STORIFY FEED
OFFICIAL RELEASE
DCR | Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation
Out of State Wildland Fire Mobilization Briefing
Tuesday September 8, 2015
National Synopsis:
The western fire season has moderated significantly due to changing weather patterns bringing cooler temps and scattered moisture across the Northern Rockies and Northwest, however 42 large fires remain active for nearly 1.9 million acres.
*4 MA DCR single resources remain on assignment at the Last Inch Fire in north central Idaho.
NE Compact Incident Management Team IMT2- MA DCR Fire staff on team
Patty Correia, DCR Worcester Cty Fire Warden: Situation Unit Leader
Trevor Augustino, DCR Hamden Cty Fire Warden: Public Info Officer
Dave Celino, DCR Chief Fire Warden: Liaison Officer
Karen Cote, DCR Seasonal FF1: Radio Operator
Incident: Last Inch Fire, Idaho
Incident Commander: Rich Schenk, (CT DEEP)
Location: 12 Air Miles East of Clarkia, ID
Size: 689 Acres
Containment: 90%
Incident Information: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4571/
The Northeast Forest Fire Compact Incident Management Team (IMT2), Incident Commander Rich Schenk (CT), was extended for an extra 6 days due to the remoteness of the fire and to maintain continuity in command, as the incident winds to down and command is returned back to the home unit. The last 4 days has brought much cooler temperatures and intermittent moisture on the fire, helping firefighters strengthen control lines and drastically improve overall containment. Two hand crews from Virginia and half of the incident management team have timed out over the last 3 days, which has downsized the incident. A Quebec type 1 hand crew was brought in through the Northeast Compact and have transitioned well with the remaining staff to continue mopping up the fire. The Compact IMT is in transition mode, working toward a formal transfer of command on Wednesday the 9th and a close out meeting with Agency Administrators and cooperators on Thursday the 10th. The IMT will return home on Friday the 11th. All and all the experience has been very positive for both the partnering Northeast Compact states/provinces, and the State of Idaho, who desperately needed the incident management resources.
Dave Celino, Chief Fire Warden
Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry
Massachusetts DCR
DCR | Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation
Out of State Wildland Fire Mobilization Briefing
Tuesday September 8, 2015
National Synopsis:
The western fire season has moderated significantly due to changing weather patterns bringing cooler temps and scattered moisture across the Northern Rockies and Northwest, however 42 large fires remain active for nearly 1.9 million acres.
*4 MA DCR single resources remain on assignment at the Last Inch Fire in north central Idaho.
NE Compact Incident Management Team IMT2- MA DCR Fire staff on team
Patty Correia, DCR Worcester Cty Fire Warden: Situation Unit Leader
Trevor Augustino, DCR Hamden Cty Fire Warden: Public Info Officer
Dave Celino, DCR Chief Fire Warden: Liaison Officer
Karen Cote, DCR Seasonal FF1: Radio Operator
Incident: Last Inch Fire, Idaho
Incident Commander: Rich Schenk, (CT DEEP)
Location: 12 Air Miles East of Clarkia, ID
Size: 689 Acres
Containment: 90%
Incident Information: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4571/
The Northeast Forest Fire Compact Incident Management Team (IMT2), Incident Commander Rich Schenk (CT), was extended for an extra 6 days due to the remoteness of the fire and to maintain continuity in command, as the incident winds to down and command is returned back to the home unit. The last 4 days has brought much cooler temperatures and intermittent moisture on the fire, helping firefighters strengthen control lines and drastically improve overall containment. Two hand crews from Virginia and half of the incident management team have timed out over the last 3 days, which has downsized the incident. A Quebec type 1 hand crew was brought in through the Northeast Compact and have transitioned well with the remaining staff to continue mopping up the fire. The Compact IMT is in transition mode, working toward a formal transfer of command on Wednesday the 9th and a close out meeting with Agency Administrators and cooperators on Thursday the 10th. The IMT will return home on Friday the 11th. All and all the experience has been very positive for both the partnering Northeast Compact states/provinces, and the State of Idaho, who desperately needed the incident management resources.
Dave Celino, Chief Fire Warden
Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry
Massachusetts DCR
TEAM NOTES
Date: Thursday - September 1, 2015
Incident: Teepee Springs Fire, Idaho
Location: 3m E of Riggins and 1m E of French Creek. Fire head Little Slate Creek, 1m E of Chair Mt. Lookout, 4m W of Florence
Size: 93,102 Acres
Containment: 30%
"It has been a little busy as the fire has grown from 8,000 to almost 80,000 acres since I first arrived. I'm assigned to the Type 2 Great Basin Team #7 and we transitioned the fire to a Type 1 team. We are now in Boise awaiting reassignment to another incident, which should be sometime today or tomorrow. Tell everyone I'm doing well..." - Tom Muise, DCR District 14, Fire Warden, Communications Unit Leader COML2
Date: Thursday - September 1, 2015
Incident: Teepee Springs Fire, Idaho
Location: 3m E of Riggins and 1m E of French Creek. Fire head Little Slate Creek, 1m E of Chair Mt. Lookout, 4m W of Florence
Size: 93,102 Acres
Containment: 30%
"It has been a little busy as the fire has grown from 8,000 to almost 80,000 acres since I first arrived. I'm assigned to the Type 2 Great Basin Team #7 and we transitioned the fire to a Type 1 team. We are now in Boise awaiting reassignment to another incident, which should be sometime today or tomorrow. Tell everyone I'm doing well..." - Tom Muise, DCR District 14, Fire Warden, Communications Unit Leader COML2
Date: Thursday - September 3, 2015
Incident: Last Inch Fire, Idaho
Incident Commander: Rich Schenk, (CT Deep)
Location: Glover Creek/Woesner Ridge and into West Fork of Floodwood Creek drainage, 12 miles east of Clarkia ID
Size: 689 Acres
Containment: 78%
"Everything in the north central ID area is in a holding pattern as we are seeing much cooler temps with light precipitation, which has moderated fire behavior significantly. This has allowed us to strengthen containment lines, however large fuels will continue to burn interior meaning this fire issue will continue until a season ending event." - David Celino, Chief Fire Warden, Mass DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control, IMT Liaison Officer
Incident: Last Inch Fire, Idaho
Incident Commander: Rich Schenk, (CT Deep)
Location: Glover Creek/Woesner Ridge and into West Fork of Floodwood Creek drainage, 12 miles east of Clarkia ID
Size: 689 Acres
Containment: 78%
"Everything in the north central ID area is in a holding pattern as we are seeing much cooler temps with light precipitation, which has moderated fire behavior significantly. This has allowed us to strengthen containment lines, however large fuels will continue to burn interior meaning this fire issue will continue until a season ending event." - David Celino, Chief Fire Warden, Mass DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control, IMT Liaison Officer
Rapattack Crew from Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada training rappelling from helicopter | Video Trevor Augustino
LAST INCH FIRE INFORMATION RELEASE
Northeast Compact Incident Management Team
Information Section
Voice (508) 400-3891
Email lastinchfireinfo@gmail.com
Web: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4571/
Contact: Trevor Augustino, (508) 400-3891
September 2, 2015
A Firefighters View
Boehls Camp, near Clarkia, ID – At the Last Inch Fire, firefighter and former Marine Greg Edwards of Virginia State Crew Six was inspired to write the following two poems.
