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Matlock Fire Update: August 1, 2020
Release Date: Aug 1, 2020
Contact(s): Darcy Weseman (541) 278-3722, Travis Mason-Bushman (541) 519-8051
UKIAH, Oregon – Firefighters are making significant progress containing the 85-acre Matlock Fire, which is burning in timber on the Umatilla National Forest, 13.5 miles northwest of Ukiah, Oregon. The fire did not grow yesterday and is now 50% contained, as crews cleaned up the head of the fire to the north. Some smoldering hotspots remain, but are mainly well within the fire perimeter. Suppression efforts are directed by Incident Commander Gabe Hale and the Northeast Oregon Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team.
Today, hotshot crews are completing handline around small spot fires on the north edge of the fire to cut off any potential for spread onto private land. Other crews and engines are mopping up along the lines, laying hose, spraying water, and digging out hot stumps. Fire managers have begun demobilizing equipment and personnel, releasing them for assignment to other fires burning in the Northwest and elsewhere.
While the weather has cooled somewhat from last week’s heat wave, conditions remain extremely dry, which means fuels ignite easily and burn rapidly. Fire managers are employing tactics which protect firefighter and public safety, while minimizing fire spread and preventing damage to private lands and natural and cultural resources. Firefighters are also taking a number of precautions to prevent transmission of coronavirus. Information is being provided virtually, crew camping areas are dispersed, and resources are kept apart to the extent possible.
Firefighting resources assigned include three Interagency Hotshot Crews, two Type 2IA handcrews, eight Type 6 engines, seven water tenders, one dozer, one feller-buncher/skidder team, and a processor. Aerial support includes one Type 3 helicopter.
To protect public and firefighter safety, the public is asked to avoid the area of the Matlock Fire. A closure order map can be viewed on the Matlock Fire InciWeb site at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6896.