As firefighters work in challenging terrain on the Watson Creek Fire, favorable wind conditions assisted firefighting efforts on Sunday night. Last night’s infrared flight over the fire shows it has grown to 25,788 acres.
On the northwest side of the fire near Forest Road 29, commonly known as Government Harvey Road, crews have been holding and improving the line while also addressing hazardous snags in the area. Near Slide Lake and Withers Lake, the fire is holding. Fire spread is in the direction of McComb Butte near Forest Road 33. Crews will be scouting to strategize modes of attack. On the southwestern edge of the fire, dozer lines are still holding.
The temperature today in the fire area will be in the 70s with relative humidity at 20-30%. Winds are forecasted to be out of the north to northeast most of the day with afternoon gusts up to 15 mph with variable wind direction. There is a slight chance of showers with possible thunderstorms today and tomorrow.
The Lake County Sheriff issued a Level 3 (GO) evacuation for approximately 15 homes in the Lakeview Estates neighborhood just north of Campbell and Deadhorse Lakes in the Fremont-Winema National Forest yesterday. That is still in effect today.
The Watson Creek Fire Incident Command Post (ICP) is now located in the town of Paisley, Oregon.
About 100 people attended the public meeting held last night in Paisley. Fire managers and cooperating agencies addressed concerns ranging from the firefighting strategy to the condition of the landscape and the general direction of the fire’s growth.
The emergency fire closure for several roads and recreation areas on the Fremont-Winema National Forest remains in place. The Order is Number 06-02-03-18-02 and is posted at various locations around the community.
With extreme fire conditions, please prevent roadside fires by assuring that chains do not drag, and please don’t drive, idle or park in dry grass.
Fire at a Glance:
Size: 25,788 acres
Containment: 0%
Location: 13 miles West of Paisley, Oregon (Paisley Ranger District)
Cause: Under Investigation
Assigned Personnel: 574
15 Crews
31 Engines
Aircraft:
4 Type 2 medium helicopters
1 Type 3 helicopter
Structures Threatened:
12 Residences
25 Other
Closures: Fremont-Winema National Forest Roads & Recreation Sites