Northeast Compact Incident Management Team
Information Section
Voice (508) 400-3891
Email lastinchfireinfo@gmail.com
Web: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4571/
Contact: Trevor Augustino, (508) 400-3891
September 2, 2015
A Firefighters View
Boehls Camp, near Clarkia, ID – At the Last Inch Fire, firefighter and former Marine Greg Edwards of Virginia State Crew Six was inspired to write the following two poems.
| Upon Our Backs Upon our backs we carry our pride. From camp to fire, one hours ride. Leading our crew, a man among men, on lost sleep our days begin. Another job just to be done. No prestige, or honor, or hours of fun. We come from homes, one thousand miles away losing sleep by night, and fighting fire by day. Sixteen hours of blood and sweat, just to get the holding line set. It takes more than class to do our job. For complacency kills. Just check our log of heroes gone and lives lost. No amount of forest is worth that cost. But every year we still mount up. And every season we still raise our cup in remembrance of every soul gone on before and praying that there are no more. | Work of Pride The fire line, our work of pride. Half mile long with smoke our guide. Led along Satan’s finger, the charred remains of his victim’s linger. On sliding slope and three feet of ash, LAST INCH FIRE leaning snags and pine trees crash. The sawyers cry “Be’ware below”, as 100 tons begin to go. As dust flies and embers glow, the tree settles as the fire grows. The line made by backs of steel as tools cleave, the line to seal. The fury harnessed by the hand of man, the fire no longer roams the land. Canadians, Americans together today halt the dragon where it lays. Now it slumbers in its bed waiting the wind that will raise its head. |
The Last Inch Fire is a lightning caused fire 12 miles east of Clarkia, ID that began on August 12, 2015. As of September 2, 2015 it was 737 acres and 69% contained. 96 firefighters are currently on the fire.
For more information contact Last Inch Fire Information at (508) 400-3891.
For more information contact Last Inch Fire Information at (508) 400-3891.
#HOTSHOT
The Tepee Fire was rolling across the Main Fork of the Salmon River just a few miles east of Riggins today. One young firefighter described it to his father as "Like being in hell." This certainly backs up that description. This fire has been extremely erratic and aggressive | Photo Tara Kurtzbein
Firefighters collaborative work on smoldering spot on Last Inch Fire | Photo Mariah Wieske-Ormsby
OFFICIAL RELEASE
DCR | Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation
Out of State Wildland Fire Mobilization Briefing
Friday August 28, 2015
"Brief update on our progress on the Last Inch fire in the Idaho panhandle.
The team is doing very well in a situation that is currently quite challenging for all fire managers here in the northwest. There are over 85 ongoing large fires in the northwest with new starts being detected every day. Resources are at a premium and competition for resources is aggressive. An impending cold front passage on Saturday will bring low humidities and winds up to 35mph and has all fire managers on edge. The Last Inch Fire is currently 702 acres as of today. We currently have 111 total resources on the fire, including (2) Virginia Hand Crews, 1 helicopter, a Heli Rappeler crew from Alberta Canada, several engines and 3 dozers." - Dave Celino, Chief Fire Warden
National Synopsis:
Tom Muise, DCR District 14 (Hopkinton) Fire Warden
Assignment: Communications Unit Leader COML2
Incident: Teepee Springs Fire, Idaho
NE Compact Incident Management Team IMT2- MA DCR Fire staff on team
Patty Correia, DCR Worcester County Fire Warden: Situation Unit Leader
Trevor Augustino, DCR Hamden County Fire Warden: Public Info Officer
Dave Celino, DCR Chief Fire Warden: Liaison Officer
Karen Cote, DCR Seasonal FF1: Radio Operator
Incident: Last Inch Fire, Idaho
Incident Commander: Rich Schenk, (CT Deep)
Location: 12 Miles East of Clarkia, ID
Size: 697 Acres
Containment: 45%
The Northeast Forest Fire Compact Incident Management Team (IMT2), Incident Commander Rich Schenk (CT), was requested by the State of Idaho for assistance to manage one of the over 20 large fires ongoing throughout central and northern Idaho. The Compact IMT officially took command of the fire on 8/25/15 at 0600 from a base camp located in a very remote logging camp. The team roster is 17 strong and made up of staff from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and New Brunswick, Canada. The team is providing critical management of all aspects of the fire, including suppression operations, logistics, information sharing, planning, and finance. To date the organization has held the fire in check, however slowly increasing fire activity is beginning to challenge holding resources in extremely steep and rugged slopes. The fire is one of many fires, some unstaffed, in north central Idaho where resources are critically scarce. The team will be on assignment for the standard 14 days, exclusive of travel.
Dave Celino, Chief Fire Warden
Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry
Massachusetts DCR
DCR | Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation
Out of State Wildland Fire Mobilization Briefing
Friday August 28, 2015
"Brief update on our progress on the Last Inch fire in the Idaho panhandle.
The team is doing very well in a situation that is currently quite challenging for all fire managers here in the northwest. There are over 85 ongoing large fires in the northwest with new starts being detected every day. Resources are at a premium and competition for resources is aggressive. An impending cold front passage on Saturday will bring low humidities and winds up to 35mph and has all fire managers on edge. The Last Inch Fire is currently 702 acres as of today. We currently have 111 total resources on the fire, including (2) Virginia Hand Crews, 1 helicopter, a Heli Rappeler crew from Alberta Canada, several engines and 3 dozers." - Dave Celino, Chief Fire Warden
National Synopsis:
- The western fire season remains busy, 84 fires for nearly 1.9 million acres currently burning.
- 58 fire line management personnel from Alberta and Ontario, Canada are assigned to support large fires in the Northern Rockies Area. 68 fire line management personnel from Australia and New Zealand are assigned to support large fires in the Northwest Area.
Tom Muise, DCR District 14 (Hopkinton) Fire Warden
Assignment: Communications Unit Leader COML2
Incident: Teepee Springs Fire, Idaho
NE Compact Incident Management Team IMT2- MA DCR Fire staff on team
Patty Correia, DCR Worcester County Fire Warden: Situation Unit Leader
Trevor Augustino, DCR Hamden County Fire Warden: Public Info Officer
Dave Celino, DCR Chief Fire Warden: Liaison Officer
Karen Cote, DCR Seasonal FF1: Radio Operator
Incident: Last Inch Fire, Idaho
Incident Commander: Rich Schenk, (CT Deep)
Location: 12 Miles East of Clarkia, ID
Size: 697 Acres
Containment: 45%
The Northeast Forest Fire Compact Incident Management Team (IMT2), Incident Commander Rich Schenk (CT), was requested by the State of Idaho for assistance to manage one of the over 20 large fires ongoing throughout central and northern Idaho. The Compact IMT officially took command of the fire on 8/25/15 at 0600 from a base camp located in a very remote logging camp. The team roster is 17 strong and made up of staff from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and New Brunswick, Canada. The team is providing critical management of all aspects of the fire, including suppression operations, logistics, information sharing, planning, and finance. To date the organization has held the fire in check, however slowly increasing fire activity is beginning to challenge holding resources in extremely steep and rugged slopes. The fire is one of many fires, some unstaffed, in north central Idaho where resources are critically scarce. The team will be on assignment for the standard 14 days, exclusive of travel.
