel will be following Center for Disease Control guidelines to limit personal interactions both within camp and with the local community. The incident command post and fire camp are closed to the public.