News Release 09/29/08 9am PT
Incident: Lonesome Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 9/29/2008
News Release - 09/29/08 9:00 a.m. PT
Yesterday's Activities: Firefighters did a lot of good work again yesterday, building fireline, holding existing firelines, chipping brush, mopping-up, pulling hose and doing fireline rehabilitation. As the inversion lifted in the afternoon, the fire became more active, with individual and groups of trees torching. By afternoon there were several columns of smoke, all within the fire's perimeter. Air support worked with ground crews to check the fire's spread. Annie Spike camp and the seven-mile helibase were both closed yesterday. Closing these facilities will not compromise our ability to respond to emerging issues on the fire.
Weather and Fire Behavior: The Weather Service posted a red flag warning for a dry, unstable air mass with gusty winds over the fire. These conditions are conducive to large fire growth. Wind, low humidity and dry fuels all pose concerns for firefighters. An increase in visible fire activity is expected as early as mid morning. Columns of smoke from the fire may also be visible.
Today's Planned Actions: Aerial and ground resources will continue working to check the fire's spread along existing firelines and to build fireline where it is still needed. Chipping, mop-up and fireline rehabilitation work will continue. Crews will be ready to provide initial attack for new fire starts or spotting outside the perimeter of the Lonesome Complex.
Closures: A map of the three area closures for the Lonesome Complex is available online at: http://inciweb.org/incident/maps/1497/ (http://www.inciweb.or/ - Lonesome Complex - MAPS). The closures are in the following areas:
· Crater Lake National Park south of Highway 62
· Northwest corner of the Fremont-Winema National Forests, mostly in the Sky Lakes Wilderness
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest north and south of Red Blanket Canyon as well as in the northern quarter of the Sky Lakes Wilderness.
This Fire Update was produced by the Lonesome Information Center staffed by PNW Team 3 Incident Management Team.
One frequently asked question on wildland fires is: Where do all of the Firefighters come from To find the answer to that and other questions, please visit the Lonesome Complex website at http://www.inciweb.org/.
Quick Facts Lonesome Complex Summary
Location: 12 miles East of Prospect, OR
Approximate Size: 20,034 acres
Fire Containment: 42%
Start Date: August 16, 2008
Cause: Lightning
Incident Commander: Jeff Pendleton, PNW Team 3
Resources on the Fire: 23 crews, 9 helicopters, 8 engines, 1 dozers, 19 water tenders
Total Personnel: 787
Estimated Containment Date: October 15, 2008
Cooperating Agencies: USFS NPS
Landowners: USFS NPS
