Last Update from Central Oregon IMT, June12, 2009 9 am

Prineville Hot Shots on Black Butte

Photo: Luke Rice

This will be the last fire update from the Central Oregon Incident Management Team for the Black Butte II Fire. Future updates will be released from Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center (COIDC). Transition to a local Type 3 Team with Incident Commander John Erwert will occur at 6 pm today.

FIRE UPDATE:
Crews have completed fireline construction and mopped-up all flanks to meet the 300 ft perimetermop-up standard. Yesterday, concentrations of heavy slash 500-600 ft into the interior continued to burn. The heavy lift helicopter was used to cool the pockets of heavy fuels. Crews will continue mopping these areas up today. Excess equipment and supplies will continue to be removed from the line by crews and helicopters.

The acreage remains at 578 with 80% containment. Full containment is expected by 6 pm Sunday at the end of the work shift. Full containment does not mean the fire is completely out. Smoke may continue to be visible from interior fuels burning until a season ending event occurs.

WEATHER: High temperatures are forecasted for today with a high of 78 degrees and a relative humidity down to 36%. Winds are expected to be variable 4-13 mph. Thunderstorms are predicted for this evening into Monday morning. Thunderstorms could become extreme with erratic winds, possible hail, and varied amounts of moisture.

CLOSURE RESTRICTIONS: A new Area and Road Closure will be in effect beginning tomorrow. The Indian Ford Campground will open this morning and several previously closed roads will open on Monday morning. Closed roads will remain posted.

Area Closure: The area closure remains in effect in the vicinity of Black Butte.

Road Closures: Forest Road 11, 14, 1430, 1120, 1126, 165 and 160 will be opened to the public on Monday morning. All other roads within the fire perimeter and area closure will be remain closed.

Trail Closures: Black Butte Trail and a portion of the Metolius-Windigo Trail that passes through the Closure Area remain closed.

For a full description and map of the newest closure, see the link to the Deschutes National Forest Website at www.inciweb.org/Black Butte II

QUICK FACTS:
Acres: 578
Containment: 80%
Location: Black Butte, 8 miles NW of Sisters
Cause: Lightning
Start Date/Time: July 6, 2009, 0118 hrs
Expected Date of Full Containment: July 12, 2009
Total personnel: 382
Crews: 13, Dozers: 0, Engines:8, Helicopters: 2-light 1-heavy lift, Water tenders: 13

80% Contained on July 11, 2009

209 Data at 9 pm July 11, 2009

Acres: 578

Containment: 80%

Expected Containment: July 12, 2009

On July 12, 2009, Central Oregon Incident Management Team will

transfer command of the Black Butte II Fire, July 12, at 6 pm.

After July 12, there will not be additional posts to this blog, The

Picassa web albums will also, not be managed further. Many new

images are available through Sunday, July 12. Be sure to view this

last post to the web albums !

Thank you for your interest.

Central Oregon IMT Public Information Center.

Fire Images Available Online Picasa

FIre Smoldering and Creeping, July 10, 2009

Photo: Alexis West

To view or download images of the Black Butte II Fire,

visit our Picasa album :

http://picasaweb.google.com/blackbutte2fire?feat=email.

Fire Update July 11, 2009 8:00 am

Saturday, July 11, 2009 9 am

FIRE UPDATE:
Crews have made good progress mopping-up hot spots along the fire perimeter. The northeastern, eastern, and southeastern flanks have been mopped-up 300 ft or more into the interior. The northwestern flank will meet the same 300 ft mop-up standard by end of work shift today and majority of the southern flank will meet the standards by Sunday.

The acreage remains at 578 with 50% containment. Full containment is expected by Sunday, 6 pm at the end of the work shift. Full containment does not mean the fire is completely out. Smoke may continue to be visible from interior fuels burning until a season ending event occurs.

Plans to transition from the Central Oregon Incident Management Team to a local Type 3 Team is expected to occur on Sunday at approximately 6 pm. Firefighters from the Type 3 Team will continue to patrol the fire and mop-up any hot spots.

WEATHER: Today’s forecast is for mostly sunny skies with scattered showers from thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to be near 82 degrees with a relative humidity near 17%. Winds will be variable from the east/northeast 2 – 7 mph.

