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Showing posts from June, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015 Five new large wildfires started in Oregon over the weekend which will created moderate smoke impacts in parts of central and eastern Oregon.   As of this morning, DEQ monitors in LaGrande, Enterprise, and Sisters were all showing moderate air quality.  Surprisingly, the monitor in John Day was showing good air quality. The DEQ monitor in Baker City is not reporting data.  During the night, smoke is expected to drain into the valleys.  Communities down valley from the fires are expected to received smoke impacts.  Any smoke reports from Baker City or other locations around the state receiving smoke would be appreciated.

High fire potential across the state this weekend and next week

7-day fire potential map and current fire activity for June 27, 2015

7 Day Significant Fire Potential

Buckskin wildfire is winding down

Update on the Buckskin Wildfire for June 23, 2015 The Buckskin Fire has grown to 4,993 acres as firefighters continued burnout operations yesterday along the southern perimeter near Baldface Creek. Overall containment has improved to 45%. Today, crews along the southwest edge of the fire will work to complete interior burnout operations. Helicopters will support the burnout with bucket drops, sling load cargo off the line and shuttle personnel. Crews working the eastern flank are in various stages of mop up, repair and monitoring. WIldland Fire Modules on the western flank continue to monitor the inactive fire edge. The fire area will continue to smolder and creep in the drainage creating visible smoke until a season ending event occurs, likely later in the Fall.

Extreme high temperature forecast for Friday 6/26 - Sunday 6/28

NWS high temp forecast maps for this Friday to Sunday:    

Sunday, June 21st, 2015 Buckskin Fire Smoke Summary

Saturday, June 20th, 2015 Buckskin Fire Air Quality Summary

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality News Release     Release Date : June 19, 2015 Contact: Greg Svelund , DEQ Public Affairs, Bend, 541-633-2008 Jonathan Modie, Oregon Health Authority/Public Health, 971-246-9139 DEQ issues an air quality advisory for Josephine County and the community of O’Brien due to wildfire smoke    DEQ urges Josephine County residents, especially those living in O’Brien, to take precautions from wildfire smoke   The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and state and local health officials urge residents in Josephine County and the community of O’Brien to take health precautions from smoke caused by the nearby Buckskin Fire burning in southwestern Oregon.   Should smoke occur, residents can take the following precautions to avoid breathing problems or other symptoms from smoke:   ·          Be aware of smoke concentratio

Friday, June 19th 2015 Air Quality Summary for Buckskin Fire

Thursday, June 18th Smoke Summary for the Buckskin Fire

Use the "5-3-1 Visibility Index" if there is heavy smoke in your area

On the left margin under Hot Links is a link to the 5-3-1 Visibility Smoke Index .  Although there are many smoke monitors across the state, often there are situations where there are none close to you.  Making visual observations using the 5-3-1 visibility index is a simple way of estimating smoke levels, and then deciding what precautions to take. This can be a useful tool.  Persons should always use caution and avoid going outside if visibility is limited, especially persons who may be sensitive to smoke. Estimating visibility using the 5-3-1 Index Determine the limit of your visual range by looking for distant targets or familiar landmarks such as mountains, mesas, hills, or buildings at known distances (miles). The visual range is that point at which these targets are no longer visible.Ideally, the viewing of any distance targets should be made with the sun behind you. Looking into the sun or at an angle increases the ability of sunlight to reflect off

Wednesday, June 17th Smoke Forecast for Areas Effected by the Buckskin Fire

Today, Wednesday June 17th Minimal isolated fire-spread today is predicted for today with limited smoke production. Smoke is forecast to move over the Illinois Valley in the afternoon hours.  Communities forecast to be impacted included: O’Brien, Takilma, and possibility as north as Cave Junction or Kerby.  Smoke will likely to stay within the Illinois Valley for the remainder of the day. Visibility along HWY 199 may be reduced throughout the Illinois Valley.  Areas southwest of the fire (Smith River, Gasquet, Rockland, etc.) if impacted, will start to clear in today’s morning hours.  Smoke will return during the evening hours in the river drainage. Forecast for tomorrow Thursday June 18 th Firing operations are expected to start today in the early afternoon hours.  If started as planned, smoke concentrations will increase.  Models indicate that smoke will travel over the Illinois Valley in the afternoon hours.  Communities forecast to

Friday June 12 Wildfire Update

Given recent news about the start of this summer's wildfire season, here's today's morning briefing on current wildfires and potential for new fires.  While there are several new fires, none so far are major size. This daily briefing can be found at the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website at http://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/ , which has a link on the left side of this blog under "hot links". Also several maps at this website show when there are major wildfires around the state. The other best link to check is Inciweb, also at the left http://inciWeb.nwcg.gov/ .  

NWS issues Red Flag Warning for Columbia Gorge, Central Oregon, and SW Oregon

Significant Wildfire Outlook for 2015 The following is from the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC). The following maps show the wildfire potential for June, July, August and September, 2015.  The entire document can be found at the following link, National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook . See also http://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/outlooks/outlooks.htm These are only predictions.  The actual severity of the fire season will depend on factors that are less predictable months in advance such as lightning occurrence and winds.