Fire crews mopping up hot spots ahead of coming heat wave

/
An engine crew providing water for mop up operations. June 22, 2021. (Image: Inciweb)

An engine crew providing water for mop up operations. June 22, 2021. (Image: Inciweb)

Fire Details

Cause:
Under investigation

Start date/time:
6/18/21, 1:29 PM

Size:
1,150 Acres

Containment: 41%

Location:
6 Miles north of Bonanza, Oregon.

Resources:
Personnel - 415
Hand crews - 10
Engines - 20
Dozers - 2
Water Tenders - 8
Other Equipment - 7

Assigned aircraft: 5

Structures:
Threatened - 125
Damaged - 0
Destroyed - 22

Fuels:
Timber & grass

Fire team:
Oregon Department of Forestry, IMT 1

[Coverage of the 2021 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Ace Towing.]

BONANZA, Ore.— Overnight, detection operations were conducted by numerous methods including a drone, a fixed-wing airplane, and ground-based crews, all equipped with infrared heat detection equipment. These are just some of the tools that fire managers are using to ensure the Cutoff Fire is contained. 

There has been no fire growth in the past 24-hours.  Firefighters have shifted their attention to the mop up process.  Mop up consists of intentionally identifying hot spots that could threaten the fire line and extinguishing them. Last night’s infrared detection resources have given firefighters detailed information on where many of these hotspots are.

Firefighting traffic remains heavy in the fire area.  Fire managers ask that other traffic in the area stay aware and reduce speeds as they share the roads with firefighters.  Fire managers would also like to remind people that hazards remain in and near the fire area, including fire-weakened trees, stump holes filled with hot ash and other hazards.   

Forecasts call for temperatures in Klamath County to soar headed into the weekend, reaching at least 100 degrees by Sunday. Fire managers are reminding firefighters to drink plenty of water to avoid heat-related illnesses.

A Level 2 (GET SET) evacuation recommendation remains in effect for the area east of Bly Mountain Cutoff Road, between Jaguar Lane/Raccoon Lane and Spaniel Lane/ Crocodile Lane, west of Thrasher Drive. A Level 1 (GET READY) evacuation notice is in place for other areas.

ODF Incident Management Team 1’s Deputy Incident Commander Eric Perkins praised firefighters today for their work in this phase of the operation. “About 70 percent of what we do as wildland firefighters is put out hot spots near a fire’s edge. It’s not glamorous work but it’s important.”

 

Significant events

Minimal, smoldering, creeping.

There is still heat near the containment lines. The duff under the juniper trees will hold head and as the humidity decreases, expect to see flare ups.

Outlook

Planned actions:
Locate, identify, and mitigate hazard trees. Grid and patrol for spot fires. Assist structure protection resources to protect and secure structures as necessary. Begin mop-up operations. Ensure all line is patrolled. Identify and be prepared to provide IA resources if requested.

Projected incident activity:
Fuel moistures will continue to push record high levels. High temperatures and low humidity will persist throughout the area. Continued threat for new starts in the area will pose a challenge for resources.


Current weather

Thunderstorms are expected in the area this evening, and they may bring gusty winds and brief moderate rain. There is even a slight chance for hail in the larger storms. Storms will move north of the area by late evening, and the remainder of the night is likely to be quiet with cooler temperatures and good humidity recoveries.

Klamath Falls News & Cascade Firewatch’s coverage of the 2021 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Ace Towing.

Ace Towing offers 24-hour emergency roadside assistance, collision towing, jump starts, lockouts, fuel, and tire changes. They also make automotive keys and program fobs too. 541-884-9388.

We are currently looking for additional sponsors for coverage of the 2021 Fire Season. Would your business like to sponsor our coverage of the 2021 Wildfire Season? Send us a note at klamathfallsnews.org/contact for more information.