CLOSURE RESTRICTIONS CONTINUE: The need for the road and area closure is being assessed daily. At this time, the closures remain.

Area Closure: An area closure is in effect in the vicinity of Black Butte.

Road Closures: Forest Road 1120 and Forest Road 11 north of the junction with the Indian Ford Road to the intersection of Road 1126

Campground Closures: Indian Ford Campground is closed but is expected to open Sunday morning.

Trail Closures: Black Butte Trail and a portion of the Metolius-Windigo Trail that passes through the Closure Area.

For a full description and map, see the link to the Deschutes National Forest Website at www.inciweb.org/Black Butte II

Today, a significant number of visitors are expected to attend the Sister’s Quilt Show. The public is asked to be aware of firefighting resources and drive defensively.

QUICK FACTS:
Acres: 578
Containment: 50%
Location: Black Butte, 8 miles NW of Sisters
Cause: Lightning
Start Date/Time: July 6, 2009, 0118 hrs
Expected Date of Full Containment: July 12, 2009
Total personnel: 446
Crews: 16, Dozers: 0, Engines:10, Helicopters: 2-light 1-heavy lift, Water tenders: 8

Evening Update July 10, 2009

E51 on patrol Road 11

photo: Alexis West

Acreage: 578

Containment: 50%

Expected Date of Containment: 7/12/2009

Total Personnel: 446

Resources include: 16 crews, 3 helicopters, 10 engines, 0 dozers, 8 watertenders.

Change of command from Central Oregon IMT Type 2 Team to a Type 3 team

is planned for Sunday, July 12, at 6 pm.

Fire Update July 10, 2009 8:00 am

FIRE BEHAVIOR
Crews continued mop up to 300 feet within the fire perimeter, with removal of hazard trees when necessary for personnel safety. Burnouts were not conducted as planned in most areas of the fire.

The acreage is now totaling 578, an increase by 11 acres with containment at 25%.

Fire managers have announced an expected full containment date of July 12, with demobilization of resources starting today. Crews will continue to patrol for hotspots at night, with day shifts completing mop-up to standards.

WEATHER
Thursday’s thunderstorm activity moved to the east, bypassing the fire area. The gradual warming trend continues, with temperatures expected to be around 5 degrees warmer. There will be a slight decrease in humidity, about 5%. Possible unstable winds from thunderstorms are predicted at a lightening activity level (LAL) of 3. LAL 6 being the most dangerous for firefighting activity.

CLOSURE RESTRICTIONS CONTINUE:

Area Closure: An area closure is in effect in the vicinity of Black Butte.

Road Closures: Forest Road 1120 and Forest Road 11 north of the junction with the Indian Ford Road to the intersection of Road 1126

Campground Closures: Indian Ford Campground is closed.

Trail Closures: Black Butte Trail and a portion of the Metolius-Windigo Trail that passes through the Closure Area.

For a full description and map, see the link to the Deschutes National Forest Website at www.inciweb.org/Black Butte II

As the weekend draws near, the public is reminded to watch for fire traffic and remain diligent with the increased congestion associated with the Sister’s Quilt Show.

QUICK FACTS:
Acres: 578
Containment: 25%
Location: Black Butte, 8 miles NW of Sisters
Cause: Lightning
Start Date/Time: July 6, 2009, 0118 hrs
Expected Date of Full Containment: July 12, 2009
Total personnel: 538
Crews: 19, Dozers: 2, Engines:13, Helicopters: 2-lights 2-heavy lift, Water tenders: 16

Thursday, July 9, 209 Fire Update Facts

QUICK FACTS:
Acres: 578
Containment: 25%
Location: Black Butte, 8 miles NW of Sisters
Cause: Lightning
Start Date/Time: July 6, 2009, 0118 hrs
Expected Date of Full Containment: July 12, 2009
Total personnel: 538
Crews: 19, Dozers: 2, Engines:13, Helicopters: 2-lights 2-heavy lift, Water tenders: 16

Update Thursday, 9 July, 2009 : 9 am

Photo by Tom Iraci

Thursday, July 9, 2009 9 am

SPECIAL MESSAGE: As of today, July 9, 2009, we are publishing one news release in the morning with any updates posted on www.inciweb.org each evening.

