(FIRE UPDATE) 790 Fire

Release Date: Aug 26, 2014

Contact(s): Erica Hupp (541) 883-6715; Lisa Swinney (541) 947-6261

Currently the 790 Fire has been mapped at 1,940 acres.  As crews have been very successful in holding the eastern flanks of the fire near Martin and Snow Lakes bowl, crews will continue to defend the eastern spread of the fire.  Fire activity continues to be moderate and has been locally wind driven. 

Weather on the Southern Cascades is anticipated to be in the mid 70’s today with eastern and northeastern winds.  Night time temperatures have remained high while the relative humidity remained low which has kept the fire active throughout the nights.

A segment of the Pacific Crest Trail and many others in the area continue to remain closed for fire activity.  These trail closures are from State Highway 140 to the Crater Lake Boundary.  No trail re-route through the Sky Lakes Wilderness currently exists.  Fire crews ask that trail users refrain from using these trails as it places themselves and firefighters safety at risk.

A Type 3 Incident Management Team (Edwards) continues to adjust strategies for full fire suppression efforts of this 790 Fire.  Currently assigned for fire suppression are 55 wildland firefighters, 12 rappellers, and 24 smokejumpers which are all supported by a 10-mule pack string and six helicopters.

The 790 Fire is located in the Sky Lakes Wilderness with a primary southern edge located one mile south of Big Ben Creek and east to Snow Lakes.  The northern edge of the fire remains south of Finch Lake.  This 790 Fire resulted from the lightning activity that occurred July 31, 2014 and is located in an area difficult for crews to access safely.  The terrain is rugged and rocky with much blow down debris and standing snags, which prevent firefighters from safely and actively engaging with the fire perimeter.