Dave Celino, Chief Fire Warden
Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry
Massachusetts DCR
#LASTINCHFIRE
Aerial overview of smoke column over the #LastInchFireLast 08/27/15 10:52 AM | Photo U.S. Forest Service
Last Inch Fire - Clarkia, ID
(approximate location: 46.976 latitude, -115.999 longitude) | InciWeb
Total Personnel: 122 | Acres Acres: 697 | Containment: 37%
(approximate location: 46.976 latitude, -115.999 longitude) | InciWeb
Total Personnel: 122 | Acres Acres: 697 | Containment: 37%
WELCOME HOME MA#1 CREW
DCR Deputy Commissioner Sisk welcomed home 20 MassDCR and municipal firefighters after more than two weeks battling the Stouts Creek and Eldorado wildfires in Oregon.
DCR Deputy Commissioner Sisk welcomed home 20 MassDCR and municipal firefighters after more than two weeks battling the Stouts Creek and Eldorado wildfires in Oregon.
Related:
- Local firefighters return from helping fight Oregon forest fires - WWLP.com
- Massachusetts firefighters return after battling Oregon wildfires - MassLIVE.com
- Local firefighters return home from battling fires in Oregon - WesternMassNews.com
UPDATE Firefighters now will be arriving between 3pm and 4pm today per DCR
OFFICIAL RELEASE
August 25, 2015 1645
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Governor Charles D. Baker
Lt. Governor Karyn E. Polito
EEA Secretary Matthew A. Beaton
DCR Commissioner Carol I. Sanchez
Press Release Contacts: Troy Wall - (617) 626- 1453 or troy.wall@state.ma.us
DCR Deputy Commissioner to Welcome Home 20 State and Local Firefighters
BOSTON – Wednesday, August 26, 2015, at 2:00pm, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Deputy Commissioner Matthew Sisk will welcome home a crew of 20 firefighters at DCR’s Erving State Forest. The Massachusetts crew, who had been battling blazes in Oregon for the past two weeks, was comprised of 10 DCR state firefighters and 10 municipal firefighters from several communities around the state. During the deployment, the crews were assigned to the Eldorado Fire, located near Unity, Oregon. Currently, the fire is burning over 20,000 acres and is 35% contained.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. Led by Commissioner Carol Sanchez, the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@state.ma.us.
Twitter twitter.com/massDCR
Instagram instagram.com/massdcr/
YouTube www.youtube.com/MassEEA
Flickr www.flickr.com/photos/masseea/sets/
Energy Smarts Blog www.mass.gov/blog/energy
The Great Outdoors Blog www.mass.gov/blog/environment
Website www.mass.gov/dcr
251 Causeway Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114 — (617) 626-1250 office / (617) 626-1351 (fax)
OFFICIAL RELEASE
August 25, 2015 1645
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Governor Charles D. Baker
Lt. Governor Karyn E. Polito
EEA Secretary Matthew A. Beaton
DCR Commissioner Carol I. Sanchez
Press Release Contacts: Troy Wall - (617) 626- 1453 or troy.wall@state.ma.us
DCR Deputy Commissioner to Welcome Home 20 State and Local Firefighters
BOSTON – Wednesday, August 26, 2015, at 2:00pm, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Deputy Commissioner Matthew Sisk will welcome home a crew of 20 firefighters at DCR’s Erving State Forest. The Massachusetts crew, who had been battling blazes in Oregon for the past two weeks, was comprised of 10 DCR state firefighters and 10 municipal firefighters from several communities around the state. During the deployment, the crews were assigned to the Eldorado Fire, located near Unity, Oregon. Currently, the fire is burning over 20,000 acres and is 35% contained.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. Led by Commissioner Carol Sanchez, the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@state.ma.us.
Twitter twitter.com/massDCR
Instagram instagram.com/massdcr/
YouTube www.youtube.com/MassEEA
Flickr www.flickr.com/photos/masseea/sets/
Energy Smarts Blog www.mass.gov/blog/energy
The Great Outdoors Blog www.mass.gov/blog/environment
Website www.mass.gov/dcr
251 Causeway Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114 — (617) 626-1250 office / (617) 626-1351 (fax)
OFFICIAL RELEASE
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 25, 2015 - 1800
Eldorado Fire
Current Information:
The fire is now 75% contained and stands at 20,611 acres. Oregon Department of Forestry's Incident Management Team 3 will hand the fire back to local agencies tomorrow morning leaving behind four engines and a 20-person crew to attend to the fire for the next several days.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 25, 2015 - 1800
Eldorado Fire
Current Information:
The fire is now 75% contained and stands at 20,611 acres. Oregon Department of Forestry's Incident Management Team 3 will hand the fire back to local agencies tomorrow morning leaving behind four engines and a 20-person crew to attend to the fire for the next several days.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
OFFICIAL RELEASE
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 23, 2015 - 1245
Eldorado Fire
Current Information:
Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team #3 is now managing both the Eldorado Fire and the Cornet-Windy Ridge Fire. Both fires have shown little to no growth over the past few days. Firefighters are now doing all they can to assure both stay that way by mopping up hotspots and rehabilitating damaged areas from fire suppression activities. The Eldorado Fire stands at 20,611 acres and is now 70 percent contained. The Cornet-Windy Ridge Fire is 103,887 acres and 80% contained.
While both fires are showing little signs of life, a Red Flag Weather Warning is in effect for the area calling for higher temperatures, low humidity and unstable air conditions. These conditions will not only stir up unburned islands within the confines of each fire’s perimeter, they will cause new fire ignitions to spread quickly. Fire managers across the state are asking the public to continue exercising caution when working or recreating outdoors.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 23, 2015 - 1245
Eldorado Fire
Current Information:
Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team #3 is now managing both the Eldorado Fire and the Cornet-Windy Ridge Fire. Both fires have shown little to no growth over the past few days. Firefighters are now doing all they can to assure both stay that way by mopping up hotspots and rehabilitating damaged areas from fire suppression activities. The Eldorado Fire stands at 20,611 acres and is now 70 percent contained. The Cornet-Windy Ridge Fire is 103,887 acres and 80% contained.
While both fires are showing little signs of life, a Red Flag Weather Warning is in effect for the area calling for higher temperatures, low humidity and unstable air conditions. These conditions will not only stir up unburned islands within the confines of each fire’s perimeter, they will cause new fire ignitions to spread quickly. Fire managers across the state are asking the public to continue exercising caution when working or recreating outdoors.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
Related:
- Fire-battered West gets help from other nations, volunteers - WesternMassNews.com
OFFICIAL RELEASE
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 23, 2015 - 1245
Eldorado Fire
Current Information:
Crews continued to mop up the Eldorado Fire yesterday and last night, focusing on those areas that still contained some heat within 300 feet of the line. That work continues today including gridding and cold trailing, or carefully inspecting and feeling with the hand for heat to detect any fire.
Rehabilitation work will also take place, with the objective of minimizing erosion resulting from hand and dozer line construction by blocking access, removing berms, water barring, repairing ditches, and pulling removed vegetation back into control lines near streams and dry creek beds. Hose will be removed from sections of the line where there is no longer any potential for the fire to escape.
The weather forecast calls for warmer temperatures in the 80’s, relative humidities of 15-20 percent and gusty winds from the south of up to 15 miles per hour on the ridges. Those conditions, along with unstable air, have warranted a Red Flag warning from noon today until late Monday evening.
