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
