Choppers rejoin the firefighting efforts east of Glide, Ore.
A helicopter takes off from the firefighting base camp set up in Glide, Ore. By Megan Sweeney KPIC NewsDOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. -- Temperatures are warming up this week and the helicopters will be back in the air to help fight flames in the Williams Creek Fire. MultimediaForest Service officials at the incident command post in Glide are preparing areas around containment lines for potential burnout operations. As the weather continues to improve with sunny and clear skies, officials are hoping to have helicopters back in the air and aiding operations with aerial ignition over the next few days. There are six helicopters, some assisting in the Tiller Complex fire. A big concern for firefighters right now is poison oak, with several severe cases reported. "Heat and sweat and of course a lot of their work that they are doing, is hard work with long days. That can actually aggravate the reaction to poison oak, so we're doing our best to mitigate the length of time folks are out there. Keep them cool, keeping them hydrated, especially with warmer temperatures coming in," said spokesperson Jennifer O'Leary. A special laundry site has been set up for firefighters to get clean clothes and prevent exposure to workers. "The firefighters can bring their clothes in, have them cleaned and be able to have fresh clean clothes out with them the next day. Many of the folks here at the camp have been very studious in wiping down faucets and various things that a lot of hands are touching to help stop the spread of those oils." Fire danger levels are still very high in southwest Oregon. The Forest Service wants to encourage people to know the restrictions and fire bans before vacationing. If a camping fire is allowed, make sure it is fully out before you leave the site so that will it won't turn into another forest fire. For information on banned sites and regulations, you can visit contact the DFPA or US Forest Service. A pilot car continued to lead vehicles on Highway 138 over the weekend after one lane opened on Friday. The highway east of Glide was re-opened for traffic Friday, and residents who had to evacuate last week are being allowed to go back to their homes in the Steamboat area. Travelers can expect up to 20 minute delays and one lane traffic. A flagger and pilot car handled traffic flow Saturday and Sunday between milepost 33 and 36, working all day and through the night. Workers say they're on standby to relieve congestion as helicopters resume flights over the area. Fire activity is expected to increase as the temperature continues to warm and humidity drops. As of Tuesday morning, the Williams Creek Fire is estimated to be around 7,717 acres and 65% contained. |
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February 9, 2012
- Roseburg, Oregon