Interagency investigators concluded the El Dorado fire was caused by lightning hold over.
The fire remains at 20,611 acres and is 65 percent contained.
As of 8:00 p.m. on 8/22/2015 there were 358 personnel assigned to the Eldorado Fire. Resources on the fire line include 10 crews, 12 dozers, 23 engines, 7 water-tenders and 2 helicopters.
The Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3 (IMT) will also assume command of the Cornet-Windy Ridge fire from the Southwest IMT on Monday morning, 8/24/2015, at 6:00 a.m. The Cornet-Windy Ridge fire is also in the mop up and rehabilitation stage with very little fire activity.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 23, 2015 - 1245
Eldorado Fire
Current Information:
Crews continued to mop up the Eldorado Fire yesterday and last night, focusing on those areas that still contained some heat within 300 feet of the line. That work continues today including gridding and cold trailing, or carefully inspecting and feeling with the hand for heat to detect any fire.
Rehabilitation work will also take place, with the objective of minimizing erosion resulting from hand and dozer line construction by blocking access, removing berms, water barring, repairing ditches, and pulling removed vegetation back into control lines near streams and dry creek beds. Hose will be removed from sections of the line where there is no longer any potential for the fire to escape.
The weather forecast calls for warmer temperatures in the 80’s, relative humidities of 15-20 percent and gusty winds from the south of up to 15 miles per hour on the ridges. Those conditions, along with unstable air, have warranted a Red Flag warning from noon today until late Monday evening.
Interagency investigators concluded the El Dorado fire was caused by lightning hold over.
The fire remains at 20,611 acres and is 65 percent contained.
As of 8:00 p.m. on 8/22/2015 there were 358 personnel assigned to the Eldorado Fire. Resources on the fire line include 10 crews, 12 dozers, 23 engines, 7 water-tenders and 2 helicopters.
The Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3 (IMT) will also assume command of the Cornet-Windy Ridge fire from the Southwest IMT on Monday morning, 8/24/2015, at 6:00 a.m. The Cornet-Windy Ridge fire is also in the mop up and rehabilitation stage with very little fire activity.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
Sunset at the El Dorado Fire Camp, smoke from Canyon Creek Complex looms in distance | Photo El Dorado Fire
OFFICIAL RELEASE
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 20, 2015 - 2300
Eldorado Fire
Current Information:
Another successful day on the #EldoradoFire, the crews held the lines with minimal fire growth, despite the strong winds.
Also, there's a lot of smoke over the #EldoradoFire coming from the Canyon Creek Complex near John Day. Here's some more info about smoke and air quality.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 20, 2015 - 2300
Eldorado Fire
Current Information:
Another successful day on the #EldoradoFire, the crews held the lines with minimal fire growth, despite the strong winds.
Also, there's a lot of smoke over the #EldoradoFire coming from the Canyon Creek Complex near John Day. Here's some more info about smoke and air quality.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
Tepee Springs Fire - Tepee Springs, ID
(approximate location: 45.208 latitude, -116.248 longitude) | InciWeb
(approximate location: 45.208 latitude, -116.248 longitude) | InciWeb
OFFICIAL RELEASE
DCR | Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation
Out of State Wildland Fire Mobilization Briefing
Friday August 21, 2015
National Synopsis:
**The wildland fire community lost three U.S. Forest Service firefighters from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest on Wednesday near Twisp, WA. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of these fallen firefighters.
*There are two mobilizations ongoing from Massachusetts to wildfire response:
Massachusetts Wildfire Crew (MAS#1)- Type2 IA Hand Crew -
20 Person Hand crew: 9 DCR, 1 DFW, 10 Municipal Firefighters
Crew Boss: Chris Renshaw, CT State | Greg Whittier, DCR Fire, (Trainee)
Assignment: Eldorado Fire
Location: 5 Miles southeast of Unity, Oregon
Size: 20,611 Acres
Containment: Currently 45%
Total Personnel: 348
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
MAS#1 is one of 14 hand crews working on the Eldorado Fire. They have been assigned to direct fire line construction with the Vail Hot Shot crew in the most rugged, inaccessible area of the fire on Division R. Containment lines have held the fire to minimal growth over the last 3 days, however there are concerns for a predicted wind event today. Except for the usual bumps and sore feet, crew bosses report the crew remains healthy and energized as they make their final push before timing out on Sunday. The crew is expected back in state at the beginning of next week.
NEW Mass DCR Resources Mobilized:
Tom Muise, DCR District 14 (Hopkinton) Fire Warden
Assignment: Communications Unit Leader COML2
Incident: Teepee Springs Fire, Idaho
Northeast Fire Compact Incident Management Team IMT2- (3) MA DCR Fire staff on team
Patty Correia, DCR District 8 N. Worcester County Fire Warden: Situation Unit Leader
Trevor Augustino, DCR District 11 Hamden County Fire Warden: Public Information Officer
Dave Celino, DCR Chief Fire Warden: Liaison Officer
Incident: Last Inch Fire, Idaho
Location: 12 Miles East of Clarkia, ID
Size: 460 Acres
Containment: 15%
The Northeast Forest Fire Compact Incident Management Team (IMT2), Incident Commander Rich Schenk (CT), has been requested by the State of Idaho for assistance to manage one of the 17 large fires ongoing throughout central and northern Idaho. There are currently over 390,000 acres actively burning in the state with some fires not staffed due to lack of resources. The Compact Team is sending a roster of 17 made up of staff from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and New Brunswick, Canada. The team will manage all aspects of the fire, including suppression operations, logistics, information sharing, planning, and finance. Massachusetts is a founding member of the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission, known as the Northeast Compact, which was founded in 1949 as a result of large devastating fires that ravaged many New England communities during that time period, and is the oldest such International Fire Compact in the country. The team will be on assignment for the standard 14 days, exclusive of travel.
Dave Celino, Chief Fire Warden
Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry
Massachusetts DCR
DCR | Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation
Out of State Wildland Fire Mobilization Briefing
Friday August 21, 2015
National Synopsis:
**The wildland fire community lost three U.S. Forest Service firefighters from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest on Wednesday near Twisp, WA. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of these fallen firefighters.
- Wildfires in Washington made significant runs over the last two days as strong winds whipped through the state. Many residents in Washington, as well as other western states, remain evacuated as firefighters work to contain large fires across the West. Yesterday, eight new large fires were reported in four western states and Arkansas
- Over 100 large fires for over 1..3 million acres currently burning. 29,500+ personnel assigned to large fires
- The National Multi Agency Coordinating group (NMAC) is mobilizing 200 military firefighters for crews
- Five wildland fire suppression crews from Ontario, Canada and one Convair 580 airtanker group from both Saskatchewan and Alberta are supporting fire suppression efforts in the Northern Rockies
*There are two mobilizations ongoing from Massachusetts to wildfire response:
- Oregon Crew Assignment (ongoing)
- (4) Single Resources to Idaho (NEW)
Massachusetts Wildfire Crew (MAS#1)- Type2 IA Hand Crew -
20 Person Hand crew: 9 DCR, 1 DFW, 10 Municipal Firefighters
Crew Boss: Chris Renshaw, CT State | Greg Whittier, DCR Fire, (Trainee)
Assignment: Eldorado Fire
Location: 5 Miles southeast of Unity, Oregon
Size: 20,611 Acres
Containment: Currently 45%
Total Personnel: 348
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
MAS#1 is one of 14 hand crews working on the Eldorado Fire. They have been assigned to direct fire line construction with the Vail Hot Shot crew in the most rugged, inaccessible area of the fire on Division R. Containment lines have held the fire to minimal growth over the last 3 days, however there are concerns for a predicted wind event today. Except for the usual bumps and sore feet, crew bosses report the crew remains healthy and energized as they make their final push before timing out on Sunday. The crew is expected back in state at the beginning of next week.