FIRE BEHAVIOR

Minimal fire growth is expected. During today’s shift, small acreage burnouts may be conducted to clear isolated islands of fuel and prevent further spotting. “This is a routine part of securing fireline,” says Operation Section Chief, Rod Bonacker. Bonacker advised that local residents may expect to see more smoke, isolated tree torching, and mid-slope glow in the early evening as a result of the burnouts.

Fire managers have announced an expected full containment date of July 11, 2009. Yesterday, two helicopters were released from the fire (1 heavy lift and 1 light).

WEATHER: Today Black Butte Lookout will be staffed and on duty during the potential thunderstorm activity this evening. Temperatures will increase 5 – 7 degrees, starting the gradual warming trend expected across the weekend. High humidity will continue.

CURRENT RESTRICTIONS:

Area Closure: An area closure is in effect in the vicinity of Black Butte.

Road Closures: Forest Road 1120 and Forest Road 11 north of the junction with the Indian Ford Road to the intersection of Road 1126

Campground Closures: Indian Ford Campground is closed.

Trail Closures: Black Butte Trail and a portion of the Metolius-WindigoTrail that passes through the Closure Area.

For a full description and map, see the link to the Deschutes National Forest Website at www.inciweb.org/Black Butte II

As the week-end draws near, the public is reminded to watch for fire traffic and remain diligent with the upcoming heavy traffic associated with the Sister’s Quilt Show.

QUICK FACTS:
Acres: 567
Containment: 15%
Location: Black Butte, 8 miles NW of Sisters
Cause: Lightning
Start Date/Time: July 6, 2009, 0118 hrs
Expected Date of Full Containment: July 11, 2009
Total personnel: 503
Crews: 19, Dozers: 2, Engines:15, Helicopters: 2-lights 2-heavy lift, Water tenders: 15

Update Wednesday, 8 July, 2009 : 10 p.m.

photo Alexis West

Note; Beginning Thursday, July 9, 2009, one news release will be published in the morning, with any updates posted on www.inciweb.org each evening.

FIRE ACTIVITY SUMMARY: Cool weather today allowed firefighters to make good progress. Small pockets of unburned fuel were consumed between the lines as construction progressed. Heavy lift helicopters were utilized to cool portions of the fire to assist crews in mop-up activities. Variable winds today pushed smoke from burning interior pockets of fuels toward the town of Sisters. Night patrols of the fire perimeter will continue. Staff was given the clearance to return to the Black Butte Lookout tomorrow with anticipation of potential afternoon thunderstorms. Tomorrow crews will continue to construct fireline, patrol for spotting, and burnout fuels as needed.

The fireline was ground GPSed today and the acreage is reduced from the previous estimate to a size of 567 acres with 15% containment. A total of 503 fire personnel are assigned to the fire.

WEATHER: A gradual warming trend is expected with temperatures tomorrow in the mid 70s with winds light and variable. The relative humidity will be lower in the upper 20s to mid 30s. A 20% chance of thunderstorms is predicted in the afternoon.

CURRENT RESTRICTIONS:

Area Closure: An area closure is in effect in the vicinity of Black Butte.

Road Closures: Forest Road 1120 and Forest Road 11 north of the junction with the Indian Ford Road to the intersection of Road 1126

Campground Closures: Indian Ford Campground is closed.

Trail Closures: Black Butte Trail and a portion of the Metolius-WindigoTrail that passes through the Closure Area.

For a full description and map, see the link to the Deschutes National Forest Website at www.inciweb.org/Black Butte II

As the week-end draws near, the public is reminded to watch for fire traffic and remain diligent with the upcoming heavy traffic associated with the Sister’s Quilt Show.

QUICK FACTS:
Acres:567
Containment: 15%
Location: Black Butte, 8 miles NW of Sisters
Cause: Lightning
Start Date/Time: July 6, 2009, 0118 hrs
Total personnel: 503
Crews: 19, Dozers: 2 Engines:15, Helicopters: 2-lights 2-heavy lift, Water tenders: 15

Complete 209 Data is available on www.inciweb.org.> select Black Butte II > OR.

