Thursday, October 1, 2020


Slater and Devil Fires Update

Thursday, October 1, 2020 7:30 a.m.


Fire origin: September 8, 2020
South Zone Slater/Devil Fire Info (530) 324-2528; 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
North Zone Slater Fire Info (503) 867-8593; 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
General Fire Info - Wildland Info Center: (458) 206-3043; 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Media Information: (541) 249-5117; 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Summary
Crews are continuing to make good progress on the fire line, focusing on mop-up efforts around Happy Camp and securing line from Highway 199 into the Illinois Valley. Hot, dry and smoky weather is expected to persist, with smoke drifting up from numerous fires in Northern California. 

Slater Fire: Crews are working to connect more than 240 miles of fire line around the perimeter of the Slater fire. Firefighters will be continuing mop-up and patrols in the areas around Happy Camp in the south and the Illinois Valley to the north. Lines are holding well in these areas, and crews will be doing repair work for the communities in the area. 

Hot spots have been challenging firefighters on the western and eastern flanks, and both areas could see increased fire activity in the next couple of days, as hot and dry weather is predicted. Hot spots have been detected along both sides, and crews will be working to put in line and strengthen existing ones. Mop-up efforts will continue near Idlewild. On the east side, rough terrain has been an added challenge for crews.

With smoky conditions, aircraft has not been an available resource. Ground crews are working along Greyback Road in the interior of the fire to mitigate hazardous trees and will continue this work into Thursday. 

Mop-up efforts are progressing near Browntown to the north, as crews work to connect lines with the east side. Progress on contingency hand lines to protect the Oregon Caves National Monument will continue as well. 

Poison oak has been reported, and one firefighter has been treated. Safety is a top priority among crews, and firefighters will be monitored for any signs of fatigue. 

Devil Fire: Firefighters are concentrating on the southwestern edge of the Devil fire. Mop-up, patrol, and work securing the fire’s edge will continue. 

Weather: Very low relative humidity and above normal temperatures will continue through the week. Winds will remain light. Winds in high terrain could reach up to 20 mph later in the week, with the potential to increase fire activity. 

Evacuations
There have been some evacuation changes; please refer to your local county’s Sheriff’s Office for details. County Sheriffs continue to work with fire leadership to determine when to modify evacuation levels.

Josephine County information: 541-474-5305 or www.facebook.com/josephinecountyEM, www.co.josephine.or.us/fire, or www.rvem.org

Siskiyou County information: (530) 841-2900 or www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff/

Del Norte County information: (707) 464-7213 or www.facebook.com/DelNorteOfficeOfEmergencyServices  and www.preparedelnorte.com/
 
Closures: The USDA Forest Service-Pacific Southwest Region’s Order, that closed some national forests in California, has been lifted for the Six Rivers and Klamath national forests; however, new fire area closure orders have been issued by these forests for the Slater Fire in California. The region is under emergency fire restrictions, although the use of gas stoves is now allowed.

Portions of both the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest’s Wild Rivers Ranger District and Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District reopened for use.  Some areas remain closed for emergency crews’ safety and to allow for fire suppression and burned area recovery.  Find updated closure orders and maps at: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices

The Bureau of Land Management Medford District has public lands closures in effect near the Slater Fire and the South Obenchain Fire. Closure area maps are available at: www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions 



Printable version of today's update can be found here
Printable version of today's map can be found here 


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