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@forestgrovefire
September 12, 2020
9:00 am
Crews working with the Oregon Department of Forestry made steady progress on the Powerline Fire yesterday. Incident Commander, Wayne Brown, said that no flames were visible on the fire, but lots of work remains in getting the heat out of the heavy burned fuels including stumps. While the change in the weather is definitely favorable, fire managers want to be sure that nothing can reignite should another wind event occur later this fall. Today, crews will continue to work around the perimeter of the fire to ensure that any hidden sources of heat are extinguished. Firefighters will continue to watch for, and mitigate, hazards to ensure their work is completed safely.
Due to highly limited resources nationwide, it is incredibly important to ensure we can wipe this fire off the map to be available as other needs arise. Wildland firefighters and engines from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Forest Grove District remain at the ready to provide initial attack should another fire start occur.
Members of the public who are seeking ways to help with the wildfire effort are encouraged to make financial donations to the American Red Cross and other organizations who provide relief to individuals who have been displaced by fire.
Weather and Fire Behavior:
The forecast for the day today is expected to be mostly cloudy and smoky, with fog in the morning. Temperatures will be between 67 and 72 degrees with 32-42% relative humidity. Tonight, temperatures will drop to 48-53 degrees and relative humidity will rise to 90-100%.
Fire Statistics
Location: approx. 2 miles northeast of Cherry Grove, OR
Percent contained: ODF is working to determine containment
Size: 126 acres* (estimated acreage has been reduced due to more accurate mapping)
Start Date: 9/8/20, approximately 6:00 am
Wildland resources assigned to the fire include (day and night shifts): 2 hand crews, 11 engines, 1 dozer, 1 excavator, 2 water tenders, and overhead personnel.
Total personnel: 83
Evacuations and closures:
Evacuation orders remain unchanged from yesterday. The current evacuation levels are:
- Level II: SW Patton Valley Road, SW Lee Road, SW Cascara Road, Herring Road, and Dundee Road
- Level I: The city of Cherry Grove
Hagg Lake/Scoggins Valley Park will remain closed this weekend so that the scooper planes can support the Chehalem Mountain/Bald Peak Fire if necessary.