NEW Mass DCR Resources Mobilized:
Tom Muise, DCR District 14 (Hopkinton) Fire Warden
Assignment: Communications Unit Leader COML2
Incident: Teepee Springs Fire, Idaho
Northeast Fire Compact Incident Management Team IMT2- (3) MA DCR Fire staff on team
Patty Correia, DCR District 8 N. Worcester County Fire Warden: Situation Unit Leader
Trevor Augustino, DCR District 11 Hamden County Fire Warden: Public Information Officer
Dave Celino, DCR Chief Fire Warden: Liaison Officer
Incident: Last Inch Fire, Idaho
Location: 12 Miles East of Clarkia, ID
Size: 460 Acres
Containment: 15%
The Northeast Forest Fire Compact Incident Management Team (IMT2), Incident Commander Rich Schenk (CT), has been requested by the State of Idaho for assistance to manage one of the 17 large fires ongoing throughout central and northern Idaho. There are currently over 390,000 acres actively burning in the state with some fires not staffed due to lack of resources. The Compact Team is sending a roster of 17 made up of staff from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and New Brunswick, Canada. The team will manage all aspects of the fire, including suppression operations, logistics, information sharing, planning, and finance. Massachusetts is a founding member of the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission, known as the Northeast Compact, which was founded in 1949 as a result of large devastating fires that ravaged many New England communities during that time period, and is the oldest such International Fire Compact in the country. The team will be on assignment for the standard 14 days, exclusive of travel.
Dave Celino, Chief Fire Warden
Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry
Massachusetts DCR
Related:
- DCR sends NE firefighters to assist in Idaho wildfires - WCVB.com
- Photos & Video: Wildfires burn across North Central Washington - SeattleTimes.com
- More MA firefighters deployed to battle western wildfires - WesternMassNews.com
OFFICIAL RELEASE
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 21, 2015 - 1130
Eldorado Fire
NOTE: Updates are now occurring once daily before 10:00 am unless significant changes or events take place during an operational period.
Current Fire Information
Firefighters continue to prepare for the looming weather event that is expected to bring up to 30 mile per hour northwest wind gusts to the Eldorado fire as early as 9:00 am today. The incident meteorologist and fire behavior analyst cautioned firefighters to “keep their guard up”, with a red flag warning issued until late this evening. Efforts on the fire line will continue to focus on strengthening containment lines and extinguishing hot spots that could allow the fire to escape. The Day Operations Chief asked resources to be nimble. If any section of the line gets challenged he vowed to “bring a gun to a knife fight” by shifting resources in response to catch the fire. 2 Type II helicopters, capable of dumping 360 gallon bucket drops, are available in support and two additional ships can be requested. The fire remains at 20,611 acres and is 50% contained.
As of 2030 on 8/20/2015 there were 492 personnel assigned to the Eldorado Fire. Resources on the fireline include 15 crews, 15 dozers, 27 engines, 7 water-tenders and 4 helicopters.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 21, 2015 - 1130
Eldorado Fire
NOTE: Updates are now occurring once daily before 10:00 am unless significant changes or events take place during an operational period.
Current Fire Information
Firefighters continue to prepare for the looming weather event that is expected to bring up to 30 mile per hour northwest wind gusts to the Eldorado fire as early as 9:00 am today. The incident meteorologist and fire behavior analyst cautioned firefighters to “keep their guard up”, with a red flag warning issued until late this evening. Efforts on the fire line will continue to focus on strengthening containment lines and extinguishing hot spots that could allow the fire to escape. The Day Operations Chief asked resources to be nimble. If any section of the line gets challenged he vowed to “bring a gun to a knife fight” by shifting resources in response to catch the fire. 2 Type II helicopters, capable of dumping 360 gallon bucket drops, are available in support and two additional ships can be requested. The fire remains at 20,611 acres and is 50% contained.
As of 2030 on 8/20/2015 there were 492 personnel assigned to the Eldorado Fire. Resources on the fireline include 15 crews, 15 dozers, 27 engines, 7 water-tenders and 4 helicopters.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
Active fires currently burning | Oregon Department of Forestry
OFFICIAL RELEASE
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 20, 2015 - 2300
Eldorado Fire
Current Information:
Firefighters had a good day on the Eldorado Fire today. Containment lines held when the strong afternoon winds fanned other fires to life. As blue skies filled with smoke in nearly all directions surrounding Unity, Division Supervisor and Fire Behavior Analyst, Mike Haasken, said, "It isn't ours." Success today gives fire managers confidence going into tomorrow, but does not breed overconfidence. Night resources headed out for the shift change, as will the day shift at 0600, to help further prepare lines for tomorrow's afternoon windy gusts.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 20, 2015 - 2300
Eldorado Fire
Current Information:
Firefighters had a good day on the Eldorado Fire today. Containment lines held when the strong afternoon winds fanned other fires to life. As blue skies filled with smoke in nearly all directions surrounding Unity, Division Supervisor and Fire Behavior Analyst, Mike Haasken, said, "It isn't ours." Success today gives fire managers confidence going into tomorrow, but does not breed overconfidence. Night resources headed out for the shift change, as will the day shift at 0600, to help further prepare lines for tomorrow's afternoon windy gusts.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
OFFICIAL RELEASE
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 20, 2015 Daily Update
Eldorado Fire
Current Fire Information:
Firefighters continue to prepare for the pending weather change that is expected to bring increased winds to the area over the next two days. The incident meteorologist assigned to the fire says winds will elevate this afternoon out of the west along the ridge tops. The strongest winds are expected to arrive Friday morning and could be as strong as 40 miles per hour out of the north/northwest. Crews continue to work with aircraft to strengthen southern containment lines along the east side of Ironside Mountain and mop up hot spots to prevent hot embers from crossing. The fire is now 20,611 acres and 40 percent contained.
On a separate note, Highway 245 from Unity to Baker City is now open. Motorists should travel with caution due to fire traffic still in the area.
There are now 435 personnel assigned to the Eldorado Fire. Resources on the fireline include 14 crews, 15 dozers, 26 engines, 7 water-tenders and 4 helicopters.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
Oregon Department of Forestry
August 20, 2015 Daily Update
Eldorado Fire
Current Fire Information:
Firefighters continue to prepare for the pending weather change that is expected to bring increased winds to the area over the next two days. The incident meteorologist assigned to the fire says winds will elevate this afternoon out of the west along the ridge tops. The strongest winds are expected to arrive Friday morning and could be as strong as 40 miles per hour out of the north/northwest. Crews continue to work with aircraft to strengthen southern containment lines along the east side of Ironside Mountain and mop up hot spots to prevent hot embers from crossing. The fire is now 20,611 acres and 40 percent contained.
