Oregon Rooster Rock Fire Continues to Burn

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The Rooster Rock Fire, burning six miles south of Sisters, Oregon since Monday has burned approximately 6,130 acres and is 40 percent contained, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF).

There are approximately 975 personnel, 30 engines, 10 dozers, 28 water tenders, and 8 helicopters currently assigned to this fire.

The Central Oregon Incident Management Team, under joint authority from the ODF and the Deschutes National Forest, assumed command of the fire Tuesday. The inter-agency team is working to determine strategy and tactics for suppression of this fire under direction of ODF to meet the objectives of private land owners, but the fire is burning primarily on ODF-protected lands.

Firefighters were able to make great progress in securing fire lines yesterday. The strong winds predicted did not materialize. This gave firefighters an opportunity to burn out a large island of unburned fuels on the west flank that if allowed to burn during the hotter part of the day, could have potentially thrown embers outside the established control lines.

A helicopter, using a device that dispensed fuel-filled ping-pong balls, ignited the island in a systematic fashion. Firefighters mopped-up 300 ft into the interior of the fire from the edge on the northwest, northeast and east flanks; laid hose on the west flank preparing to mop-up, and strengthened the pioneer dozer line on the south flank.

Today, a helicopter mounted forward looking infrared device that detects heat will be used to located hotspots. Firefighters will continue to strengthen and secure firelines by mopping-up hot spots and patrolling. Threat to structures still remains low.


Author:Barbara Brooks - Fire Department Network News