Cooler temps and higher humidities help Brattain Fire
/PAISLEY, Ore. - After five consecutive days of Red Flag conditions on the 47,243 acre Brattain Fire, a frontal passage brought erratic winds, but cooler temperatures and increased humidity. No precipitation was received but crews were able to stop the forward progression of the fire in the northwest and southeast corners last night.
This was accomplished with the support of eight helicopters.
Fire crews finished mopping up along the northeast quadrant of the fire; all resources were moved to other priority areas.
Additional crews and heavy equipment continued to widen & strengthen lines, lay hose in the south, and suppress a few hot spot fires near Clover Flat Road.
A local timber company constructed a contingency line tying into the Ben Young burn scar. Fire crews will continue to look for hot spots and continue mop-up operations.
Containment is now at 44%.
A virtual community meeting will be live tonight, Saturday, September 19th at 7 pm on the Fremont-Winema National Forest Facebook page or on KPAI 103.1 FM.
PLANNED ACTIONS
Fire crews will patrol along the east side of the fire. Access roads will be open to allow for resource advisors to assess rehabilitation strategies. Heavy equipment will continue to improve contingency lines and look for hot spots along the south flank of the fire. A location where the fire has been seen creeping and smoldering yesterday;
Winds from the northwest will test these lines today.
Expect to see several aircraft working the fire. Crews will be seizing opportunities to increase fireline construction and containment with the favorable weather over the coming days.
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.
RELATED
September 18, 2020
Brattain Fire remains active at 44,800 acres, 30% containedSeptember 17, 2020
Additional crews & resources arrive at Brattain Fire [UPDATED]September 16, 2020
Brattain Fire growing northwest, 40,316 acresSeptember 14, 2020
Brattain Fire continues to grow, now 30,000 acresSeptember 13, 2020
Brattain Fire explodes to 20,000 acresSeptember 12, 2020
UPDATE Level 3 evacuations issued for Paisley - Time to goSeptember 9, 2020
Human caused Brattain Fire grows 1,700 acres overnightSeptember 8, 2020
Brattain Fire Burning on Paisley Ranger District; 1 of 3 Fires sparked during Wind Event
Brattain Fire Details
Cause:
Human
Size:
47,243 acres
Containment:
44%
Location:
Lake County Oregon near Paisley
Resources:
437 Personnel
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