South Obenchain Fire Update
Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson
Oregon State Fire Marshal Incident Management Blue Team, Incident Commander, Scott Magers
September 17, 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.
Current situation:
The forward progress of the fire has been stopped and cooler weather is expected today. The east flank of the fire remains most active and continues to burn in steep terrain and heavy timber. Dozers assist firefighters in reinforcing direct lines on the eastern flank of the fire where possible.
Crews continue to make excellent progress mopping up and reinforcing containment lines along the south, west and north flanks of the fire perimeter, while looking for hot spots. As conditions permit aircraft to fly, they will assist firefighters in locating hot spots.
A low-pressure system bringing a cold front over the fire is due to arrive mid-day, bringing with it a 20% chance of thunderstorms with the potential of strong, gusty, and erratic winds. Firefighters will remain vigilant watching for gusts that could spread embers outside of the containment lines.
In cooler parts of the fire, fire suppression repair work will begin in preparation for fall and winter rains.
A task force of structural engines with the Oregon State Fire Marshal continues to patrol along the Butte Falls Highway and the town of Butte Falls providing point protection.
Jackson County Road Department crews continue to mitigate hazards along the Butte Falls Highway. Power has been restored to the town of Butte Falls.
The Oregon Department of Forestry provided an unmanned aircraft (drone) with infrared capabilities. Last night the drone flew over the south end of the fire locating heat. A map with those locations will be provided to firefighters to find and mop up the hotspots.
Acreage: 32,833
Containment: 25%
Cause: Under investigation
Fire Information: (541) 776-7338
E-mail: SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com
Information Websites:
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.
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: Cooler temperatures are expected today bringing a slight chance of showers and 20% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Light and variable wind in the morning from the southwest 5 to 7 mph are expected. In the afternoon, wind gusts up to 30 mph may bring erratic winds. Temperatures will be in the 70’s with relative humidity near 40%.
Resources-914: 1-type 1 hand crew, 1-type 2 initial attack crew, 22-type 2 crews, 3- light helicopters, 5-medium helicopters, 4- heavy helicopters, 66-engines, 27-dozers, 33-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 818-975-0419 for more information about the closure.
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