Update from the U.S. Forest Service – Umatilla National Forest
1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17
Pendleton – Sunday’s direct suppression efforts were successful in slowing the spread of a six-acre fire burning near the wilderness boundary on West Butte Ridge within the Grizzly Bear Complex. Air support, along with ground support provided by rappelers, was a critical factor in the success of yesterday’s operations.
The Grizzly Bear Complex consists of numerous lightning fires burning 20 miles southeast of Dayton, Washington within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. A National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Team has been ordered to complete a long-term assessment on the risks and probabilities of having a large fire on the landscape for an extended period.
The NIMO Team will work with the local Type 3 Incident Management Team led by Steve Carlson to develop a progressive, effective fire management long-term strategy for the Grizzly Bear Complex.
Today’s operations will focus on the suppression strategy to confine and contain the fire within the Wilderness boundary. Crews will also continue prepping fuel breaks along Forest Road 4608 and 4600-300 for potential burnout and control lines.
A warming trend is in the short-term forecast with no chance of precipitation and potential winds through Thursday. Smoke continues to be an issue in the Pacific Northwest.
Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at EXTREME and Public Use Restrictions involving campfires and chainsaw use are in effect on the Umatilla National Forest. Similar restrictions are in effect on State and private lands protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WA-DNR).
For more information about the Umatilla National Forest’s Public Use Restrictions, please contact any forest office, call our Forest Information hotline at 1-877-958-9663, or visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla/.
Quick Facts – Incident Summary
Approximate Size: 2,258 – Total acres
Fire Containment: 0%
Incident Commander: Steve Carlson
Resources on the Fire: 1 Hand Crews, 3Tenders, 3 Engines, 1 Type 3 Helicopter, 10 Misc. Overhead
Total Personnel: 50
Jurisdiction: USDA-Forest Service; Umatilla National Forest-Pomeroy R.D.
Fuels: Grassy ridges with timber stringers on the south facing slopes. Heavy timber with downed material on north facing slopes.
Closures: A large area, road and trail closure is in place for public and firefighter safety.
