The Record-courier., August 20, 2015, Image 1

5*1 ************ ec RLOT 0073A**C007
BAKER COUNTY LIBRARY
2400 RESORT ST
BAKER CITY OR 97814-2721
Est. Haines 1901 ~ Haines, Baker County, Oregon
Exp 05/07/2016
Volume 114, Number 34 ,• ,10 Pages • 75 cents
Firefighters
Catch a Break
Saturday
Story / photo by Gina Perkins
Photo'by Gina Perkins
Jim Devlin, Greater Bowen Valley Fire Chief received hearty applause
at Saturday's meeting. Joyce and Dave Hunsaker called him a hero.
aturday night's public information meeting which was held
at the Nazarene Church in Baker City at 6 p.m. was packed
with property owners and members of the public concerned
about the community and the devastating impact of the fires.
particular interest were the Windy Ridge and Cornet Fifes which
merged together sometime during Friday night and the wee hours
on Saturday.
Tlie^^^hwe§fTncrdei^’lVrariagW)^rifTeamTe^’byMarkRug-
gierd said that he was called by the Oregon Department of
Forestry, BLM and USFS, arriving in Baker City on Thursday, Aug.
13. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office led byTed Kunze
arrived with structural ehgiries, tankers and 120 structural fire-
fighting spectarists. County Commissibn Chair, Bill Harvey, gave
legal, authority for them to act with the main priorities being public
and firefighter Safety, property preservation, and direct fire
engagement.
S
Joe Hesselfrom the Oregon Department, of
Forestry emphasized the importance of
preventing the next human caused fire.
"We are so tapped out for resources," he said.
Julie Hindman and her husband Mike posted this sign. Julie said, "We made this sign to express
our appreciation and gratitude for all of the men and women fighting the fires. We Invite anyone
who would like to sign It to bring a sharpie! It's off Highway 7 at Old Auburn Lane."
FIRE STATISTICS
Of
Canyon Creek Complex Fire Near John Day Now Tops Priority in Nation
The lightning-caused Canyon Creek Complex, started Aug’ 12, is burning one mile south of John Day and
Canyon City. The complex is approximately 48,201 acres and 0 percent contained as of Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Evacuation notices have been issued for this fire at all levels< which has destroyed an^continues -to threaten
primary residences in the fire's area, and an area closure is in effect. This is the top priority fire in the nation
for resources, with additional firefighting resources continuing to arrive from around the state and country,
and approximately 561 fire fighters currently assigned.
Cornet - Windy Ridge Fire
TOe^fi’ghfriing^cOT^a CbniePwindy Ridge Complex, which started on Atig' 10; is burning 10 miles east of
Unity, and is approximately 103,540 acres and 45 percent contained. The fire is burning on ODF-protected
lands, and U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. Area and road closures remain in
effect on this fire, and evacuation notices at all levels have been issued for this fire which threatens and has
destroyed structures.
Ominous Cloud of Smoke
The incident commanders stated they are integrated and all
working closely together. Both commanders praised the work
accomplished by the local fire districts. "When you see your local
folks, thank them. They did a phenomenal job," said Kunze.
Todd Abell, Operation Section Chief set the scene for the fire:
three years of drought, high temperatures and low humidity. He
stated that the focus had been "Point Protection" meaning the
protection of human life, homes, and infrastructure like natural
gas lines. Friday's massive wind caused problems foi; the
firefighters but Abell said that on Saturday, "We got a big break
today. We got a lot of good work done."
Abell also stated there have been day and night crews working
to enable progress through the night and provide relief for the day
shift. On Friday Aug. 14, winds pushed the fire across I-84 and
heavy helicopter efforts along with dozer lines contained the fire.
"I watched the fire back into the dozer line and go out," said Abell,
referring to the section which had crossed the interstate.
Joe Hessel from the Oregon Department of Forestry empha­
sized the importance of preventing the next human caused fire.
"We are so tapped out for resources," he said.
Hessel emphasized the very good interagency relationship and
said, "We catch 98 percent of fires when they're small and you
never hear about them." He said that the agencies employ the
'closest forces concept,' meaning whichever entity is closest to
the fire responds. He says in many instances there are "green,
red, and white engines" at any given fire indicating the response
of the different agencies.
Lori Wood, BLM Field Manager said she wanted to thank the
county and the rural fire departments for the effort and dedication.
"This is unprecedented fire activity," Wood said.
"I want to thank our cooperators," said Tom Montoya, Supervi­
sor for the USFS as he addressed the crowd. He provided
information bn the numbers of fires and fire fighters nationally
saying the Windy Ridge/Cornet Pire was rated as a PL-5,
meaning that it Jias a very high priority level, able to receive
additional assets as they become available.
See FIREFIGHTERS on page 2
0
94922 23720
0
Welcome
Leticia
Varelas, new
Extension
Livestock
Agent! Her
first day
was Monday.
Smoke from the Cornet fire on Thursday, Aug. 13,2015 /Submitted photo
4005 23rd Street • PO Box 226
Baker City, OR 97814
(541) 523-3616