9/2/2022 Crockets Knob Fire Update
Crockets Knob Fire
Publication Type: News
09/02/2022
Crockets Knob Fire Update
NORTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM 12
Incident Commanders: Jeff Dimke and Bobby Shindelar
September 02, 2022 There will be a Virtual Community Meeting tonight at 6:00 p.m. Watch it here: https://www.facebook.com/CrocketsKnobFire (no Facebook account required.)
Weather: Red Flag conditions are in effect from 11 a.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Saturday as near record setting heat, very low humidity and unstable conditions develop. Temperatures could reach the upper 90s along the Middle Fork John Day River with 80s along ridgetops near the fire under mostly clear skies. Relative humidity will be critically low with single digit readings in the afternoon. Winds will also increase Friday afternoon and evening from the southeast as a weather disturbance moves through the area. Wind gusts along ridge tops could approach 30 mph.
Operations: Hotshot crews were engaged along the west and north edges of the fire yesterday, working with aircraft to create depth in containment lines and slow fire spread. A predicted wind shift out of the southeast may challenge lines in the northwest corner today. Crews and aircraft will continue working to hold the fire along FSR 537 and FSR 45. Smokejumpers will be utilized north of the fire during today’s shift to wrap the Indian Rock Lookout for protection if fire reaches that area. On the southern edge of the fire, hand crews and engines continue to increase containment as they mop up and eliminate any heat sources that could be a threat to the line. Masticators and other heavy equipment continue to make progress along FSR 45 to use as containment line. An aggressive aerial assault utilizing helicopters and other fixed wing aircraft took place yesterday and will continue today. Water and retardant drops in areas of increased fire activity help to slow fire spread and give firefighters on the ground more time to engage along containment lines.
Closures: An expanded closure will be going into effect on the Malheur National Forest today. For complete closure information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur
Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com
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