Spruce Lake Fire Update Saturday August 5
The Spruce Lake Fire has grown rapidly to 4668 acres, when measured at
10:00 pm last night, and continued to spread overnight. It has been
running to the east and southeast, pushed by west winds deeper into
Crater Lake National Park. The fire is generally burning west of the
West Rim Road, and has spotted across the Road in at least one site. The
local lodgepole pine forest, with lots of pitch, sunlit crowns, and
many dead trees, is conducive to spotting and rapid fire spread. Crews
are focused on securing the rear and flanks of the fire, preventing
broader spread to the north and south. Spot fires near West Rim Drive
are being evaluated for suppression action.
As the body of the fire expands it is approaching several natural and
manmade barriers that will slow its spread. Wetter areas along creeks
and bogs initially confined the fire and, as it continues east toward
the steep slopes of the caldera and Crater Lake itself, the vegetation
becomes more sparse and patchy.
The residual containment lines from several recent fires may also
contribute to containment opportunities. Firelines constructed to stop
the Bybee Fire in 2016 and the National Creek Fire in 2015 are being
evaluated for reuse as containment lines as the Spruce Lake Fire
approaches.
The West Rim Road and many hiking trails on the west and southwest sides
of Crater Lake National Park are closed. The Rim Village and Park
Headquarters are under a Level 1 Evacuation Notification ensuring that
people are aware of fire activity in the area. Park visitors are not at
risk due to fire. Crater Lake National Park and its concessions remain
open and welcome visitors. Alternate routes and activities are available
to enjoy the Park. However, air quality is forecast to be at
“Unhealthy” levels today due to smoke. To view current visual smoke
impacts from Rim Village go to: www.nps.gov/crla/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams To view current air quality data from a smoke monitor at the Park Headquarters go to: oregonsmoke.blogspot.com
Closures within Crater Lake National Park:
Road: West Rim Drive from Munson Valley Road to North Junction
Trails: The Pacific
Crest Trail within Crater Lake National Park. National Forests to the
north (Umpqua) and south (Rogue River – Siskiyou and Fremont – Winema)
of the Park are coordinating to inform hikers and develop alternate
routes. Many other trails such as the Rim Trail from Discovery Point to
North Junction, the Boundary Springs Trail, the Bald Crater Loop Trail,
the Bert Creek Trail, the Lightning Springs Trail, and the Discovery
Point Trail are closed. Closures will expand as needed to protect public
safety.
Area: An area west of the fire on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is also closed. See: www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou.
Fire at a Glance
Size: 4,668 acres; 5% Contained Location: Mostly inside Crater Lake National Park, west of Crater Lake
Cause: Lightning, Natural
Personnel: 537
Resources:
2 Type 1 Hotshot Crews
15 Type 2 Crews
9 Engines
8 Water Tenders
1 Dozer
3 Falling units
1 Grader
Aircraft (shared with Blanket Creek):
3 Type 1 heavy helicopters
2 Type 2 medium helicopters
2 Type 3 light helicopters
Closures: A closure of the West Rim Drive, Pacific Crest Trail and several other trails has occurred within Crater Lake National Park. An area closure is in place on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Closures will expand as needed to protect public safety. Maps are being developed and will be available on Inciweb.
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Fire Information BlanketCreekFireInfo@gmail.com
541-560-3359
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