Springfield, Ore. Steady rains fell over the fire area yesterday. Many areas on the fire reported well over 1.5 inches of rain through this morning. The Remoted Automated Weather Station (RAWS) at Minney Creek, has recorded 2.51 inches of rain from this storm. The forecast for the week to come is mostly drizzly through Tuesday when another ridge of high pressure builds off the coast bringing a brief period of drying before additional precipitation is expected Friday and Saturday.
Yesterday’s moisture helped firefighters reach 96 percent containment. Some work remains within the perimeter to bring the fire to full containment, but due to the conditions and concerns for safety, firefighters will be working cautiously and slowly towards the 100 percent goal.
This morning’s operational briefing covered many of the safety aspects that firefighters need to be aware of now that much of the suppression related work has been completed. Saturated soils can cause trees to topple, especially with compromised root systems caused by the fire. Additionally, breezy winds are expected as frontal passages occur. These conditions combined can be a major concern for firefighters and others within the fire area.
Work today will continue to focus on ensuring drainage features are sufficient to handle the precipitation that fall and winter bring to the area. Firefighters are also locating flagging and other remnants of the suppression operations and removing them. Excess equipment, such as hose and pumps, is being brought in from the line.
A Type 3 management team has been ordered and will be shadowing the ODF Incident Management Team on Monday. Command of the incident will be transferred over on Tuesday morning.
For fire information inquiries, call (541) 357-9729 or visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7170/.