On a separate note, Highway 245 from Unity to Baker City is now open. Motorists should travel with caution due to fire traffic still in the area.
There are now 435 personnel assigned to the Eldorado Fire. Resources on the fireline include 14 crews, 15 dozers, 26 engines, 7 water-tenders and 4 helicopters.
Incident Information: InciWeb, Eldorado fire, or at #EldoradoFire
Mass Wildfire Crew buttoning things up on their division, last day on the Stouts Creek Fire in Oregon | Photo Mass DCR
OFFICIAL RELEASE
DCR | Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation
Out of State Wildland Fire Mobilization Briefing
Wednesday August 19, 2015
National Synopsis:
Massachusetts Wildfire Crew (MAS#1)- Type2 IA Hand Crew - **REASSIGNED TO NEW LARGE FIRE**
20 Person Hand crew: 9 DCR, 1 DFW, 10 Municipal Firefighters
Assignment (NEW): Eldorado Fire
Location: 5 Miles southeast of Unity, Oregon
Size: 20,601 Acres
Containment: Currently 35%
Total Personnel: 348
Incident Information: InciWeb or at #EldoradoFire
The MAS#1 Crew finished work on the Stouts Creek Fire on Monday evening, helping to bring that fire to over 70% containment. They were demobilized and reassigned immediately to the Eldorado Fire in northeastern Oregon, arriving at the incident last night. The fire is active on the southwest perimeter, burning in timber, brush and tall grasses. The Crew Boss reports they are assigned to the active and rugged area of the fire to construct fire line as quickly and safely as possible in preparation for expected wind events on Friday. "The crew is energized for this new potentially challenging assignment and moral remains very high."
Karyn Cote - Radio Operator (RADO)- Single Resource
DCR Seasonal Firefighter 1 from District 1, Barnstable County
The DCR Seasonal Firefighter has timed out on the 2 week assignment, and will be demobilizing back to Massachusetts over the next few days to regroup and be ready for another assignment. "This has been the most awesome assignment for me to date", adding that "working with the California Incident Management Teams was truly an incredible experience". Safe travels home and thank you for your excellent work!
Dave Celino, Chief Fire Warden
Massachusetts DCR
DCR | Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation
Out of State Wildland Fire Mobilization Briefing
Wednesday August 19, 2015
National Synopsis:
- Significant increased fire activity in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies and Great Basin
- Geographic areas including CA fully engaged in heavy fire activity; this level of fire activity has not occurred since 2007
- 95 large fires for over 1.1 million acres currently burning, 29,500+ personnel assigned to large fires
- The National Multi Agency Coordinating group (NMAC) is mobilizing 200 military firefighters for crews
- Canadian resources have been mobilized via forest fire compacts, including overhead, helicopters, large air tankers
- 33 large air tankers are on station
- NMAC is in the process of ordering Australia and New Zealand support for overhead positions
- Many incidents will take weeks or months to manage to conclusion
- While some short-term moderation in the weather is expected, long-term assessments indicate that no season-ending or slowing events are on the horizon
Massachusetts Wildfire Crew (MAS#1)- Type2 IA Hand Crew - **REASSIGNED TO NEW LARGE FIRE**
20 Person Hand crew: 9 DCR, 1 DFW, 10 Municipal Firefighters
Assignment (NEW): Eldorado Fire
Location: 5 Miles southeast of Unity, Oregon
Size: 20,601 Acres
Containment: Currently 35%
Total Personnel: 348
Incident Information: InciWeb or at #EldoradoFire
The MAS#1 Crew finished work on the Stouts Creek Fire on Monday evening, helping to bring that fire to over 70% containment. They were demobilized and reassigned immediately to the Eldorado Fire in northeastern Oregon, arriving at the incident last night. The fire is active on the southwest perimeter, burning in timber, brush and tall grasses. The Crew Boss reports they are assigned to the active and rugged area of the fire to construct fire line as quickly and safely as possible in preparation for expected wind events on Friday. "The crew is energized for this new potentially challenging assignment and moral remains very high."
Karyn Cote - Radio Operator (RADO)- Single Resource
DCR Seasonal Firefighter 1 from District 1, Barnstable County
The DCR Seasonal Firefighter has timed out on the 2 week assignment, and will be demobilizing back to Massachusetts over the next few days to regroup and be ready for another assignment. "This has been the most awesome assignment for me to date", adding that "working with the California Incident Management Teams was truly an incredible experience". Safe travels home and thank you for your excellent work!
Dave Celino, Chief Fire Warden
Massachusetts DCR
The video presented below is roughly five years old but it offers another interesting perspective of Oregon's wildfires and the people who fight them.
HOW TO FIGHT FOREST FIRES
Hosted by Thomas Morton | Originally aired in 2010 on VICE.com
VICE tags along with a squad of wilderness firefighters from the Oregonian boonies as they work to prevent their hometown from being torched to ashes like the super inflammable tinderbox that surrounds them on all sides.
HOW TO FIGHT FOREST FIRES
Hosted by Thomas Morton | Originally aired in 2010 on VICE.com
VICE tags along with a squad of wilderness firefighters from the Oregonian boonies as they work to prevent their hometown from being torched to ashes like the super inflammable tinderbox that surrounds them on all sides.
"Whenever someone at our office bitches about being overworked, our stock response is "Beats digging ditches." While the express intention of the statement is usually not-so-supportive, we think it's a healthy reminder that at the end of the day, we are all basically professional emailers and should be thankful for such. The wildland firefighters who work for Grayback Forestry in Southern Oregon have no such motivational adages because their job is actually digging ditches. Around active forest fires. On the sides of mountains. You can't even bitch at these guys for having cushy government pensions to fall back on when they get older, because they're all private-sector contractors. Which means if they aren't out fighting forest fires or doing preventative forestry on unburned woods (basically extreme landscaping), they are losing money. They are literally the hardest working men in tree business. We spent a few days following a crew of Grayback forest-firefighters walk up the sides of what most people would consider a cliff to chop down underbrush in preparation for a controlled burn. This is what they like to call "project work," aka the light stuff in between fires, and yet it was still some of the hardest most least-rewarding work we have ever tried to do in our lives. Unless you consider 12-hour-plus shifts of backbreaking labor, virtually zero outside recognition, and occasional accusations of being shills for the timber industry rewards. Which we do not."
- Thomas Morton, VICE
Route Complex Fire - Mad River, Dinsmore, Hyampom, CA
(approximate location: 40.642 latitude, -123.586 longitude) | Inciweb
(approximate location: 40.642 latitude, -123.586 longitude) | Inciweb
Crew leaders brief the Mass Wildfire Crew on the day's assignment, tactics and safety concerns | Photo Mass DCR
OFFICIAL RELEASE
DCR | Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation
Out of State Wildland Fire Mobilization Briefing
Monday August 17, 2015
*Nationally, there are currently 62 large fires actively burning for over 737,000 acres. There are currently over 26,000+ personnel on assignment in support of national mobilization efforts.
*There are two mobilizations ongoing from Massachusetts to both wildfire response in California and Oregon.
