East Fork & Center Creek Trail Fire Update

September 26, 2020

Yesterday:Firefighters held their own against red flag conditions. Crews, “scooper” fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, and dozer operators worked swiftly to line spot fires between Petty Mountain Loop Trail and Hells Canyon Road before they could pose a serious threat down canyon. Crews installed a hose lay to reinforce protection measures near Moon Lake. Adjacent to Upper Stillwater Reservoir, firefighters monitored the fire as it slowly backs downhill towards Rock Creek Road east of the reservoir. The Center Creek Trail Fire sawminimal activity. 

Today’s Operations:Crews will continue to fully suppress spot fires from the previous days’ wind events and monitor containment lines throughout the eastern perimeter. As safety allows, excavators will continue repairing dozer line on Petty Mountain Loop eastwards to the PC-HC Cutoff trail. Drainage repair on the canal near Moon Lake Road will continue, with firefighters removing woody debris by hand. Firefighters will monitor the fire above Upper Stillwater Reservoir. Fire management will continue monitoring the wilderness fire as it burns at various intensities, running out of fuel at high altitudes. 

Weather:Relative humidities will see a significant increase today. Accompanied by cooler weather, slightly decreased winds, and some cloud cover, this should moderate fire behavior. Temperatures up to 70° at lower elevations and 57° in the higher elevations. Evening temperatures will dip to 40°. Winds today from the south are expected at 12-17 mph with gusts to 32 mph. 

Resources:3Helicopters, 12 Engines, 6 water tenders, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack handcrews, 2 dozers, and 2 Wildland Fire Modules. Currently 232 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire. The Center Creek Trail Fire has 9 firefighters assigned.