The Lobster Creek Fire which started on July 1st is contained and in the mop-up phase. Firefighters will be working through the fire area systematically putting out hot spots and smoldering embers. The fire burned 397 acres and is still under investigation.
The fire is no longer spreading or putting up a smoke column, yet the fire area is still dangerous. Trees determined to be dangerous were identified and felled. Soils that have been disturbed by the fire and have loosened up rocks which will continue to roll off the steep slopes and onto the roads.
Questions still remain regarding the origin of the blaze as well as the party occupying the Lobster Creek facilities at the time the fire was reported. A report on these questions is eagerly anticipated by the public.
The Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3 returned responsibility for the Lobster Creek Fire back to Coos Forest Protective Association Sunday afternoon at 12:00 pm.
After four days with no additional growth and well-established control lines, fire managers handed off the fire confident it poses no additional threat to life or property. Containment at the time was estimated at 75 percent.
“History will judge us by what we leave behind. The fire team did excellent work and I’m confident our efforts to suppress this fire will withstand the summer,” said Link Smith Team 3 Incident Commander.
Control lines around the fire’s perimeter have been mopped up to at least 100 feet and deeper in areas with more potential to reignite. However, occasional smoke from unburnt fuel smoldering in the fire’s interior may be visible.
Coos Forest Protective Association will manage the fire with a smaller (Type 3) organization based at the Curry County Fairgrounds. Suppression strategies include additional mop up, regular engine patrols and rehabilitation efforts. The Curry County Fair will take place at the Fairgrounds as planned July 25-28.
Resources on the fire on Sunday included 192 personnel—five hand crews, six engines, three water tenders and one light helicopter on standby.
The Lobster Creek Fire was a fast-moving wildfire driven by strong winds. It burned valuable productive timberlands protected by the Coos Forest Protective Association. Responsive efforts by state and local wildland forces kept the fire’s size under 400 acres. Through July 6th, suppression costs reached $2,038,000.
Team 3 fire managers leave an excellent safety record. Over 700 personnel logged more than 36,100 hours of exposure in hazardous terrain without a reported injury.
Coos Forest Protective Association would like to remind the public interested in the fire that their top priority is still firefighter and public safety. Please continue to avoid entering the fire area at this time.
CFPA will continue to provide occasional updates on the fire. Visit https://www.facebook.com/Coos-FPA-637665976387903/ or http://www.coosfpa.net/.
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