View of Ben Young Fire Area from Round Mountain (Image: Inciweb)

PAISLEY, Ore. - The success of yesterday’s operations has brought containment up to 55%. Resources from multiple agencies and contractors are working on the fire, including Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Yesterday’s Activity

Minimal fire activity occurred throughout the day and hotshot crews were able to make progress on securing the fire perimeter. Helicopters supported ground crews with bucket drops over the eastern flank.

Today’s Operations

Firefighters will continue with direct suppression strategies focusing on the slopes with little vehicle access. Air resources have been readily available and effective. Controlling the fire’s edge and mopping up will be today’s primary focus.

Weather and Fire Behavior

The weekend will bring warm and dry weather with calm winds. Smoldering heavy fuels within the interior continue to burn. Minimal smoke production is expected Saturday. There is potential for isolated thunderstorms Sunday. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued to cover the period of highest thunderstorm risk for late Monday morning through Monday evening.

Closures

The emergency fire closure area was reduced on Friday. The northern boundary has dropped south to Forest Roads 033-122 and 3510-019. Both roads are now closed between Forest Roads 33 and 3510-018. Forest Roads 3510-018 off Clover Flat Road, the 3510 Road between the Forest Boundary west to Forest Road 33, and Road 3509 between Forest Road 3510 and the 28 Road remain closed. The reduction in the closure area reopens recreation sites including Marster Spring Campground, Chewaucan Crossing Campground and Jones Crossing Forest Camp. Moss Meadow Horse Camp, Moss Pass Trailhead and Campground, and the section of the Fremont National Recreation Trail within the closure area remain closed. The Closure Order is formally referenced as 06-02-03-20-01-01.

Safety

Our highest priority remains the safety of the public and all wildland fire personnel. Fire operation protocols include best management practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within firefighting crews/operations and within the general public. Medical staff is available to support firefighters should they be needed.

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Ben Young Fire Details

Cause:
Under Investigation

Size:
1,249Acres

Containment:
35%

Location:
13 miles south of Paisley, Oregon

Management:
Type 2 IMT Northwest Team 7

Fuel:
Grass-shrub fuels with juniper are common on west aspect, transitioning to long needled pine litter near the ridgetop. East aspect fuels near the ridgetop are a combination of long needled litter and with areas of true fir understory.

Resources:
• 205 Personnel
• 7 Hand Crews
• 3 Helicopters
• 10 Engines
• 3 Dozer
• 3 Water Tenders