Massachusetts Wildfire Crew (MAS#1) - Type2 IA Hand Crew
20 Person Hand crew: 9 DCR, 1 DFW, 10 Municipal Firefighters
Assignment: The Stouts Creek Fire
Location: 11 Miles East of Canyonville, OR
Size: 24,471 Acres
Containment: Currently at 70%
Total Personnel: 1,144
Incident Information: InciWeb or at Stouts Fire Facbook
The Crew is assigned to Division H on the east and southeast side of the fire, which remains moderately active. Burnout operations to remove fuel along control lines to achieve containment have been slowly progressing on a daily basis. Mass Crew will be assisting today with firing operations and providing a critical holding resource for the operation. Fire activity has picked up in the last 2 days with higher temperatures and lower humidity levels. The crew has had an excellent safety record thus far, however two crewmembers are being treated for reactions to poison oak. By all accounts from the overhead team, the Massachusetts crew has performed excellent since arriving on the fire. The crew remains on standby for initial attack to any new fire starts in the area.
Radio Operator (RADO)- Single Resource
DCR Seasonal Firefighter 1 from District 1, Barnstable County
Mobilized as a single resource to the Route Complex Fire in Northern California. The firefighter is working in the overhead team as a communications radio operator, a critical position on large fires where the size of the incident demands well organized communications and dispatching for the hundreds of resources assigned to the incident. On a night shift and managing radio communications for both ground and a number of aviation assets. Due to excellent work, they have been requested for any additional 7 days on the assignment, which DCR Fire has granted. The Route Complex is currently, 28,861 acres, is currently only 30% contained, and has 907 personnel working on the fire.
Dave Celino, Chief Fire Warden
Massachusetts DCR
DCR | Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation
Out of State Wildland Fire Mobilization Briefing
Monday August 17, 2015
*Nationally, there are currently 62 large fires actively burning for over 737,000 acres. There are currently over 26,000+ personnel on assignment in support of national mobilization efforts.
*There are two mobilizations ongoing from Massachusetts to both wildfire response in California and Oregon.
Massachusetts Wildfire Crew (MAS#1) - Type2 IA Hand Crew
20 Person Hand crew: 9 DCR, 1 DFW, 10 Municipal Firefighters
Assignment: The Stouts Creek Fire
Location: 11 Miles East of Canyonville, OR
Size: 24,471 Acres
Containment: Currently at 70%
Total Personnel: 1,144
Incident Information: InciWeb or at Stouts Fire Facbook
The Crew is assigned to Division H on the east and southeast side of the fire, which remains moderately active. Burnout operations to remove fuel along control lines to achieve containment have been slowly progressing on a daily basis. Mass Crew will be assisting today with firing operations and providing a critical holding resource for the operation. Fire activity has picked up in the last 2 days with higher temperatures and lower humidity levels. The crew has had an excellent safety record thus far, however two crewmembers are being treated for reactions to poison oak. By all accounts from the overhead team, the Massachusetts crew has performed excellent since arriving on the fire. The crew remains on standby for initial attack to any new fire starts in the area.
Radio Operator (RADO)- Single Resource
DCR Seasonal Firefighter 1 from District 1, Barnstable County
Mobilized as a single resource to the Route Complex Fire in Northern California. The firefighter is working in the overhead team as a communications radio operator, a critical position on large fires where the size of the incident demands well organized communications and dispatching for the hundreds of resources assigned to the incident. On a night shift and managing radio communications for both ground and a number of aviation assets. Due to excellent work, they have been requested for any additional 7 days on the assignment, which DCR Fire has granted. The Route Complex is currently, 28,861 acres, is currently only 30% contained, and has 907 personnel working on the fire.
Dave Celino, Chief Fire Warden
Massachusetts DCR
OFFICIAL RELEASE
Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation
Out of State Wildland Fire Mobilization Briefing
Thursday August 13, 2015
There are currently two mobilizations to ongoing from Massachusetts to both California and Oregon.
Massachusetts Wildfire Crew - MAS#1 - Type2 IA Hand Crew
20 Person Hand crew: 9 DCR, 1 DFW, 10 Municipal Firefighters
Assignment: The Stouts Creek Fire
Location: 11 Miles East of Canyonville, OR
Size: 23,388 Acres
Containment: Currently at 60% contained
Total Personnel: 1693
Incident Information: INCIWEB
The Crew is assigned to Division H on the east side and remaining active part of the fire. Fire activity has moderated over the last few days with cooler temperatures and higher than average relative humidity. The weather has allowed crews to aggressively attack and establish solid containment line around the perimeter and suppress all heat along the edge. By all accounts from the overhead team, the Massachusetts crew has performed excellent since arriving on the fire. They report that moral is high and everyone is healthy. The crew has been put on standby for initial attack to any new fire starts in the area.
Radio Operator (RADO) - Single Resource
DCR Seasonal Firefighter 1 from District 1, Barnstable County
Mobilized as a single resource to the Route Complex of Fires in Northern California on August 4th for a 2 week assignment. The firefighter is working in the overhead team as a communications radio operator, a critical position on large fires where the size of the incident demands well organized communications and dispatching for the hundreds of resources assigned to the incident. The Route Complex is currently, 26,471 acres, only 20% contained, and has 948 personnel working on the fire.
Dave Celino
Chief Fire Warden
Mass DCR
Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation
Out of State Wildland Fire Mobilization Briefing
Thursday August 13, 2015
There are currently two mobilizations to ongoing from Massachusetts to both California and Oregon.
Massachusetts Wildfire Crew - MAS#1 - Type2 IA Hand Crew
20 Person Hand crew: 9 DCR, 1 DFW, 10 Municipal Firefighters
Assignment: The Stouts Creek Fire
Location: 11 Miles East of Canyonville, OR
Size: 23,388 Acres
Containment: Currently at 60% contained
Total Personnel: 1693
Incident Information: INCIWEB
The Crew is assigned to Division H on the east side and remaining active part of the fire. Fire activity has moderated over the last few days with cooler temperatures and higher than average relative humidity. The weather has allowed crews to aggressively attack and establish solid containment line around the perimeter and suppress all heat along the edge. By all accounts from the overhead team, the Massachusetts crew has performed excellent since arriving on the fire. They report that moral is high and everyone is healthy. The crew has been put on standby for initial attack to any new fire starts in the area.
Radio Operator (RADO) - Single Resource
DCR Seasonal Firefighter 1 from District 1, Barnstable County
Mobilized as a single resource to the Route Complex of Fires in Northern California on August 4th for a 2 week assignment. The firefighter is working in the overhead team as a communications radio operator, a critical position on large fires where the size of the incident demands well organized communications and dispatching for the hundreds of resources assigned to the incident. The Route Complex is currently, 26,471 acres, only 20% contained, and has 948 personnel working on the fire.
Dave Celino
Chief Fire Warden
Mass DCR
Photo Mass DCR
Sunday - August 9, 2015 | 7:25PM
"The Mass Wildfire crew has arrived in Redmond, OR and have already been assigned to a fire. MAS#1 has been assigned to the Stouts Creek Fire, a 22000 acre fire approximately 11 miles east of Canyonville, OR. The fire is in a unified command between both Oregon State Forestry and the US Forest Service and listed at 35% contained. Moral is high and the crew is ready to get to work after two days of travel." - David Celino, Chief Fire Warden, Mass DCR
Monitor details, maps, photos and other information pertaining to the incident by visiting IncinWeb.
