Firefighters make progress overnight on Fox Complex [VIDEO]

Fox Complex update for August 16, 2021.

ODF and OSFM operations section chiefs share there update from this morning's crew briefing.

FOX COMPLEX DETAILS

Patton Meadow
Cause: Lightning
Size: 5,406 Acres
Containment: 15%

Willow Valley
Cause: Lightning
Size: 824 Acres
Containment: 35%

Resources
Personnel: 415
Hand crews: 5
Engines: 46
Dozers: 13
Tenders: 8
Other: 11

Aircraft
Helicopters: 8
SEATs: 0

Structures
Task Forces: 8
Threatened: 471
Damaged: 0
Destroyed: 4

Start Date:
August 12, 2021

Last Updated:
August 15, 2021

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

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – Crews made good progress overnight addressing critical areas on the Patton Meadow Fire. Patton Meadow Road continues to be a strategic focus, with crews fortifying the road with dozer and handlines and the support of three engine crews to prevent the fire from spreading to the west into the Fish Creek drainage.

Some growth on the south side of the fire across Hwy 140 was controlled and dozer lines continue to hold the fire from spreading further south. On the east side of the fire, crews continued conducting small burnouts to eliminate fuels between containment lines and the fire’s interior.

Today, crews will continue to focus on the southwest corner of the fire and reinforce containment efforts north up Patton Meadow Road. Winds are predicted to increase to 18-23mph out of the west and southwest which could push the fire to the north and east. The north end of the fire is in steep and rocky terrain, making direct attack difficult. Contingency lines are being strengthened further north near Cottonwood Road in preparation for fire growth, while crews are working to identify areas where a more direct line can be constructed.

Five OSFM structural Task Forces will be out today supporting the efforts to hold the line at Patton Meadow Road. Task forces will also continue to monitor the structures around Highway 140 and the 383 road. Task forces have been assisting wildland crews by filling porta-tanks that are used for firefighting operations.

The Willow Valley Fire, 16 miles south of Bonanza, is fully lined with both dozer line and road. Crews are continuing to mop up and secure fire lines.

The overnight infrared flight showed more accurate acreage for the fires. The updated acres for the fires are; Patton Meadow with 6,025 acres with 18% containment, and Willow Valley is 826 acres with 35% containment.

- FIRE MAPS

Infrared Map of the Patton Meadows Fire. August 15, 2021. Click to enlarge. More Fox Complex maps.

Infrared Map of the Willow Valley Fire. August 15, 2021. Click to enlarge. More Fox Complex maps.


- EVACUATIONS

Lake County Sheriff’s Office evacuation details can be found by visiting https://www.facebook.com/Lake-County-Oregon-104435824529906


Information is provided by the Fox Complex Incident Command is current as of 1:00 PM, August 15, 2021.



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

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