Start date: 7/26/13 06:00

Cause: Lightning

Estimated Size: 2,020 acres

% Contained: N/A

# of Firefighters: 510

Injuries to date: None

Estimated Containment: N/A

Closures: Forest Roads 4103, 4105 and 4103152. The entire Illinois River Trail.

# of 20-person hand crews: 14

# of helicopters:5

SOUTHWEST OR – The Labrador Fire is burning in an area south and west of the Illinois River in inaccessible country 30 miles southwest of Grants Pass, Oregon.

We did not experience the warmer temperatures and lower humidity as expected, and as a result, the fire was not very active. By early afternoon, helicopters were able to aggressively work hot spots and flare ups. On the north flank, the fire is backing down to Panther Bar along the south side of the Illinois River. On the southeast flank, the fire is backing slowly down to the Illinois River and on the west flank the fire is holding at Nome Creek. Contingency lines continue to be prepared to the north and east of the fire. Firefighters are in position along the Illinois River near Oak Flat in Josephine County to monitor the backing fire and extinguish any spot fires that may occur across the river. Helicopters will continue to look for hot spots along the fire perimeter and work them with water drops as smoke conditions permit.

The forecast through the weekend is expected to bring increasingly warmer temperatures and lower humidity likely resulting in more active fire behavior. Areas of isolated torching and flare ups may occur in drainages especially in areas of heavier fuel loading.

The community of Oak Flat in Josephine County is still under a Level 2 evacuation. A Level 2 evacuation means you must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. There is a Level 1 evacuation for the area between Kerby Flat to McCaleb Ranch. A Level 1 evacuation means you should prepare to leave the area.

The Forest Service is tracking spotted owl sites that may be impacted by the fire. Mitigations include moving hand and dozer lines away from spotted owl nests and core habitats, or whenever safe to do so, underburning through nest patches to reduce fuels before the fire reaches them.

For more information please contact the Fire Information Line at (541) 597-1160.

Source:  inciweb

 

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