Photo Mass DCR
Sunday - August 9, 2015 | 10:14AM
"Mass Wildfire Crew mobilizes to Oregon today with other eastern crews to Redmond Oregon Air Center for assignment to one of 29 active large fires burning in the Northwest. " - David Celino, Chief Fire Warden, Mass DCR
Social Media Resources for the Stouts Creek Fire:
Stouts Creek Fire on Facebook: www.facebook.com/StoutsFire
Stouts Creek Fire on Twitter: www.twitter.com/StoutsFire
Douglas Forest Protective Association on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DouglasFPA
Douglas Forest Protective Association on Facebook:www.facebook.com/DouglasForestProtectiveAssociation
Douglas Forest Protective Association website: www.dfpa.net
Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire blog: http://wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/
Oregon Department of Forestry on Facebook: www.facebook.com/oregondepartmentofforestry
Oregon Department of Forestry on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ORDeptForestry
Stouts Creek Fire on Facebook: www.facebook.com/StoutsFire
Stouts Creek Fire on Twitter: www.twitter.com/StoutsFire
Douglas Forest Protective Association on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DouglasFPA
Douglas Forest Protective Association on Facebook:www.facebook.com/DouglasForestProtectiveAssociation
Douglas Forest Protective Association website: www.dfpa.net
Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire blog: http://wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/
Oregon Department of Forestry on Facebook: www.facebook.com/oregondepartmentofforestry
Oregon Department of Forestry on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ORDeptForestry
LIVE Wildfire Activity Web Map
This is a map of U.S. wildfire locations (active/recent) and other sources of information related to wildfires, including social media. Click on the areas of interest, explore, and be sure to bookmark this page to stay informed as the map updates.
This is a map of U.S. wildfire locations (active/recent) and other sources of information related to wildfires, including social media. Click on the areas of interest, explore, and be sure to bookmark this page to stay informed as the map updates.
Stouts Creek Fire, Douglas County, OR
(approximate location: 42.924 latitude, -123.048 longitude) | InciWeb
(approximate location: 42.924 latitude, -123.048 longitude) | InciWeb
Sunday - August 8, 2015 | 10:14AM
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Governor Charles D. Baker
Lt. Governor Karyn E. Polito
EEA Secretary Matthew A. Beaton
DCR Commissioner Carol I. Sanchez
Press Release Contacts: Kevin O’Shea - (617) 626-4967 or kevin.o’shea@state.ma.us
DCR Sends Crew of 20 Wildland Firefighters to Help Battle Blazes in Oregon
BOSTON – Today, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced that it is sending a crew of 20 wildland firefighters to Oregon to help battle fires that have raged over nearly 263,000 acres across Oregon, Washington and California in the last week. The crew is made up of 10 DCR state firefighters and 10 municipal fire fighters from various towns around the state. The 20 DCR firefighters departed from Erving State Forest in Erving, Massachusetts. They will join with crews from New York and the Mid Atlantic states at a mobilization center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania before departing for Oregon.
“We are happy to answer the call of Oregon and send these extraordinary public servants to assist in their time of need,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Massachusetts is proud of our history of national and international cooperation in battling wildfires that know no borders. On behalf of the entire Commonwealth, I offer my prayers for those impacted and for the safe travel and return of our firefighters.”
The deployment is in response to a request DCR Commissioner Sanchez received from the U.S. Forest Service and the Northeastern Interagency Coordination Center in Camden, NH.
“Massachusetts is the home of some of the most talented and well qualified firefighters in our country,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “With little notice, these state and municipal firefighters are answering the call of Oregon and I am confident they will put their extensive training to use in battling these wildfires.”
On this assignment, the crews will be initially prepositioned at Redmond Air Center and Smoke Jumper Base in Redmond, Oregon for assignment to one of the 29 fire currently burning out of control in both states. The crew, which is also referred to as a “Type 2 initial attack hand crew,” will engage in direct fire suppression, working on the fire line up to 14 days – building fire breaks, securing fire perimeters, containing fires, and protecting structures.
“We are extremely proud of the DCR and municipal firefighters who have been called upon to help our friends and partners in Oregon,” said DCR Commissioner Carol Sanchez. “These are extremely well-trained and dedicated firefighters whose skills are much needed, and whose help, we know, is enormously appreciated.”
Partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission, DCR’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control has been sending crews since 1985 to fight fires in areas of the western and Rocky Mountain States, Alaska, Florida, Virginia and Quebec.
All firefighters are federally certified for the work, having passed a 40-hour federal wildland firefighting class and physical fitness test. Through the mutual aid agreement of the compact, the requesting state or province pays all expenses of the out-of-state crews, including salary, transportation, lodging, and food.
Massachusetts sent a 20-person crew in 2014 to assist with containment of several lightning caused fires in and around Leavenworth, Washington.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Governor Charles D. Baker
Lt. Governor Karyn E. Polito
EEA Secretary Matthew A. Beaton
DCR Commissioner Carol I. Sanchez
Press Release Contacts: Kevin O’Shea - (617) 626-4967 or kevin.o’shea@state.ma.us
DCR Sends Crew of 20 Wildland Firefighters to Help Battle Blazes in Oregon
BOSTON – Today, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced that it is sending a crew of 20 wildland firefighters to Oregon to help battle fires that have raged over nearly 263,000 acres across Oregon, Washington and California in the last week. The crew is made up of 10 DCR state firefighters and 10 municipal fire fighters from various towns around the state. The 20 DCR firefighters departed from Erving State Forest in Erving, Massachusetts. They will join with crews from New York and the Mid Atlantic states at a mobilization center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania before departing for Oregon.
“We are happy to answer the call of Oregon and send these extraordinary public servants to assist in their time of need,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Massachusetts is proud of our history of national and international cooperation in battling wildfires that know no borders. On behalf of the entire Commonwealth, I offer my prayers for those impacted and for the safe travel and return of our firefighters.”
The deployment is in response to a request DCR Commissioner Sanchez received from the U.S. Forest Service and the Northeastern Interagency Coordination Center in Camden, NH.
“Massachusetts is the home of some of the most talented and well qualified firefighters in our country,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “With little notice, these state and municipal firefighters are answering the call of Oregon and I am confident they will put their extensive training to use in battling these wildfires.”
On this assignment, the crews will be initially prepositioned at Redmond Air Center and Smoke Jumper Base in Redmond, Oregon for assignment to one of the 29 fire currently burning out of control in both states. The crew, which is also referred to as a “Type 2 initial attack hand crew,” will engage in direct fire suppression, working on the fire line up to 14 days – building fire breaks, securing fire perimeters, containing fires, and protecting structures.
“We are extremely proud of the DCR and municipal firefighters who have been called upon to help our friends and partners in Oregon,” said DCR Commissioner Carol Sanchez. “These are extremely well-trained and dedicated firefighters whose skills are much needed, and whose help, we know, is enormously appreciated.”
Partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission, DCR’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control has been sending crews since 1985 to fight fires in areas of the western and Rocky Mountain States, Alaska, Florida, Virginia and Quebec.
All firefighters are federally certified for the work, having passed a 40-hour federal wildland firefighting class and physical fitness test. Through the mutual aid agreement of the compact, the requesting state or province pays all expenses of the out-of-state crews, including salary, transportation, lodging, and food.
Massachusetts sent a 20-person crew in 2014 to assist with containment of several lightning caused fires in and around Leavenworth, Washington.
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