Brattain Fire remains active at 44,800 acres, 30% contained

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#BrattainFire in Lake County continues to burn aggressively near Paisley, Oregon. Totaling 44,800 acres (Image, Kurt Stetzer, USFS)

#BrattainFire in Lake County continues to burn aggressively near Paisley, Oregon. Totaling 44,800 acres (Image, Kurt Stetzer, USFS)

PAISLEY, Ore. - Elevated fire conditions for the fifth consecutive day made it difficult for firefighting resources battling the Brattain Fire near Paisley, Ore. Today, a much needed reprieve in the weather is expected on the 44,800 acre fire.

The human caused Brattain Fire is now 30% contained.

On Thursday, with the support of helicopters, fire crews seized the opportunity to increase fireline construction and containment. Crews constructed a fireline in the southwest corner of the fire and in the northwest quadrant of the fire.  Containment lines in the northeast and east flanks of the fire held as crews patrolled for hotspots. 

Fire behavior and accessibility allowed crews to continue the direct attack in the southern area of the fire with hand crews, engines, and dozers. Logging equipment and masticators or “brush cutters” continue to improve Forest Roads 3360 and 3510 as a contingency line along the south flank of the fire.

The Brattain Fire burns near Paisley, Oregon. (Photo, Kurt Stetzer USFS)

PLANNED ACTIONS

A passing front will bring erratic winds but cooler temperatures and a chance of precipitation to the area. Crews will use this change in the weather to continue mop-up and patrol along the north and east side of the fire along Oregon Highway 31.

Crews and heavy equipment will continue to widen and strengthen lines and conduct hose lay operations in the south and look for any spot fires near Clover Flat Road.  

Dozers will continue line construction in the northwest quadrant of the fire to increase containment. 

The improved weather conditions and possible precipitation will greatly improve the ability of crews and equipment to go direct and construct fireline.   

Operations meeting on the Brattain Fire near Paisley, Oregon. (submitted image)

EVACUATIONS

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has updated the following evacuation notices:

Level 3 (Go)
Highway 31 from Summer Lake Store south to Red House Lane (north of Paisley). Clover Flat Road from Valley Falls east to Moon Ranch.

Level 2 (Set)
All of Paisley – from Red House Lane, continuing south on Highway 31 to Valley Falls/the junction with U.S. Hwy 395. Clover Flat Road from the intersection with Hwy 31 (Beachler’s Corner) south to Murphy Ranch. From Summer Lake Store north along Highway 31 to the top of Picture Rock Pass.

Level 2 (Ready)
Valley Falls approximately 5 miles south on Hwy 395 to Chandler State Park.

The Red Cross has an evacuation area at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeview (1900 North 4th St.)

 

FOREST CLOSURES

From Forest Road 29 southeast to Forest Road 3510 and the 28 Road east, all National Forest System lands and facilities are closed per Forest Closure Order 06-02-03-20-03. Forest Road 3315 is closed; 28 Road is open.

 

SAFETY

Oregon Highway 31 is open but anticipate congestion due to heavy fire traffic. Avoid the area if possible. Temporary Flight Restrictions are in effect. Avoid drone use and report drones to law enforcement.

Brattain Fire Public Information Map as of September 17, 2020. Click for larger.

Brattain Fire Details

Cause:
Human

Size:
44,800 acres

Containment:
30%

Location:
Lake County Oregon near Paisley

Resources:
437 Personnel

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