Local News

Morning update on Fire near The Dalles

 

The Government Flat Complex is estimated at 3,000 acres with no expected time or date of full containment. The Complex is being managed under a unified command of Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3 (IC Chris Cline) and Oregon State Fire Marshal's Green Team (IC John Ingrao).

 

Governor Kitzhaber issued a Conflagration Act proclamation on Saturday evening. This action based on the potential threat to the community and its infrastructure has allowed a FEMA declaration to be made. FEMA provides an avenue for reimbursements of some of the cost by the Federal government. This assistance starts when homes and infrastructure become threatened and ends upon the lifting of that threat.

 

The Blackburn Fire grew on all sides, working its way downslope into the Mill Creek drainage overnight. Firefighters today will continue to work on holding and checking the fire spread, building on their successful efforts of yesterday and last night.

Acreage is estimated at 2700 acres, based on the Infrared flights last night. The fire is expected to continue making upslope runs today with similar weather conditions as what was seen yesterday. Crews were warned to expect wind gust above 25 mph today. The "Gorge" wind influence leaves no part of the fire unaffected.

 

Good progress is being made in pre-triaging of structures and the Water Treatment Plant. This effort is to lower the potential for fire damage of buildings and other infrastructures.

A Level II (get Set) Evacuation notification remains in place today for the Upper Mill Creek area. A road block has been installed at the Upper Mill Creek Road and Reservoir Road junction. Area residents only will be allowed into their property.

 

No growth was seen on the Government Flat Fire or the Wells Road Fire. Work efforts on these two fires will be to continue patrol and dealing with hot burning areas within the control lines. There is considered a low risk of further fire spread, but the wind continues to be a concern.

 

On the Complex there are 500 firefighters and support personnel. There are 5 Task Forces of structural engines from Clackamas County, Washington County, Hood River County, Marion County and Multnomah County assisting local resources from Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue. Each Task Force includes 5 engines and a leader. In addition 14 hand crews, 16 wildland fire engines, 5 dozers, 5 water tenders and 5 helicopters are working the fires on day and night shifts.

 

Cooperators working the incidents include Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State Fire Marshall's Office, BLM, City of The Dalles, Wasco County Sheriff's Office, Wasco County Emergency Operations Center, American Red Cross, US Forest Service and Oregon State Police.

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