THE FIRST TWO DAYS 6,7, JULY, 2009

July 6, 2009 03:48 am

photo: Russ Eaton

July 7, 2009 11:39 am

photo: Jason Loomis

July 7, 2009 11:08 am

photo: Jason Loomis

July 6, 2009 4:28 pm

photo: Jason Loomis

July 6, 2009 11:00 am

photo: Jason Loomis

From Bend, 6 July, 2009 8 pm

Photo: Alexis West

Update Wednesday, 8 July, 2009

Central Oregon – Based on additional information from an infrared flight taken last night, the The Black Butte II Fire is now estimated to be 650 acres in size and is 10% contained. The fire is located on the east side of Black Butte approximately 7 miles northwest of Sisters on the Deschutes National Forest.

The fire was active on the north flank yesterday with mostly interior burning. Cooler temperatures have assisted firefighters with suppression efforts, allowing them to take a more direct approach. Small burnout operations are planned along the containment line as firefighters continue to progress with line construction.

“We are encouraging residents and visitors in the Sisters area to be very careful when driving on Highway 20 and in Sisters. There is heavy equipment and fire-related traffic in addition to increased tourist traffic associated with the quilt show,” stated Incident Commander Mark Rapp.

The Central Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team-Type 2 (Mark Rapp) assumed command of the fire at 6:00 p.m.last night. The team is responsible for management of the Black Butte II Fire and for initial attack response within a five-mile radius of the fire. The team and associated support personnel are in process of setting up their Incident Command Post (ICP) at Allingham Guard Station located 2 miles north of Camp Sherman

Resources assigned to the fire include four air tankers, nineteen twenty-person hand crews (four hotshot crews, ten contract crews and five 20-person agency hand crews), six helicopters, five dozers, fifteen engines, six water tenders and miscellaneous overhead for an approximate total of 352 personnel.

The cooling trend is predicted to continue through tomorrow with high pressure expected to build through the weekend. Today’s weather is predicted to be partly cloudy with maximum temperatures 66-74 degrees with minimum humidity 28-36%; valley winds 3 to 8 mph and ridgetop winds 3 to 11 mph.

Quick Facts:

• Fire acreage has been updated after an infrared flight last evening
• An area closure is now in effect for the Black Butte II Fire area; see below
• Cooler weather is allowing firefighters to take a more direct approach in fighting the fire
• Small burnout operations are planned, weather permitting, along the containment line as needed
• The Central Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team (Mark Rapp) assumed command of the fire at 6:00 p.m. yesterday evening
• Expect increased traffic on Highway 20 and increased tourist traffic in Sisters due to the quilt show
• No residences or structures are threatened at this time
• The Black Butte Trail and the Metolious Windego Trail are closed
• Black Butte Ranch is located approximately 1.5 miles to the south
• Black Butte Lookout has been evacuated but is not currently threatened.
• Indian Ford Campground has been evacuated and is closed for public safety reasons
• There is an area closure within the boundaries of Forest Roads 14, 1120, 1126, 165, 160 and 11.
• Forest Road 11 (North of the junction with the Indian Ford Road to the intersection of Forest Road 1126), and Forest Road 1120 in its entirety, are also closed. Forest Road 14 is open.
• A temporary flight restriction is in place for a 5-mile radius

• As of 12 midnite on July 7, 2009 (or 12:01 a.m on July 8, 2009) all lands administered by Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland and Prineville Bureau of Land Management moved to an Industrial Fire Precaution (IFPL) Level II, partial hootowl. Any power saws (except at loading sites), cable yarding, blasting and welding or cutting of metal may occur only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. local time. See the www.fs.fed.us/centraloregon/fire website for additional information.

Residents are reminded to be extremely cautious with fire and to check current fire restrictions before heading outdoors for recreation activities. State protected lands and Bureau of Management Lands along river corridors are currently under public fire restrictions; federal lands moved to IFPL Level II (see above) on midnight, July 7. For more information, go to www.fs.fed.us/r6/central oregon/fire or http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIELD/PVL/aboutus.shtml