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